Oct 1, 2017
Congregational DNA
Series: (All)
October 1, 2017. On this 120th anniversary of our congregation, Pastor Keith talks about where we've come from, the individual and congregational DNA that make us who we are today, and our shared path toward the future. *** [Keywords: 120 years ago 15% 1897 1917 1950s 1986 1996 20 years 20% 2017 76 years ago AELC American Lutheran Church Arden Mead Arthur Carl Piepkorn Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches Atalanta Ave. Board of Education of Webster Groves Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Christ Lutheran Church Cletus Romay Concordia Lutheran in Maplewood Concordia Seminary in Exile Creative Communications for the Parish DNA analysis DNA makeup Dr. Robert Bertram ELIM Eastern European English blood Ethelda Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Evangelical Lutherans in Mission Faith & Friends Community Day Fathers Day German lineage Interfaith Partnership Karl Wolf Ladue Larry Neeb Living Word Lutheran Church Luther Memorial Lutheran Church Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Lutheran Church in America Lutheran Disaster Relief Lutheran Foundation Missouri in Perspective Mothers Day Mr. Fix It Old Orchard Pastor Keith Holste Pastor Mark Roock Reverend Bob Trautmann Richmond Heights Scandinavian Seminex Thelda United States Webster Groves a little different across the street adopted practice also glad amalgamations anniversary anything unique arrangement at altar as close to God's desire as possible assisting minister background baptism benevolence better fit our time body type build a good organ within this building building bridges came to this congregation catalyst character chasubles child of God church at large church year color of hair color of skin come together on Sunday morning congregational DNA connections within contemporary converted into home counseling current church body current membership determine how we will live different congregations ecumenical in spirit energies families family systems fellowship felt welcome few native Americans for the sake of the world four grandparents four strands fundraising generosity genuineness gift of life going into the future good DNA good qualities good sign for us grandparents gregarious help people who are in need high and proper liturgy history holding hands facing outward hurricane relief hymns immigrants inherited DNAs intangible keep in our character larger community larger metro area lead theologian lead writer leadership legacy living the Christian faith makes us who we are meaningful hymns mechanical engineer member and assisting pastor merged mission given from God mixes us movement moving forward multiracial music music was important near community new worship space next part of our history not locked into our past not of predecessor groups not stuck offering proceeds one holy Christian church organizations original design original life will our staff outside work parking lot pastor's home people were important pledging predispositions to certain illnesses projects some things proper traditional worship publisher reach out to community reborn in Christ receive who we are receiving the meal receiving the word redeemed life will rejoice renovate renting respected rewrite prayers sainted seasonal cantatas sermon several pastors share our common joys and challenges social aid spirit of Jesus stronger support tendencies test theme this building was built ties in with readings town of Webster Groves unity among Christians in worship up and down the street upgrades values we have received vast majority vestments we are who we are weaving faith and worship and daily live together welcoming to all what God gives us as individuals what's our makeup where we came from whittled down whoever we are world history worship prayers worship space worthwhile]
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
  • Oct 1, 2017Congregational DNA
    Oct 1, 2017
    Congregational DNA
    Series: (All)
    October 1, 2017. On this 120th anniversary of our congregation, Pastor Keith talks about where we've come from, the individual and congregational DNA that make us who we are today, and our shared path toward the future. *** [Keywords: 120 years ago 15% 1897 1917 1950s 1986 1996 20 years 20% 2017 76 years ago AELC American Lutheran Church Arden Mead Arthur Carl Piepkorn Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches Atalanta Ave. Board of Education of Webster Groves Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Christ Lutheran Church Cletus Romay Concordia Lutheran in Maplewood Concordia Seminary in Exile Creative Communications for the Parish DNA analysis DNA makeup Dr. Robert Bertram ELIM Eastern European English blood Ethelda Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Evangelical Lutherans in Mission Faith & Friends Community Day Fathers Day German lineage Interfaith Partnership Karl Wolf Ladue Larry Neeb Living Word Lutheran Church Luther Memorial Lutheran Church Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Lutheran Church in America Lutheran Disaster Relief Lutheran Foundation Missouri in Perspective Mothers Day Mr. Fix It Old Orchard Pastor Keith Holste Pastor Mark Roock Reverend Bob Trautmann Richmond Heights Scandinavian Seminex Thelda United States Webster Groves a little different across the street adopted practice also glad amalgamations anniversary anything unique arrangement at altar as close to God's desire as possible assisting minister background baptism benevolence better fit our time body type build a good organ within this building building bridges came to this congregation catalyst character chasubles child of God church at large church year color of hair color of skin come together on Sunday morning congregational DNA connections within contemporary converted into home counseling current church body current membership determine how we will live different congregations ecumenical in spirit energies families family systems fellowship felt welcome few native Americans for the sake of the world four grandparents four strands fundraising generosity genuineness gift of life going into the future good DNA good qualities good sign for us grandparents gregarious help people who are in need high and proper liturgy history holding hands facing outward hurricane relief hymns immigrants inherited DNAs intangible keep in our character larger community larger metro area lead theologian lead writer leadership legacy living the Christian faith makes us who we are meaningful hymns mechanical engineer member and assisting pastor merged mission given from God mixes us movement moving forward multiracial music music was important near community new worship space next part of our history not locked into our past not of predecessor groups not stuck offering proceeds one holy Christian church organizations original design original life will our staff outside work parking lot pastor's home people were important pledging predispositions to certain illnesses projects some things proper traditional worship publisher reach out to community reborn in Christ receive who we are receiving the meal receiving the word redeemed life will rejoice renovate renting respected rewrite prayers sainted seasonal cantatas sermon several pastors share our common joys and challenges social aid spirit of Jesus stronger support tendencies test theme this building was built ties in with readings town of Webster Groves unity among Christians in worship up and down the street upgrades values we have received vast majority vestments we are who we are weaving faith and worship and daily live together welcoming to all what God gives us as individuals what's our makeup where we came from whittled down whoever we are world history worship prayers worship space worthwhile]
  • Sep 24, 2017Where Is the Fairness?
    Sep 24, 2017
    Where Is the Fairness?
    Series: (All)
    September 24, 2017. Pastor Penny preaches today on the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, from Matthew 20. Sometimes life doesn't feel fair. We might try to be the best Christians, the best family members, the best citizens. So shouldn't we be rewarded more than people who don't? If the reward is the same no matter what we do, where is the fairness? But if we step back and look at our lives through God's eyes, we realize that we've already received the reward. We have a calling, a purpose. God sought us out to bless us and empower us to be a blessing to others. *** [Keywords: 2017 African American Christ Lutheran Church God does things that are not fair God doesn't remove them God finds us God is like the landowner God sends the rain on the just and the unjust alike Google Maps I own two guns Jesus earned reward Jesus won Kingdom of God Matthew 20:1-16 Parable helps us Parable of the Generous Employer Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard Pastor Penny Holste Peter the disciple Protestant work ethic Stockley trial aerial view of home all the responsibilities in life already received it angry approach this story arrogant be a blessing to others best Christians we can be best citizens best family members better off bless us and empower us bothered by story called them friends cars caucasian change of heart character in story child we hold closeup view compared themselves comparing never brings us joy completely at the mercy confidence constantly notice couldn't see it criminal all his life dangerous day laborers death bed decision of the landowner deserve die painful death difficult unfair world dish we wash dismiss this story doesn't feel fair don't know how to stop don't want to suggest down to earth drastically cut drudgery drug dealer early risers email we send equal pay for equal work everyone is cared for everything he does everything looks different fair salary feed their families feel it isn't fair feel pretty satisfied felt so much better finds them fisherman food stamps forget about unfairness friend excels gathered his friends get what we really need gives us a gift gives us what we need go home going to get gun good Christians grace of Christ greed heavy lifting honest how fair is it iPhone X if the reward is the same no matter what you do injustice invite you over for dinner jobs joyfully latecomers level playing field life full of love lifted up to new life like your house little dot makes them an offer makes us bitter making messes means minorities neighbor's house no different no economic usefulness no job no land not what we deserve office one who loves it our homes own home paper we write pay someone perfectly happy pleasure of God preferential hiring prevalence of guns in city privilege purpose racism reason for being remodeled resentful respond to armed robbery reward of eternal life reward was already given to them roof over their heads salvation same problem with God same wage satellite view saved school seeing the whole city seeking us out selfishness sermon shouldn't there be something more for us side by side with Christ slaves something extra start with same opportunities sufferings take on new meaning tax collectors than for people who don't the big picture there at the break of dawn thief on the cross through the eyes to be saved today you will be with me in paradise trapped trees tricky story try to be unavoidable unfairness verdict very poor wage way we look at the story we have a calling we talk we've given up everything to follow you were no different what is our reward where is the fairness where is the justice whole new light why don't I succeed wish I had the money with us in this challenging life women word we speak work hard worked all day worked for only one hour working within it works all day in the heat you should only be paid if you work zoom out]
  • Sep 17, 2017A Place For Justice and Forgiveness
    Sep 17, 2017
    A Place For Justice and Forgiveness
    Series: (All)
    September 17, 2017. Martin Luther underwent a conversion, from his earlier idea that the debt he owed God for all his sins was unachievable, to the realization that God was willing to forgive his sins due to his love of him and the world, and the sacrifice of Jesus. The understanding of this gift caused Martin Luther to begin to make changes in his life, focusing on the community and the needs of the world around him. Pastor Keith's sermon today is about the importance of this forgiveness and justice, and how instead of holding back the love we've been given, we can share it with others. *** [Keywords: 2017 Christ Lutheran Church Forgiveness With All Debt With God Day Galilee God covered it all God was willing to pay In the name of Jesus I bless you I forgive you I release you Jerusalem Jesus Jesus anticipated Jesus taught us to live by Jesus was willing to suffer Judah Lord's Prayer Luther's Small Catechism Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World Matthew 18:21-35 May McCarthy Old English Original Sin PBS film Pastor Keith Holste Reid Bartek accept the challenge angry another understanding about God anyone from my past as we forgive those baptized at font baptized ourselves bear a grudge before go to bed bestowed on us binds us blame ourselves both sides burden lifted called by a king can't get our heart to go there church complete forgiveness by God concept of community chest confessed nearly perpetually confessional conversion could never do enough could never pay it day of our baptism debt to God for sins deception dejected demands repayment of small debt didn't sleep well different role of God discipline do good badly doesn't work like that down drinking poison easier to serve ourselves eats at us equivalent to 150 years worth of wages eternal waterfall expecting other person to die faith fall asleep peacefully focus for our own health for the last time forgive hardly forgive one another forgive us our trespasses forgiven slave forgiven the debt forgiveness forth give free to experience free to forgive others fully graceful life generosity get to the point gets into your heart your soul gifts had come to him good and great gift good of all those struggling grace grandfather Pastor Jim grow into the promise gushing over us harbor unforgiving thoughts hard for us to live with good news hard to forgive hard to forgive ourselves harming people hatred haunt us help others his son Jesus hold back our love huge debt hurt his health i do so now i need to forgive image of being in cascading waterfall importance of forgiveness impossible to forgive in my present injury instead of looking up just keeps coming justice keeping people apart kept him up at night key to our life together kind learning experience let go life live their own lives live with sin living out the life looked around sideways lost sleep love for him love for world loved on main points make changes in his life make up for his sins mantra minor things money of community more difficulty need to forgive me neighbor never-ending no assurance of salvation no longer had debt no one could ever pay that much no reason to be selfish old style old way one more thing one understanding about God order of things other person in mind our feelings out of reach over and over again overwhelmingly overwhelms us payback payoff to God people around him place for forgiveness place for justice pleased with him plentiful promised pure before God reach out to other person repetitions resentment resist restored relationships retribution riled up role for forgiveness role for justice sacrifice of Jesus saying out loud scenes see needs of world self cleansing sermon servant in Parable sets us back sharing love sign of generosity silently sinful small matter of hurt feelings someone close to him spirit stepped away strong words struggle stuck study of Scripture takes away teaching way terrific promise thankful thanksgiving those who sin against us through the love of Jesus time out chair to see God to the end topic intersects treat others unachievable unbounding love understand unforgivable very short prayer warnings waters from above coming down we hurt ourselves we know better welcomed into Kingdom of God whatever way is best whether i remember them or not who trespass against us will take time willing to forgive wiped out worldly scale]
  • Sep 10, 2017Back Into the Fold
    Sep 10, 2017
    Back Into the Fold
    Series: (All)
    September 10, 2017. In Matthew 18, Jesus offers a four-point plan for combating evil in the congregation, the last step of which is to treat offenders as gentiles or tax collectors. Times are different and the plan doesn't seem to apply to us today. But Pastor Penny asks us what we can take away from it. She points out that Jesus' method of dealing with gentiles and tax collectors was to befriend them, to bring them back into the fold. We are all troublemakers of one sort or another. But Jesus died so that we don't have to be removed from his community. *** [Keywords: 1970s 2017 Cast Away movie Christ Lutheran Church Christian communities everywhere God Jesus Jews Matthew 18:15-20 Pastor Penny Holste Tom Hanks accessbile air conditioned homes anger angry answer any congregation at all appreciate it architects ashamed back into eternal joy back into the fold baptism brought build the kingdom call someone causes separation champion of justice and kindness change people's behavior cheater children of Israel chosen to follow Jesus coat of righteousness colleage combat combat evil in congregation community constantly befriend them convince troublemaker crave community daughter dear friend defend defended the man desperate for community desserter dialog didn't stay long died dieting disciples and followers disowned by families doesn't listen doesn't stick to diet earbuds earphones emojis emotion excommunicate face the people far deeper fill in the floor find different congregation four point plan front porches funeral gay given out of love grandparents grew up in hard hard work having been transformed he is with us hear it in voice hurt very communities hurtful hurting inclination individualism intact jokes leave in a huff less appreciation of community light in refrigerator lose weight keeps finding me love them back meant to have midnight snacks meeting of members met in people's homes middle class society much more equal music new family no ordained leader non believer not easy thing to do not get involved not my problem not welcome one or two other people one sort or another open to criticism open to returning ostracized our own our society out of line paints face on volleyball pastor planning precious protect quiter refuge rejoin community rely on his help reminds us remodel of Mead Center removed from his community school see what they lost self sufficiency selfish desires sense responsibility sent away separate ourselves sermon serving in small town several feet below ground level shared support and love shared wisdom small social media some people cared something mean something we miss stand up against staying with plan step four 4 step one 1 step three 3 step two 2 stop making trouble synagogues system take away from Gospel talk on phone talk privately tax collector tearing apart tell whole congregation texting things happen in community transformed treat as gentile troublemaker try to hurt others ugly words uncomfortable unfairness unfriend use here today wanted to fire washed ashore washed our sins away washed out to sea we are all troublemakers we need and love what a gift where they belong where to put the ramp whole point words or actions work as intended today workplace writer of Matthew wrongdoer is important]
  • Sep 3, 2017Our True Identity
    Sep 3, 2017
    Our True Identity
    Series: (All)
    September 3, 2017. We don't want to hear bad news, especially if it involves sacrifice. In today's Gospel, Jesus had bad news for his disciples. Peter did not understand and became a stumbling block to Jesus' mission. But Peter's true identity had yet to be revealed. What should our identity be? Pastor Penny challenges us to reexamine deeply held values and swallow our pride. As our self-made identity becomes whittled away by tragedy and our experiences, we discover our true identity, given to us by God. *** [Keywords: 1 in 1000 year storm 2017 Christ Lutheran Church Christian Ferguson Foster Friess GOP mega donor God created us God has given us God is not happy God is with us God would put in place Gospel Gospel reminds us Greek Hurricane Ida Jesus Jesus asked a question Jesus did Jesus makes promise Jesus recreated us Jesus' right hand man Kingdom of God Pastor Penny Holste Peter believed that Return to Civility campaign Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal TV Three Passion Predictions ability to care for people advertisement approval of God arranged to meet avoid be raised belief in forgiveness black Democrat build in flood plain built there anyway call each other friend called Peter Satan can't buy our lives cars child children of God claimed to be the Messiah comfortable being single confused about what we should strive for in life conqueror controversial counselor create real Kingdom of God created and molded ourselves deeply held opinions destiny didn't understand Jesus' mission disciples discover something don't want to hear bad news don't want to lose our lives drive out Romans from Israel every fifteen years everything is moving experience tragedies experiences flew into St. Louis flood flood gates forces molding it found common bond friends gave his life getting ill getting older gives us power to work with him go against popular opionon go away hair hard and long has been there all the time identity image in flux independence innate value job knowledge lawns leaders learned listened looked up losing someone you love lost her husband loving other people meeting in church military leader mold our lives to meet those expectations multi millionaire narrowly missed Houston never find out who we really are new temporal kingdom not brought on by God not easy to follow Jesus not ever taken away from us not if it requires sacrifice not someone who died other was friend others before ourselves our identity outer appearance outside of the world part of God's kingdom peel away outer image of ourselves people around us personal interest in Messiahship pick up on signals political figure political views professed protect our identity raise money reexamine deeply held values reflected understanding of society rock rocks in our lives same person you were same words to Peter as with Satan scolded Jesus sea walls seawalls second look self giving Savior self made identity selfies sense of freedom sermon shaped and worked so hard on social media something to hang onto spiritual leader spouse stores story strength to carry it out strive to make it happen stumbling block success suffer and kill him suffer the consequences swallow our pride talked tempting those who lose their life for my sake will find it took Peter aside tragedies true identity true identity is safe values warning went out to lunch what we look like what will you give in return for your life? white Republican whittled away wilderness wrong kind of Messiah you're not ready]
  • Aug 27, 2017Built on a Rock
    Aug 27, 2017
    Built on a Rock
    Series: (All)
    August 27, 2017. Pastor Keith's sermon today is on Matthew 16:13-20. Jesus tells Peter that his faith is the rock upon which he will build his church. Such faith is hard and immovable. But it is also tender and forgiving. Peter was assertive, and was an effective leader of the early church. And like Peter, Jesus has given us too the keys of the kingdom. We too have the ability to forgive one another, to be bold, and to speak up for our faith. *** [Keywords: 2017 5000 people Book of Acts Built on a Rock Caesarea Philippi Chosen One Christ Lutheran Church Easter Day Galilee God God and our neighbor Gospels Israel Jesus Jesus is my rock and that's how I roll Jesus on trial Jesus rose from the dead John Matthew 16:13-20 Messiah New Testament Pastor Keith Holste Paul didn't always agree Peter Peter said yes Peter's mother-in-law Roman emperor Sidon Son of the Living God St. Peters church in Rome Tyre ability to forgive one another able to use accent accepted advocates for the needs of others affirm after Jesus all these moods always count on always the first arrest assertive personality trait at that point band of followers bedrock behavior better all the time better place to live bold border with Syria bringing themselves to do these things care center care she needed challenge chief spokesperson for church church civility comfortable in our own skin community compensate complete oneness completely forgiving compliment conditions always vary confront head on congregation conversation correctly counts on us courtyard cover up cut off ear daughter delicate denied deny didn't resemble rock disciples distance do you love me earth elated employer encourage fair fairness faith brings us to do it faith in Jesus faith of Peter far north feel okay about ourselves final days firm footing firm place first one to act and speak fishing follower of Jesus forgave him forgave weeping Peter forgiven in Heaven forgiveness free and open society garden geography gift of vocal leadership gives us life good coach good of all goodness government leaders gravel great leader guilty hard objects have enough heads toward Jerusalem healed hold on to holds us hospital how they would be fed hurtful to others illegal image immovable imprisoned in his hands in the world with him interpret it was true jumped into water keys of the kingdom kindness king kingdom will be built leadership leading Christians led the church love loves us main city make a difference ministry miraculously released miracles most significant church in Christianity most vulnerable times nailed to the cross needed healing neighborhood new direction no catch not anxious not feeling good about ourselves not so good not worthy on our side other countries other places our rock people caring predicted promise protested question quick of tongue reading the Bible real strength reason receive us back receives us unto himself recognizable redeemed religion resurrection rock rock of faith rock of our being rock of our lives rock of the church roll with him roommate rulership of the world bestowed savior saying secure place shore shrine to Roman god Pan sins are forgiven slip soldiers sole ability solid rock speak for the Lord speaking and acting too quickly speaking up comes naturally stalwart and firm strong supporting sword talent tee shirts temple dedicated to Ceasar tender the rock thick and thin this Jesus trouble troubled unsure upon which to stand weeping what they need what to say when and how to speak out when to say it who do you say that I am willing to speak up with other people]
  • Aug 20, 2017Seeking Commonality
    Aug 20, 2017
    Seeking Commonality
    Series: (All)
    August 20, 2017. In Matthew 15:10-28, Jesus tells the crowds that what goes into people's mouths does not defile them, but what comes out is what defiles them. Pastor Keith preaches on this text, and challenges us to examine how we deal with those around us who may be different from us. How can we seek commonality and begin to bridge the gaps with others in our communities? *** [Keywords: 2017 Abraham Lincoln Alton Illinois Bible scholars Canaanite women Christ Lutheran Church Confederate statues Crucial Conversations book DNA in common DNA test Father forgive them for they know not what they do Gettysburg Golgotha Gospel Harriet Tubman Jesus died Jesus hung on the cross Jewish rule Matthew 15 Pastor Bill Pyatt Pastor Keith Holste Pastor Mary Hellwig Penny Phoenicia Rahab Rosa Parks Ruth Sidon Susan B. Anthony Tamar Tyre Virginia about 2000 years ago abuzz accentuate differences acts affirmed against odds agree with me and with one another approach approaches toward others arguing as a person as he died authenticity bad portrait based on my history be the people Jesus called us to be better able bite my lip both cried bothering him bridging the gaps bring unity calling came to blows can be learned centuries challenges changed him chapters children's food church council civics comes forward coming from communicate completely ignored her confrontationally congresswomen context costly enterprise crumbs cultures darkness of three hours day when the earth turned dark death dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal deference to Jesus defied laws of the day demonstrations different differently colored skin disciples distance away doesn't come easily doesn't qualify done authentically during that darkness eclipse encounter work enemies evil eye facebook family makeup fears fellow human level female senators finding commonality for our inadequacies foreigner forlorn frenetic gathering gender genealogy give up previous unwillingness goal goes dark goes out of his way great is your faith group ourselves hard fights healed healing of relations heart his blood Canaanite too hold my tongue home hope for yourselves how to avoid how we love with one another how would you describe yourself how you speak with your mouth humble terms hung out in our own skin inclined to forget intense polarity interpret issues not new to our day just to get started kids kneels later times learning curve leaves the area less than three minutes life circumstances lights come back lights turned off like-minded people live and do creative things together live in a time longer look folks in their eyes looked down upon made us one with him making peace master's table meetings mercy mercy on daughter modern human view more open mother nationality negotiate neighbors on my block north not easy to achieve not enemies not friends not like the others not particularly skilled offended offending Pharisees on my street our oneness parted from her parts of the world pays no attention whatsoever peace with ourselves perceive their hearts persistence personality plaintive cry politics praises her faith prescientific times priority pugnacious pulled Jesus aside put on a cross racial sensitivity reach out reach out to others reflects religion respect and appreciation restorative justice risk sake of her daughter scares me scene of many deaths seek commonality self righteous send her away sent to house of Israel separate sermon shoo her away shouting socially engage others society somewhere from there speak stereotype stop to ask each other structured conversation surprised tape my own big mouth shut teasing woman along tell me in your own words tenderly explored terrible incident territory testing her faith that we might be forgiven think and feel those people throw it to the dogs tormented by demon touch his heart truce try to understand unclean uncomfortable in their own skin understanding urge values that are similar views wanted to be neighbors we are all equal week later what they're feeling what you desire what you put in your mouth what you're saying who you are wider national experience willing to learn willingness work work on myself yes you are you are the people you say you are]
  • Aug 13, 2017This Boat Was Meant To Sail
    Aug 13, 2017
    This Boat Was Meant To Sail
    Series: (All)
    August 13, 2017. Guest Pastor Tom Schoenherr preaches on the Gospel story, from Matthew 14, in which Peter gets out of the boat and walks on water to Jesus. "Come," says Jesus. "Don't be afraid. I am with you." We tend to believe today that Jesus keeps us safe and secure, from fear and all the challenges in ourselves and in the world around us. But we're all in this boat together, and Jesus is bidding us to get out and come, into those places of doubt and danger in our lives. *** [Keywords: 2017 Barb's mother Charlottesville, VA Christ Lutheran Church Christ's love God's children Gospel Greek I am with you I'm with you Jesus Christ is already there Jesus says come Jesus' hand was not there Lord's table Matthew 14 Peter had doubts Peter needed help Sunday morning This Boat Was Meant to Sail Tom Schoenherr accept addictions all my people all of your people all the challenges baptism be safe be the presence of God be there for one another be there to hold her began to understand blood transfusions brothers and sisters but they sink can't avoid them can't go backward care about care for one another children of God choice we've made come come together command me connected connects us with one another cultures dangerous waves deal with didn't know different colors different cultures difficult problems disappear under the water disease doctor's office don't be afraid don't need to be afraid doubting doubts and concerns end of her life even then everything is going to be okay extend your life face facing our Lord faith faith in Jesus fearful follow him followers of Christ forgive forgiving forward gathered here together gift of Holy Spirit go out into deep water going into troubled disturbed places going through good choice good news hard even to get here have to live with he is already there he says come headed healing help us hold onto that promise holding onto us hope in our lives if it is you illness in the waves in these waters in this world into the pain into the storms into the world invites us to come out of the boat involved in mission just a little bit keep us safe and secure keeps holding onto promise kindergarten knowing last months of her life laughter leave you in the water lifestyles lift them up lifted him up lifts him up listing to this side live in this world look at Jesus looking at Jesus loss of loved one love and life we miss deeply loved ones are lost made us his own means ship or boat midst of the storm miracle drugs nave never meant to be tied up to dock next thing to come no happy endings nose above the water not alone not easy answers not fun not pleasant nothing more we can do on the way ourselves out of the water place of danger place where we are gathered places in our lives pray questioning questions races reaches down really religions remember who we are sent sermon share my love sit still slide so alone so many fears standing in the boat starts to sink stay in the boat step out of boat stories storm storms in our lives stormy waters struggle with faith struggles tend to believe the Great I Am the Great Physician those days are past threatens times of need toward Jesus troubled world trust God's promise trusted trusting walk out with you walked into school walking across the water walking on top of waves walking on water water of baptism water of life way it used to be we doubt we feel distant we have doubts we need help we want to come out we're all in this boat together we're in the boat what about those times where are we going where is it sailing where we are going white supremacists work on them world around us]
  • Aug 6, 2017The Good Life
    Aug 6, 2017
    The Good Life
    Series: (All)
    August 6, 2017. Pastor Penny preaches today on the Gospel story of Jesus feeding the multitude. His disciples saw only a deserted place, but Jesus saw something different. He had compassion on the people, wanted to give them the good life. What do we see when we look at the less prosperous areas in our communities? Can we see these places like Jesus did, as opportunities for sharing the good life? *** [Keywords: 1500 people 1970s 2017 A Place Worth Saving Barnes Bread for the World Central West End Christ Lutheran Church Ferguson Fullerton NE God has blessed these people too Gospel Jesus Jesus' power Jewish Matthew Nebraska Pastor Penny Holste Roman government Second Presbyterian St. Louis Wash U Washington University Medical Center all were fed appearances ask ourselves banded together beloved children of God bleak bless boarded houses bread and fish came from crowd bring for healing built buy clothes buy food cared enough to ask Jesus to die carried miles challenging us chance to live forgiven children choices choose to believe miracle church every Sunday churches clean it up closest town 40 miles away comforts compassion on them contrast core of caring people created in image of God crime cross state line cut back dark death dedicated grandmother deserted place determined worker didn't believe didn't know director David Beckmann disciples documentary don't think drive through poorest parts ease emboldened empowered even more important experience fame fears feed themselves filled filling their pews first attempt food stamps get food for themselves get to his job getting involved going places good equals wealth got to know people grandchildren great strides greater than that grew up in city had the power then has the power now have to believe help ourselves help rejuvinate community helping hand hopeful hospitality was the norm hospitals hours on bus human rights issues illnesses interesting thing to say into their hearts knowledge lecture series on world hunger left-over food listen to our politicians little bit of food little help from us live there again looked at that crowd looked so falling apart lot of need love love too much made it a point medical attention members miracle more than 5000 people motley group moved west national budget no doctor no health spa no movie theaters no prosperity open their baskets outcome of miracle people can help themselves people took care of each other perfect world possibilities poverty power power to give life pretty dismal provide raise him to life relieve them religious institutions relocated right and left safe place saw something different scholars send these people away sermon share should they stay or move sign so little to work with split the congregation started in decline starving in Africa stayed story about sharing strength take situation taught them thanking God the good life they will heal themselves thriving community through eyes too happy took a vote transition truly two grocery stores two restaurants two very oppressive institutions values of city values of their world very good place to raise children vices voted to leave voted to stay walk the streets wanted to feed them we don't see we have nothing what really is the good life? what they do have with a little help with some help words disciples used]
  • Jul 30, 2017The Merchant of Pearls
    Jul 30, 2017
    The Merchant of Pearls
    Series: (All)
    July 30, 2017. We can often be overwhelmed by challenges right in front of us. But God has a way of taking something that looks hopeless and making it great. In her sermon today, Pastor Penny preaches on the Parable of the Pearl from Matthew 13. She says sometimes being obsessed with taking great risks is good, when it's in service to the Kingdom of God. *** [Keywords: 100 loaves of bread 1400 20 2017 50 pounds of flour American socialite Denver God can use our obsessions God could still use them God did it God gave them a new mission God uses all of us God-given Jesus is that merchant Jesus was obsessed with his mission Jesus' life and death and resurrection Kingdom of God Margaret Brown Muny New York City Pastor Penny Holste Pat Keifert Saturday night Titanic Unsinkable Molly Brown actions had a risk all survivors all the fish angels another ship area bank loan basement beautiful building beautiful valley big enough for birds to be sheltered in it books bread brought their children build hospital buy a field buying house carpet was stained ceiling child care session child literacy congregation future congregation that was dying crayon drawings on walls crossroads crumbling dark damp place dealing one on one describe destitute different tendency difficult situation disbanded do good things do the judging docked drive end is life-giving end of age ever right to have obsession family members farmers feed 100 people few weeks fields fix it forced into boat fragile fulfill it gain access to things they needed gave up everything give them credit for good or bad good purposes grew mold half hour service hard to imagine have hope help other people help out high proportion of young children and single parents hit iceberg human rights ideas that are very good ideas we just can't stand in their wills including his life insulation hanging in strips judgement juvenile court systems kind heart last group of parables leaven leavening lifeboats little pack of yeast little uncomfortable long marriage lot of trouble make it good make it great make it into something great merchant of pearls moral or immoral more dependable reason mostly elderly mountain of work much more complicated mustard plant mustard seed becomes shrub never done before new debt not at all obnoxious weed on that location one big net one pearl optimist overwhelmed by challenges right in front of us own repairs parents parents came passion patience pay off people who are tainted philanthropist play politically bigoted politician promoting race or gender really about Jesus realtor remained good friends rescue boats resuced right in front of you risky sell that building sells everything he owns sensed hunger for the Word separated sermon set up a fund sizing it up small and tainted small seed of possibility soup kitchens still had a mission strained studies church life and growth symbol for corruption take care of them take great risks take some risks take something hopeless take them in take what is small take what is tainted tendency to label people we don't know personally third parable this country and elsewhere this is fun timely message times that we take great risks tragedy transform this place treasure hunter true character trustworthy or not use her wealth ushering everyone else very active person volunteer child care service we are tainted at times we are the pearl of great value we're all saved what is that pearl whole new congregation born women and children women getting the vote youth]