Podcasts about elca

Has anyone famous come out of your hometown? In our Focus Text this week, Nathanael is convinced that nothing good has ever come out of Nazareth and God certainly wouldn't send a Messiah there! And then he encounters Jesus of Nazareth and his whole idea of how God works is changed. Time after time God is using the ordinary to share the extraordinary love of AGAPe! Even if your hometown isn't known for its celebrity, God is present working in & through the ordinary and in & through you!

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Rev. Tom Gehring May 31, 2026 Listen to Rev. Tom’s sermon here! The post Holy Trinity Sunday appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

First words are an important introduction to a character in a book or movie. A character's first words often point to their purpose or core traits. In our Focus Text this week we hear the first words of Jesus in the Gospel of John: “What are you looking for?” Jesus is asking the would-be disciples what they are seeking from life, not offering to help them find the last item on their grocery list. His first words show us that he will help the disciples find their own purpose, a first-hand experience of God's AGAPe Love, a true sense of belonging in a community, and all they have been looking for.

• Pastor Stanton's message for: Sun, May 24 2026• Acts 2:1-21 & Philippians 4:4-7 (The Holy Spirit)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

Pentecost did not arrive quietly. It crashed onto the scene. We heard of wind, noise, fire, and voices everywhere. And before anyone understood what is happening, people were bewildered. Because the Spirit arrived first. And the people asked, “What does this mean?” And, I love that question because it feels so honest. After all, nobody in Acts said, “Ah yes, this is all unfolding exactly as expected.” No. They were overwhelmed, confused, amazed. Some were curious. Some were skeptical. Some began mocking what they did not understand, saying: “They are filled with new wine... The post Sermon on John 20:19-23 appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

As we mark the Day of Pentecost we are reminded of how the Holy Spirit equips us with all sorts of 'languages' that can be used to share the impact of God's love on our lives. When we know the same ‘lingo' of a shared interest, passion, or vocation, we have an established connection that makes sharing God's love easier. We can find belonging when we share a common lingo and in belonging we can discover God's AGAPe love at work in those around us.

Using modern day scientific discovery our Focus Text seems like fantasy, Jesus ascending into the stratosphere like some kind of weather balloon. For the Gospel Writer, it wasn't about the physics, what was more important is what the Ascension meant for people of faith. The Ascension is not about escaping the world, but rather a reminder that Christ's work that began in Jerusalem now continues throughout the world. And we are here to embody the kingdom Jesus proclaimed as we create spaces of welcome, friendship, compassion, and community with AGAPe Love.

• Pastor Karyn's message for Wed., May 13 2026• John 14:15-21 (The Promise of the Holy Spirit)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

• Pastor Karyn's message for: Sun, May 10 2026• Philippians 1:1-18a (Partnership in Gospel)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

In today's sermon Paul's hearer's are very spiritual. They know that God is involved in so many aspects of life but don't yet have the eyes to see and the words to speak of the God found in Jesus. Likewise we find spiritual meaning in so many aspects of our life, but we need to practice our faith to see the hand of God moving in the meaningful moments of life.

The Comforter and Sasse's Farewell Speech Pastor Cogan John 14:15-21‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.' What would you say on your deathbed, your last lecture, your farewell speech? Would you offer sage advice? Share your favorite stories? Or maybe crack a few jokes you've learned along the way? We don't get much of any of that from Jesus' farewell to his disciples. That's what we hear from that passage from John. We are still in the season of Easter, but today we return to the words he spoke to his disciples just before his crucifixion. At first he seems like he is doing something you're told not to do on a deathbed and that's asking for promises. It's as if Jesus is saying, “if you love me, promise me you'll keep my commandments.” Talk about manipulation and guilt?! But that's not what Jesus is after. It's not a conditional, if/then. He's not asking for a promise. Rather, Jesus is saying you'll know your love for me when you keep my commandments.More importantly, Jesus is the one making promises on his deathbed. “I will give you another Advocate and he will be with you forever”. That word for Advocate can be translated in many different ways: counselor, helper, but also comforter. Jesus is offering assurance to terrified disciples, telling them, “I cannot stay here with you, but don't worry. I am giving you the Holy Spirit, who will be a comforter to you.” Now that's a beautiful promise. I'm sure the disciples needed it. I'm sure some of you need it today! But what does that mean or look like? I mean how is the Holy Spirit going to give not just the disciples, but give you and I comfort here and now, in this life? Well I think I've seen that comfort in Ben Sasse, who is also giving his farewell speech. Sasse, as you may know, was senator from Nebraska, serving from 2013 to 2023. He left under his own volition and became the president of the University of Florida. Before all that, he was the president of Midland University, a small ELCA college in Midland, NE. Since early February, Ben has been doing interviews and podcasts at breakneck speed because he's dying. In December of 2025 Ben found out he had cancer. Actually, he found out he had five different types of cancer that had metastasized into 47 tumors, tormenting his torso and the rest of his body. They gave him 90 days to live. Which is perhaps why you have seen clips of him or his name on your social media feed. When asked why he's spending so much time with interviewers and journalists, he said, “I did not decide to die in public. But even with three to four months left to live, you have to redeem the time. There's only so many bits of unsolicited advice I can give my children. So, you journalists want to talk, and if you don't have anybody better, I'm your huckleberry.” From all I've seen and heard in the talks and interviews, Ben is doing a bit of everything in his farewell speech. He cracks some jokes, he tells great stories like one explaining what's happening in this photo of him, looking like he's a bit hungover or had a workout (you decide), and Chuck Schumer holding a giant cig in his right hand. And as expected he gives sage advice. Advice that comes with the clarity that, according to Ben, only comes with having a terminal diagnosis. For him, his cancer has clarified what matters and he feels a responsibility to use whatever time is left for the good of others. And while Sasse and I may be on different ends of the theological spectrum, his clarity on a number of issues is compelling.He speaks about everything from AI to politics and the way our screens, addictions, and tribalism are reshaping us. But what I find most compelling from his farewell speech is not the advice, stories, or hot takes. Rather, it's his regrets.He wishes he hadn't worked so much. He laments how much he traveled. He would have locked away phones and turned off screens at the dinner table, because you don't get that sacred time back. He would have taken sabbath more seriously, undistracted by sports or the ever present lure of work. He would have strengthened bonds with family: siblings, cousins, parents. And somehow he says all this without despair… , even though he has regrets, even though he knows deeply the mistakes he made, he still has comfort in these last days. In all the interviews I have seen and heard, Ben is noticeably weak, doped up on morphine and nauseous, yet something strengthens him. I mean look at him here with this interview with the NYT. He is literally bleeding from his face because he can't grow skin as a result from his chemo, yet he doesn't hide it one bit! How can he have such comfort in the midst of such regret, pain, evil, and death?I can't help but think this is the Comforter at work in one's life, the Holy Spirit giving comfort today in the here and now. Because what I hear in Ben Sasse is that he can name these regrets, these mistakes because he knows, he trusts that he is forgiven. Not only by his family, but by God, too. He can call cancer evil, but at the same time, sanctifying because he now has a divine dependence he never knew before and likely wouldn't have, had this not happened to him. He can call death the enemy, but also trust in the full healing that comes after it. Such comfort I can only understand as coming from outside of himself, from God at work through the Holy Spirit, assuring him of his forgiveness, giving clarity about what matters most, and supporting him when he can't support himself.It's tempting to hear comfort and imagine soft sheets, fluffy pillows, or simply a calmness. But I don't think that's the comfort Jesus promises nor what the Spirit gives. Comfort is not the removal of suffering, but the freedom to tell the truth. It's not emotional numbness but courage to face regret. And it certainly isn't empty platitudes, but the ability to face death without despair. The Spirit gives more than just coping skills.And I see that in Ben's farewell speech. He is still grieving. Still suffering. Still regretting. Still dying. And yet something holds him. Strengthen hims. Comforts him. And when I look at him and hear him, I can't help but believe that is the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the promise of Jesus manifested in this life. How this comfort comes? Or what exactly the Holy Spirit does to cause it? I don't know and Jesus doesn't explain it. Nor do I think Jesus is all that concerned in the mechanics. He is more interested in the promise, to the disciples, to Ben Sasse, and to you and I; that when you face regrets, when you are confronted by pain and evil, when death is inevitable, because it is, you will not be orphaned, left to face any of it alone. You have a comforter.I pray you know that comfort. I pray I offer it to you. I pray the Holy Spirit works through you to offer it to someone else.Because the truth is, we are all moving toward a farewell speech of our own. One day there will be regrets we cannot undo, suffering we cannot avoid, and a death we cannot outrun. And when that day comes, Jesus does not offer explanations. He does not provide escape. He promises this: you will not be orphaned.And maybe that is the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Not the removal of pain, but the assurance that even there, in grief, in weakness, in death itself, you are not abandoned.That is the work of the Father who promises, the Son who assures, and the Holy Spirit who abides with us still. Amen.

In our Focus Text Jesus sends out his followers to bring a message to those they meet: “The Kingdom of God has come near!” He also tells instructs them on how to handle those who do not greet the meeting in peace. Don't argue, or threaten, or harm them in order to convince them to welcome you and the message. Just move on and keep proclaiming the message. Their rejecting the meeting does not diminish the light of your presence or your peace or the power of the message.

• Pastor Stanton's message for Wed., May 6 2026• John 14:1-14 (Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

• Pastor Karyn's message for: Sun, May 3 2026• Acts 17:16-31 (Paul's Sermon at Athens)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

Jesus said to the disciples “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” That's kind of a tall order isn't it?... The post Sermon on appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

Earlier this year, my parents went on a trip to Ireland and they would regularly send photos back of all their adventures. And you'd think that most of the photos would have been of old castles, or beautiful cliffs, or maybe them enjoying some Guiness at the pub. But instead, I got dozens of photos of sheep... The post Fourth Sunday of Easter appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

• Pastor Stanton's message for Wed., Apr. 22 2026• Luke 24:13-35 (The Walk to Emmaus)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

• Pastor Stanton's message for: Sun, Apr. 26 2026• Acts 16:16-34 (Paul & Silas in Prison)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

• Pastor Stanton's message for: Sun, Apr. 19 2026• Acts 9:1-19a (Paul's Conversation)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Rev. Jason S. Glombicki April 19, 2026 I'll be honest, I missed Luke. We haven’t heard from Luke since… Christmas Eve, and it's good to be back in my favorite gospel. One thing I love is that Luke doesn't rush things after Jesus’ crucifixion. Luke doesn't skip over the confusion or the grief. Rather, Luke shows us some disciples who were trying to make sense of what just happened, like Mary did at Jesus’s birth. And right […] The post Third Sunday of Easter appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

• Pastor Stanton's message for Wed., Apr. 15 2026• John 20:19-31 (Blessed Are Those Who Believe)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

Part One- Parker Munoz talks about the Racine Theater Guild's production of J.R.R. Tolkien's THE HOBBIT, which runs now through April 21st. Munoz is the director of this production; it's his first time directing at the RTG. Part Two- Greg Schroeder, bell choir director at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church in Racine, talks about the bell choir festival that is coming up on Saturday, April 18th .... in which the bell choirs of five ELCA congregations in southeastern Wiisconsin will join forces. The concert itself is 2:00 and is free and open to the public.

• Pastor Karyn's message for: Sun, Apr. 12 2026• John 20:19-31 (Blessed Are Those Who Believe)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Vicar Sarah Freyermuth April 12, 2026 We are officially in the Easter season—the season where the trumpets blare and our Alleluia banners wave and confetti comes down as we joyously proclaim Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed, alleluia! Except… as our Gospel reading begins, it kind of feels like someone should have told the disciples that. I mean, Mary Magdalene has already come to them, rejoicing and declaring “I have seen the Lord!” They […] The post Second Sunday of Easter appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Rev. Jason S. Glombicki April 5, 2026 We hear Matthew's version of the resurrection this morning, and Matthew tells it a little differently. Do you recall why the women went to the tomb? In Luke and Mark, they brought spices to care for Jesus' dead body. But, Matthew simply says: they went to see the tomb. That's it. Not to fix anything and not to finish the burial. They weren't expecting a resurrection. And then—an earthquake. […] The post Easter Sunday appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Vicar Sarah Freyermuth April 4, 2026 The poem that most encapsulates the promise of Easter for me comes from Mary Oliver. She writes, “I have refused to live locked in the orderly house of reasons and proofs. The world I live in and believe in is wider than that. And anyway, what's wrong with Maybe? You wouldn't believe what once or twice I have seen. I'll just tell you this: only if there are angels in […] The post The Easter Vigil appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Rev. Jason S. Glombicki April 3, 2026 We know this story: The pressure rises. The truth bends. Then, crowds form. And we know this system: It preserves itself. It maintains order. And it calls all of it justice. And we know these people: Peter, who was certain that force would fix what fear had broken. Pilate, who was caught between truth and power, and chose what kept things stable. And the crowd, who were loud, reactive, […] The post Good Friday appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Vicar Sarah Freyermuth April 2, 2026 Tonight's Gospel always takes me back to my very first foot washing service in seminary. I was the designated foot washer, and I remember feeling deeply moved by the experience until one of my classmates came forward and said, “okay, Sarah it's your turn. Let me wash your feet.” You would think I would have seen that coming, but instead I was stressed! First, I was really worried that my […] The post Maundy Thursday appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

• Bishop Malpica's message for Maundy Thur., Apr. 2 2026• John 13:1-17, 13:31-35 (Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

• Rev. Kathryn Thompson's message for Wed., Apr. 1 2026• John 13:21-35 (The New Commandment)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

• Pastor Stanton's message for Mon., Mar. 30 2026• John 12:1-11 (Mary anoints Jesus)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Rev. Jason S. Glombicki March 29, 2026 Listen along to the Passion Reading here! The post Passion/Palm Sunday appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

• Pastor Stanton's message for Wed., Mar. 25 2026• John 11:1-45 (Jesus Raises Lazarus)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

• Pastor Karyn's message for: Sun, Mar. 29 2026• John 12:12-27 (The Crucified Messiah)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

• Pastor Stanton's message for: Sun, Mar. 22 2026• John 19:1-16a (Jesus Condemned)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Vicar Sarah Freyermuth March 22, 2026 I wonder how Mary and Martha felt when they both declared to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Today in our Gospel, we hear that Mary and Martha send word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus is ill, and that even though Jesus loves them, he doesn't come immediately. By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four […] The post Fifth Sunday in Lent appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

Emilie Bouvier from ELCA World Hunger shares stories and reflections on ELCA ministries and today's readings of breath, bones, and resurrection.

• Pastor Stanton's message for Wed., Mar. 18 2026• John 9:1-41 (The Man Born Blind)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

• Pastor Stanton's message for: Sun, Mar. 15 2026• John 18:28-40 (Jesus and Pilate)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Vicar Sarah Freyermuth March 15, 2026 My dad is now retired, but he spent most of his career as a law professor with a particularly dry sense of humor. And I remember one particular day, he came home from work looking exhausted. I asked him what was wrong, and he explained that he'd had a tough class, and then he said, “You know, they say there's no such thing as a stupid question… But some get […] The post Fourth Sunday in Lent appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

• Pastor Stanton's message for Wed., Mar. 11 2026• John 4:5-42 (Woman at the Well)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

• Pastor Karyn's message for: Sun, Mar. 8 2026• John 18:12-27 (Peter's Denial)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Rev. Jason S. Glombicki March 8, 2026 Today we heard two stories about thirst–one unfolded in the wilderness and the other beside a well. Both began with people who were tired, uncertain, and wondering whether God was still with them. And if we are honest, that feeling is not so far from the moment we are living in now. Lately, the news has carried stories of war between the United States and Iran, along with the […] The post Third Sunday in Lent appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

• Pastor Karyn's message for Wed., Mar. 4 2026• John 3:1-21 (Blessed are the Curious)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year A• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship

• Pastor Stanton's message for: Sun, Mar. 1 2026• John 13:1-17 (Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

Listen to Rev. Kelly's sermon here! The post Second Sunday in Lent appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

• Pastor Karyn's message for: Sun, Feb. 22 2026• John 11:1-44 (Jesus Raises Lazarus)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 4• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Rev. Jason S. Glombicki February 22, 2026 Today we heard two stories — one in a garden and one in a wilderness — and though they seem far apart, they share something deeply human. In the garden, God spoke trust, saying you are free, you have enough, and you belong here. And then another voice entered asking, “Did God really say…?” It was a whisper — a suggestion that maybe what God has given is not […] The post First Sunday in Lent appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

Christopher Richmann teaches religion and is assistant director for teaching and learning with the Academy for Teaching and Learning at Baylor University. An ordained ELCA pastor, Christopher serves St. John Lutheran Church in Gatesville, TX. He joins Kelsi to discuss his new book with 1517 Publishing, Stretched: A Study Guide for Lent and the Entire Christian Life.Lent often conjures images of self-denial and fasting, leaving many Christians confused about its true significance. Kelsi and Christopher delve into the historical and biblical roots of Lent, shedding light on its importance for the everyday Christian. Show Notes: 1517's Faith and Reason ConferenceSupport 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YouTubeKelsi KlembaraFollow Kelsi on InstagramFollow Kelsi on TwitterKelsi's SubstackSubscribe to the Show:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeMore from Christopher: Order StretchedRead Christopher's Articles at 1517

On today's program, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has sued a small church in California for legal title to its property—but that small church is fighting back. We'll have details.  And, a hacker drained $85,000 from an Oklahoma church's bank account. Then in North Dakota, a woman was indicted for stealing over $600,000 from a church she worked at. Both cases highlight why ordinary access to church finances can equal extraordinary losses—and the need for tightening protocols. Also, six months ago, Barnabas Aid came under scrutiny for accusations of financial mismanagement. Now, under new leadership, the ministry is working hard to turn things around. Plus, Bible Study Fellowship prepares its new headquarters in Grapevine, Texas. But first, Agape Flights, a Christian aviation ministry, lost contact with one of its planes last Thursday. The next day, search and rescue teams found the plane crashed in the Haitian mountains. No one on board survived the crash. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Isaac Wood, Kim Roberts, Scott Barkley, Jessica Eturralde, Makella Knowles, and Christina Darnell. A special thanks to Baptist Press for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.