Pastor Schroeder

Sermon text: Matthew 4:12-23

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With the dawn of so-called “reality” TV, it has come to be a regular occurrence, and it is no accident.  It doesn’t really matter if we are talking about American Idol, or the Voice, or America’s Got Talent, or Top Chef, or Next Top Model, or so many others; the goal is to tell the story of a previously undiscovered talent who gets his or her time to shine, as first they impress the celebrity judges, and then along the way they win the hearts of the viewers, so that people at home get sucked in and they keep on watching the show. 

Pastor Leyrer

Sermon text: John 1:29-41

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Dear Friends in Christ, In a legal setting those who were present on the scene or have first-hand knowledge of what they are asked to testify about are referred to as “credible witnesses.”  Their trustworthiness is not in question, and their testimony is considered unimpeachable. As such, “credible witnesses” are invaluable in establishing the truth.

Pastor Bitter

Sermon text: Matthew 3:13-17

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After Friday, much of the speculation will be put to rest.  For some time now, everyone has been wondering what will happen next, and potential theories are all over the board – it seems everyone has an opinion.  But after Friday, the guessing can stop and the watching can start.  I’m talking about the presidential inauguration.  For months Americans have wondered and speculated, protested and cheered, shared opinions and tried to avoid political conversations.  I don’t think any of us are naïve enough to think that all of that will stop after Friday, but after Friday, discussion can be based on what the administration is actually doing instead of guesses about what it might or might not do. 

Pastor Schroeder

Sermon text: Isaiah 60:1-6

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Even if you aren’t much of a philosopher, you have probably heard of one of the most well-known names in the history of philosophy—the ancient Greek thinker known as Plato.  One of Plato’s greatest works is called “The Allegory of the Cave,” and it begins with a number of men in an awful situation.  They have been chained for their entire lives to a wall, and all that they have ever seen in their entire lives are the shadows that appear on the back wall of the cave.  Since the shadows are all they know, the shadows are their life, what they consider the reality of the world to be—that is, until one of them is freed. 

Pastor Leyrer

Sermon text: Luke 2:21

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Dear Friends in Christ, There are a number of different directions we could go today and we’re actually going to touch on all of them.  Let me explain. Most years we have a separate and distinct New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day service, but because this is one of those years where they fall on a Saturday and Sunday, we’re observing them together according to our regular weekly service schedule.  Our opening hymn and prayer for the church today express our gratefulness for the closing of one year of grace as we enter another one.  So there’s a New Year element in our service today.