Day of Pentecost – May 24, 2026
“On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, ‘If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.’ 
Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, 
who would be given to everyone that had faith in him.” 
- John 7:37-39 -
How often do we follow a tradition without really understanding it? Christmas and Easter are celebrations of the church steeped in rich tradition. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, in Holy Week we prepare for his death, and at Easter we praise his resurrection. But why do we observe Pentecost and what is the significance?
“Pentecost” comes from the Greek word pentekostos and translates as “fiftieth day.” For Christians, it marks the 50th day after Easter when the Holy Spirit descended upon a group of followers. Jesus says to the group, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing deep inside of you.”
In Acts 2:1-4 we learn “On the day of Pentecost all the Lord’s followers were together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there. The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak.”
We celebrate Pentecost as the very moment the church was formed with all its followers receiving the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the beginning of the sainthood of all believers as we are baptized into faith. We are now steeped in rich tradition with our brothers and sisters in Christ from this early establishment. We are a part of this ancient church!
Jesus invites us to follow, have faith, and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. What a powerful invitation! We can walk in the light as Jesus did and bear witness to others by sharing the Good News!
It is indeed life-giving water! Amen.

Day of Pentecost – May 24, 2026
“On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, ‘If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.’ 
Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, 
who would be given to everyone that had faith in him.” 
- John 7:37-39 -
How often do we follow a tradition without really understanding it? Christmas and Easter are celebrations of the church steeped in rich tradition. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, in Holy Week we prepare for his death, and at Easter we praise his resurrection. But why do we observe Pentecost and what is the significance?
“Pentecost” comes from the Greek word pentekostos and translates as “fiftieth day.” For Christians, it marks the 50th day after Easter when the Holy Spirit descended upon a group of followers. Jesus says to the group, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing deep inside of you.”
In Acts 2:1-4 we learn “On the day of Pentecost all the Lord’s followers were together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there. The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak.”
We celebrate Pentecost as the very moment the church was formed with all its followers receiving the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the beginning of the sainthood of all believers as we are baptized into faith. We are now steeped in rich tradition with our brothers and sisters in Christ from this early establishment. We are a part of this ancient church!
Jesus invites us to follow, have faith, and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. What a powerful invitation! We can walk in the light as Jesus did and bear witness to others by sharing the Good News!
It is indeed life-giving water! Amen.

Holy Trinity Sunday – May 31, 2026
“18 And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of 
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:17-20-
On Holy Trinity Sunday, we acknowledge God’s holiness by celebrating the Trinity: God, the Father of all creation; God, the Son of our salvation; and God, the Holy Spirit our Advocate and Guide. The Holy Trinity is at the very foundation of our doctrine as Christians.
We can also acknowledge and celebrate being made holy as well. Yes! We are made holy through Jesus Christ. To be “holy” means to be set apart for the service of God; we have been called to share the Good News with all those whom we meet. The difference between God and us is that he is inherently holy, but we are made holy in relationship through Jesus Christ, which is given to us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 2:28 we are assured of the presence of the Holy Spirit as we read, “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Imagine the kind of joy of knowing his presence is with us as we journey throughout our life serving him. There is no place we can go that he is not with us — guiding us, protecting us, assisting us to do his holy will for the sake of the world he loves.
We have also been given all authority through Christ to “Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples.” This is The Great Commission given to us as Christians. The moment we believe in him, a transformation process begins and we are commissioned as disciples in Christ. It is our role to spread God’s Word, whether it be to a next-door neighbor or to people in a faraway country.
As we celebrate the Holy Trinity and spread God’s Word, let us remember the words found in the Nicene Creed which remind us of the gift of unity we have in God: “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets.” Amen.

Holy Trinity Sunday – May 31, 2026
“18 And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of 
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:17-20-
On Holy Trinity Sunday, we acknowledge God’s holiness by celebrating the Trinity: God, the Father of all creation; God, the Son of our salvation; and God, the Holy Spirit our Advocate and Guide. The Holy Trinity is at the very foundation of our doctrine as Christians.
We can also acknowledge and celebrate being made holy as well. Yes! We are made holy through Jesus Christ. To be “holy” means to be set apart for the service of God; we have been called to share the Good News with all those whom we meet. The difference between God and us is that he is inherently holy, but we are made holy in relationship through Jesus Christ, which is given to us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 2:28 we are assured of the presence of the Holy Spirit as we read, “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Imagine the kind of joy of knowing his presence is with us as we journey throughout our life serving him. There is no place we can go that he is not with us — guiding us, protecting us, assisting us to do his holy will for the sake of the world he loves.
We have also been given all authority through Christ to “Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples.” This is The Great Commission given to us as Christians. The moment we believe in him, a transformation process begins and we are commissioned as disciples in Christ. It is our role to spread God’s Word, whether it be to a next-door neighbor or to people in a faraway country.
As we celebrate the Holy Trinity and spread God’s Word, let us remember the words found in the Nicene Creed which remind us of the gift of unity we have in God: “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets.” Amen.
Second Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 5) – June 7, 2026
9As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 10And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.
- Matthew 9:9-10 –
Can you imagine what was going through Matthew’s mind when the famous rabbi speaks to him?  Matthew was a tax collector.  And if you are not familiar, tax collectors weren’t the most popular individuals in Jesus’ day.  Sure, they worked for the government, collecting taxes that were owed to the emperor.  But often, they were viewed as thieves and scoundrels.  They were rarely honest about what a person truly owed in taxes.  They would inflate the amount, and then, they would keep the “leftovers” for themselves.  So, for example, let’s say you owe $100 in taxes.  A tax collector might say you owe $150 or $200.  Then the tax collector would keep that extra $50 or $100 for himself.  This was Matthew’s job, so the likelihood of him not being well-liked among his fellow Jews was speculated to be rather high.  Certainly, a famous rabbi would pass on by such a crook!
Yet… Jesus stops at the tax booth.  And the shock doesn’t end there!  Jesus calls Matthew to be his disciple.  Matthew must’ve sat with his mouth gaping open wide.  It’s very likely he was just as shocked as those who stood around and witnessed such interaction.  Did Matthew respond to Jesus?  Did he trip over his words and ask in disbelief if Jesus was sure he wanted Matthew to be one of his followers?  Did Jesus understand what kind of person Matthew was?
We may not have the answer to all of those questions, but we do know that once it dawned on Matthew what had taken place, it was reason to celebrate!  Matthew, who had been after others’ money, had just won the greatest jackpot of all!  He would be rich in a way that he did not yet fully understand.  That’s what happens when Jesus has chosen you.  Yes, Jesus definitely knew the kind of person Matthew was.  He knows the kind of person you are as well.  And yet, he has chosen you to follow him.  Matthew will soon find out just how far Jesus will go for him.  It goes far beyond calling him to be a disciple.  Jesus will go so far as to lay down his very own life, not just for Matthew, but for you and me as well.  Jesus will suffer and die at the hands of his enemies, and then he will rise from the tomb alive.  He will go to these lengths to give us freedom from the devil, forgiveness of sin, and life eternal with him.
Second Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 5) – June 7, 2026
9As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 10And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.
- Matthew 9:9-10 –
Can you imagine what was going through Matthew’s mind when the famous rabbi speaks to him?  Matthew was a tax collector.  And if you are not familiar, tax collectors weren’t the most popular individuals in Jesus’ day.  Sure, they worked for the government, collecting taxes that were owed to the emperor.  But often, they were viewed as thieves and scoundrels.  They were rarely honest about what a person truly owed in taxes.  They would inflate the amount, and then, they would keep the “leftovers” for themselves.  So, for example, let’s say you owe $100 in taxes.  A tax collector might say you owe $150 or $200.  Then the tax collector would keep that extra $50 or $100 for himself.  This was Matthew’s job, so the likelihood of him not being well-liked among his fellow Jews was speculated to be rather high.  Certainly, a famous rabbi would pass on by such a crook!
Yet… Jesus stops at the tax booth.  And the shock doesn’t end there!  Jesus calls Matthew to be his disciple.  Matthew must’ve sat with his mouth gaping open wide.  It’s very likely he was just as shocked as those who stood around and witnessed such interaction.  Did Matthew respond to Jesus?  Did he trip over his words and ask in disbelief if Jesus was sure he wanted Matthew to be one of his followers?  Did Jesus understand what kind of person Matthew was?
We may not have the answer to all of those questions, but we do know that once it dawned on Matthew what had taken place, it was reason to celebrate!  Matthew, who had been after others’ money, had just won the greatest jackpot of all!  He would be rich in a way that he did not yet fully understand.  That’s what happens when Jesus has chosen you.  Yes, Jesus definitely knew the kind of person Matthew was.  He knows the kind of person you are as well.  And yet, he has chosen you to follow him.  Matthew will soon find out just how far Jesus will go for him.  It goes far beyond calling him to be a disciple.  Jesus will go so far as to lay down his very own life, not just for Matthew, but for you and me as well.  Jesus will suffer and die at the hands of his enemies, and then he will rise from the tomb alive.  He will go to these lengths to give us freedom from the devil, forgiveness of sin, and life eternal with him.

Third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6) – June 14, 2026
“And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ . . . You received without paying; give without pay.”
- Matthew 10:7-8 –
It’s almost officially summer! Oh, the wonderful sights and sounds of children playing, outdoor concerts, fireworks, and a host of late-night symphonies comprised of a plethora of insects. We are reminded of all God’s creation as we travel throughout the summer months; the earth is once again rich in vibrant colors. It is indeed the beginning of a new season and a natural time for growth.
We are now into the Season after Pentecost - a time to grow and mature in our faith as disciples of Christ and to live out the ministries the Spirit has empowered us with. Are you ready to follow the prompting and guiding of the Holy Spirit to live out God’s will for your life?
In Exodus 19:7-8 we learn that, “Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. All the people answered together and said, ‘All that the Lord has spoken we will do.’”
Imagine hearing their resounding, “Yes, we will do as you have commanded!” These people were on fire to do God’s work! Are you?
So, how do we go about proclaiming, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand?” Remember, we were commissioned by God and given all authority through the power of the Holy Spirit! And, because it was given freely to us, we should give freely to others! We are the ordinary people doing the extraordinary work of the Lord!
Psalm 100 is a beautiful verse to learn and a great way to proclaim God’s word: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
The Kingdom is at hand! God’s love endures forever! Amen.
Third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6) – June 14, 2026
“And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ . . . You received without paying; give without pay.”
- Matthew 10:7-8 –
It’s almost officially summer! Oh, the wonderful sights and sounds of children playing, outdoor concerts, fireworks, and a host of late-night symphonies comprised of a plethora of insects. We are reminded of all God’s creation as we travel throughout the summer months; the earth is once again rich in vibrant colors. It is indeed the beginning of a new season and a natural time for growth.
We are now into the Season after Pentecost - a time to grow and mature in our faith as disciples of Christ and to live out the ministries the Spirit has empowered us with. Are you ready to follow the prompting and guiding of the Holy Spirit to live out God’s will for your life?
In Exodus 19:7-8 we learn that, “Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. All the people answered together and said, ‘All that the Lord has spoken we will do.’”
Imagine hearing their resounding, “Yes, we will do as you have commanded!” These people were on fire to do God’s work! Are you?
So, how do we go about proclaiming, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand?” Remember, we were commissioned by God and given all authority through the power of the Holy Spirit! And, because it was given freely to us, we should give freely to others! We are the ordinary people doing the extraordinary work of the Lord!
Psalm 100 is a beautiful verse to learn and a great way to proclaim God’s word: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
The Kingdom is at hand! God’s love endures forever! Amen.

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7) – June 21, 2026
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High 
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” 
- Psalm 91:1-2 -
Have you ever been caught outside in a sudden rainstorm and had to run for some kind of shelter? What’s worse is having the storm grow stronger and darker in a matter of minutes, leaving you a bit uneasy and worried about your safety. It’s all too common in summer months for storms to come and go quickly, so a little preplanning can mean the difference between being safe or being vulnerable to the elements.
Now, imagine not only seeking shelter from a storm but also shade to rest on a hot sunny day. God provides both shelter and nourishment when we choose to dwell with him. Psalm 91:1 assures us that, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
God is our shelter and our refuge for life; he is with us through all of life’s dangers and fears. This is not a promise that life will always go our way, but rather a promise that God will always be with us. We can rest and trust in the Lord. “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:2)
How do we choose God as our dwelling place? The reality is that God has already chosen us and offers us a safe place to rest. While we cannot choose God on our own, we can signal our intentions to him by beginning each day with devotion and prayer. Just like preplanning for an outing to make sure we have everything we need, so it is with beginning our day in devotion and prayer to ensure we have everything we need to faithfully serve the Lord, and the first thing we need is Him. Daily devotion and prayer also help us grow in faith as our relationship with God our Father is deepened. The Holy Spirit fills us with guidance to follow God’s will daily. Imagine taking shelter in such a place where you are nourished and given rest; we have this in God!
The best place to seek shelter from the storms of life is to dwell with God every day through prayer and devotion. Allow the Holy Spirit to draw you into a closer relationship with God our Father who comes to us and invites us to forsake others and abide in him. Amen.
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7) – June 21, 2026
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High 
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” 
- Psalm 91:1-2 -
Have you ever been caught outside in a sudden rainstorm and had to run for some kind of shelter? What’s worse is having the storm grow stronger and darker in a matter of minutes, leaving you a bit uneasy and worried about your safety. It’s all too common in summer months for storms to come and go quickly, so a little preplanning can mean the difference between being safe or being vulnerable to the elements.
Now, imagine not only seeking shelter from a storm but also shade to rest on a hot sunny day. God provides both shelter and nourishment when we choose to dwell with him. Psalm 91:1 assures us that, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
God is our shelter and our refuge for life; he is with us through all of life’s dangers and fears. This is not a promise that life will always go our way, but rather a promise that God will always be with us. We can rest and trust in the Lord. “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:2)
How do we choose God as our dwelling place? The reality is that God has already chosen us and offers us a safe place to rest. While we cannot choose God on our own, we can signal our intentions to him by beginning each day with devotion and prayer. Just like preplanning for an outing to make sure we have everything we need, so it is with beginning our day in devotion and prayer to ensure we have everything we need to faithfully serve the Lord, and the first thing we need is Him. Daily devotion and prayer also help us grow in faith as our relationship with God our Father is deepened. The Holy Spirit fills us with guidance to follow God’s will daily. Imagine taking shelter in such a place where you are nourished and given rest; we have this in God!
The best place to seek shelter from the storms of life is to dwell with God every day through prayer and devotion. Allow the Holy Spirit to draw you into a closer relationship with God our Father who comes to us and invites us to forsake others and abide in him. Amen.

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8) – June 28, 2026
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, 
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 
And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.”
- Matthew 10:34-36-
Summertime is filled with family and friends gathering for celebrations, reunions, weddings, vacations and countless other activities. All sorts of people and their beliefs coming together are sure to spark a fair amount of conflict, particularly between family! Jesus himself tells us in Matthew 10:36, “And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.”
Ever been excited to attend a special gathering only to come away with regret for having said something that made someone mad? We can all relate on some level because we’re human. But as Christians, we are called to be imitators of Christ. However, we are not promised as Christians that every conflict or confrontation will end peacefully; quite the contrary.
Conflict, however, can be an excellent opportunity for us to grow in our faith and understanding of grace and truth towards others. How and when we choose to speak truth to others comes with an understanding of grace. God’s love for us is so strong that he offers his grace freely even though we don’t deserve it. As we grow in relationship with God, we can discern his will for us and how we are to treat others.
As we attend to our daily walk with Christ, he will help us put things into perspective. All those fun gatherings with family and friends can end well when we choose to respond as God does with us through grace and understanding. Daily reading of God’s Word arms us with the power of the Holy Spirit and the right way to respond to others. Proverbs 19:11 reminds us that “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
A beautiful reminder of the truth is found in Psalm 119:160 “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” God’s word is indeed a living word. Amen.
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8) – June 28, 2026
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, 
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 
And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.”
- Matthew 10:34-36-
Summertime is filled with family and friends gathering for celebrations, reunions, weddings, vacations and countless other activities. All sorts of people and their beliefs coming together are sure to spark a fair amount of conflict, particularly between family! Jesus himself tells us in Matthew 10:36, “And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.”
Ever been excited to attend a special gathering only to come away with regret for having said something that made someone mad? We can all relate on some level because we’re human. But as Christians, we are called to be imitators of Christ. However, we are not promised as Christians that every conflict or confrontation will end peacefully; quite the contrary.
Conflict, however, can be an excellent opportunity for us to grow in our faith and understanding of grace and truth towards others. How and when we choose to speak truth to others comes with an understanding of grace. God’s love for us is so strong that he offers his grace freely even though we don’t deserve it. As we grow in relationship with God, we can discern his will for us and how we are to treat others.
As we attend to our daily walk with Christ, he will help us put things into perspective. All those fun gatherings with family and friends can end well when we choose to respond as God does with us through grace and understanding. Daily reading of God’s Word arms us with the power of the Holy Spirit and the right way to respond to others. Proverbs 19:11 reminds us that “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
A beautiful reminder of the truth is found in Psalm 119:160 “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” God’s word is indeed a living word. Amen.
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9) – July 5, 2026
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
- Matthew 11:28-30 -
Imagine horseback riding along a quiet country road lined with an over-growth of wildflowers or hiking endless trails atop mountains overlooking deep blue- and purple-colored canyons. Oh, the possibilities! Summer is a traditional time when most people plan their vacations to get away from their work; a time to rest and relax! The reality of escaping work for a while is that it will be there when you get back! In the text today, we are invited to a different kind of rest which goes beyond getting away for a little while.
We are personally invited with the words, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The phrase, “Come to me” is a very personal way to invite someone and yet, God uses them. How does this invitation make you feel? Our Lord wants us to recognize that he is always with us, so he asks us to come, rest, and intentionally be in his presence.
God’s invitation is a call to believe and a call to a committed fellowship with Christ. As disciples, we are continually being formed and shaped by the one who created us and calls us into service. But this can be tiring, even as it is exciting and wonderful. So, we are instructed by our Lord to, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” As our faith in Christ and relationship with him grows, he will give us rest from our weariness and burdens.
How wonderful it is to know God loves us so much that he loves to be with us and hear from us. God also wants to show us how to have peace even in the midst of hardships or problems in this world. When we take rest in God’s presence and dwell there every day, we are transformed by his love and mercy. Christ will make us more Christ-like in our thoughts and actions. He will give us what we need for the day and that includes rest and restoration. When we rest in him, he restores our lives and teaches us how to live peacefully in a busy world that seeks to keep us moving and working and thinking all the time. Amen.
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9) – July 5, 2026
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
- Matthew 11:28-30 -
Imagine horseback riding along a quiet country road lined with an over-growth of wildflowers or hiking endless trails atop mountains overlooking deep blue- and purple-colored canyons. Oh, the possibilities! Summer is a traditional time when most people plan their vacations to get away from their work; a time to rest and relax! The reality of escaping work for a while is that it will be there when you get back! In the text today, we are invited to a different kind of rest which goes beyond getting away for a little while.
We are personally invited with the words, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The phrase, “Come to me” is a very personal way to invite someone and yet, God uses them. How does this invitation make you feel? Our Lord wants us to recognize that he is always with us, so he asks us to come, rest, and intentionally be in his presence.
God’s invitation is a call to believe and a call to a committed fellowship with Christ. As disciples, we are continually being formed and shaped by the one who created us and calls us into service. But this can be tiring, even as it is exciting and wonderful. So, we are instructed by our Lord to, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” As our faith in Christ and relationship with him grows, he will give us rest from our weariness and burdens.
How wonderful it is to know God loves us so much that he loves to be with us and hear from us. God also wants to show us how to have peace even in the midst of hardships or problems in this world. When we take rest in God’s presence and dwell there every day, we are transformed by his love and mercy. Christ will make us more Christ-like in our thoughts and actions. He will give us what we need for the day and that includes rest and restoration. When we rest in him, he restores our lives and teaches us how to live peacefully in a busy world that seeks to keep us moving and working and thinking all the time. Amen.

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10) – July 12, 2026
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order 
that we may also be glorified with him.”
- Romans 8:16-17 -
Every October we remember and celebrate the Lutheran Reformation. We acknowledge and celebrate Martin Luther’s key insight that we are “Liberated by God’s grace!” These words go to the heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the basis of the Lutheran Reformation – Christians gain salvation only by the grace of God. We call this justification by faith alone.
In studying the origins of our Lutheran heritage, it is clear that faith and love are both divinely essential in the Christian life, but faith alone justifies. Once we have been justified by faith, we enter the active life in works of love toward our neighbor and our faith communities.
We read in Romans that as children of God, we are “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” This clearly reveals that we are to be in community with one another. It is through the fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ that we can grow together in faith and love.
When we actively participate in our community of faith, we gain so much more collectively. We were made to be in fellowship with other Christians! As we plan and enjoy these summer months, let us remember the words in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.” Being part of an active community of faith is the Church here on earth.
As we celebrate the Reformation, let us remember that Luther declared the Holy Spirit, “Has a unique community in the world, which is the mother that begets and bears every Christian through the Word of God, which the Holy Spirit reveals and proclaims, through which he illuminates and inflames hearts so that they grasp and accept it, cling to it, and persevere in it.”
Take a moment to let this all sink in. What a heritage of faith we share and that we are all children of God! How awesome is that? Amen.
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10) – July 12, 2026
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order 
that we may also be glorified with him.”
- Romans 8:16-17 -
Every October we remember and celebrate the Lutheran Reformation. We acknowledge and celebrate Martin Luther’s key insight that we are “Liberated by God’s grace!” These words go to the heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the basis of the Lutheran Reformation – Christians gain salvation only by the grace of God. We call this justification by faith alone.
In studying the origins of our Lutheran heritage, it is clear that faith and love are both divinely essential in the Christian life, but faith alone justifies. Once we have been justified by faith, we enter the active life in works of love toward our neighbor and our faith communities.
We read in Romans that as children of God, we are “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” This clearly reveals that we are to be in community with one another. It is through the fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ that we can grow together in faith and love.
When we actively participate in our community of faith, we gain so much more collectively. We were made to be in fellowship with other Christians! As we plan and enjoy these summer months, let us remember the words in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.” Being part of an active community of faith is the Church here on earth.
As we celebrate the Reformation, let us remember that Luther declared the Holy Spirit, “Has a unique community in the world, which is the mother that begets and bears every Christian through the Word of God, which the Holy Spirit reveals and proclaims, through which he illuminates and inflames hearts so that they grasp and accept it, cling to it, and persevere in it.”
Take a moment to let this all sink in. What a heritage of faith we share and that we are all children of God! How awesome is that? Amen. 
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11) – July 19, 2026
[Jesus] put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So, when the plants came up and bore grain, 
then the weeds appeared also. 
And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’
He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.’”
- Matthew 13:24-29 -
Ever notice how when weeds first begin to grow, they have little flowers that can mimic existing plants making it hard to decide if it’s a weed or not? Then, after awhile the weeds are exposed and wildly out of control. (Seems like weeds grow faster too!) It’s perfectly natural to want to pull weeds out of the garden or landscape before they take over, especially when they are surrounding your choice plants in your vegetable garden, so we set our minds on the tedious pulling of weeds which is a daunting task that can seem endless during summer months. But if we want that perfect garden, we’ll have to keep weeding!
Sometimes in our families and communities of faith, we can get caught up in wanting to make things perfect there too. We end up judging others with a sense of “weeding” out those who are not similar to us. In the Parable of the Weeds we learn that the weeds came up alongside the wheat, yet the master tells the servants not to pull the weeds, but instead, “Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, ‘Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” (Matthew 13:30) Maybe that’s because we cannot trust ourselves to see clearly what is weed and what is not - that is up to the Creator who knows the hearts of all people.
“Let both grow together until the harvest” is a powerful reminder that we need to leave the judging or “weeding” to God. We are to learn and grow together as the church here on earth until the day of the harvest! Our task is not to pulls weeds but to share the Good News of Jesus Christ who is the One that changes hearts and lives while we rest in his grace. Amen.
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11) – July 19, 2026
[Jesus] put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So, when the plants came up and bore grain, 
then the weeds appeared also. 
And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’
He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.’”
- Matthew 13:24-29 -
Ever notice how when weeds first begin to grow, they have little flowers that can mimic existing plants making it hard to decide if it’s a weed or not? Then, after awhile the weeds are exposed and wildly out of control. (Seems like weeds grow faster too!) It’s perfectly natural to want to pull weeds out of the garden or landscape before they take over, especially when they are surrounding your choice plants in your vegetable garden, so we set our minds on the tedious pulling of weeds which is a daunting task that can seem endless during summer months. But if we want that perfect garden, we’ll have to keep weeding!
Sometimes in our families and communities of faith, we can get caught up in wanting to make things perfect there too. We end up judging others with a sense of “weeding” out those who are not similar to us. In the Parable of the Weeds we learn that the weeds came up alongside the wheat, yet the master tells the servants not to pull the weeds, but instead, “Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, ‘Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” (Matthew 13:30) Maybe that’s because we cannot trust ourselves to see clearly what is weed and what is not - that is up to the Creator who knows the hearts of all people.
“Let both grow together until the harvest” is a powerful reminder that we need to leave the judging or “weeding” to God. We are to learn and grow together as the church here on earth until the day of the harvest! Our task is not to pulls weeds but to share the Good News of Jesus Christ who is the One that changes hearts and lives while we rest in his grace. Amen.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12) – July 26, 2026
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts!”
- Psalm 125:1-2, 4 -
Ever taken a cross-country trip where you’re in a car for hours on end with family members? Ways in which to help the long hours pass are carefully chosen: interactive travel games, favorite songs, and even a movie or two. All of these activities can become family traditions and be passed down to the next generation. Summer is a popular time when annual trips are taken, people gather, and traditions are formed.
In biblical times, people would also make long journeys or pilgrimages to the mountains, usually centered around the time of a particular festival. Psalm 125 is referred to as a “Song of Ascents” and was used as one of the several traditional songs chanted or sang as the people ascended into the mountains. Psalms 120-134 are all part of a grouping known collectively as the “Songs of Ascents” with a range of themes revealing the peoples’ faith and adoration for God. Much like the hymns we sing in worship today, some we know by heart, ancient Israel also sang psalms which have preserved for us today.
Consider the words of Psalm 125:2, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people.” Imagine those people reaching the point on their journey where they were surrounded on all sides by mountains and feeling safe with the natural border. So it is with God, he surrounds us with his love, leaving us feeling safe. Isn’t it comforting to know that no matter where we journey, God is right there with us?
In our scripture today, that’s precisely the comfort these people had as they made their way up the mountains. This psalm is also a prayer for God’s blessing upon his people, and we are his people! The “Song of Ascents” is rich in the tradition of how we are to worship and praise the Lord together and it is passed down from one generation to the next! God is unchanging and always here for us; a truth we can depend on! Amen.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12) – July 26, 2026
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts!”
- Psalm 125:1-2, 4 -
Ever taken a cross-country trip where you’re in a car for hours on end with family members? Ways in which to help the long hours pass are carefully chosen: interactive travel games, favorite songs, and even a movie or two. All of these activities can become family traditions and be passed down to the next generation. Summer is a popular time when annual trips are taken, people gather, and traditions are formed.
In biblical times, people would also make long journeys or pilgrimages to the mountains, usually centered around the time of a particular festival. Psalm 125 is referred to as a “Song of Ascents” and was used as one of the several traditional songs chanted or sang as the people ascended into the mountains. Psalms 120-134 are all part of a grouping known collectively as the “Songs of Ascents” with a range of themes revealing the peoples’ faith and adoration for God. Much like the hymns we sing in worship today, some we know by heart, ancient Israel also sang psalms which have preserved for us today.
Consider the words of Psalm 125:2, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people.” Imagine those people reaching the point on their journey where they were surrounded on all sides by mountains and feeling safe with the natural border. So it is with God, he surrounds us with his love, leaving us feeling safe. Isn’t it comforting to know that no matter where we journey, God is right there with us?
In our scripture today, that’s precisely the comfort these people had as they made their way up the mountains. This psalm is also a prayer for God’s blessing upon his people, and we are his people! The “Song of Ascents” is rich in the tradition of how we are to worship and praise the Lord together and it is passed down from one generation to the next! God is unchanging and always here for us; a truth we can depend on! Amen.

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13) – August 2, 2026
Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, 
“This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 
But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 
And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.
- Matthew 14:15-20 –
Have you ever been asked to do something that you ultimately felt unqualified to do, so you say no? Or, you say yes with incredible doubt, but end up sticking with it and learning something new? There are times when we can all relate to this scenario because we all have had doubts about our skills and talents. There’s also the possibility we simply believe that we don’t have enough to offer.
In our Scripture today, we read about the disciples being told to feed the growing crowds of people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. The disciples were asked to do something they thought was impossible; they didn’t believe there was enough to give. But what does Jesus do? He takes the loaves and fish, looks up to heaven, and says a blessing over them. Jesus took what little they had and turned it into something more.
It's the same with our doubt about what we have to give, whether it is our time, talent, or money; God can multiply and use whatever resource we give over to him. Therefore, we don't have to harbor those doubts as to whether we are enough, or have enough, in order to do what God is asking of us.
This Scripture is a beautiful reminder that when we prayerfully turn our doubts over to God, we can serve the Lord in a multitude of ways! Imagine how satisfying and fulfilling to serve in such capacity!
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of our time, talents, and treasures. May we always turn them over to you in order to serve in ways we can’t even imagine. Amen.
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13) – August 2, 2026
Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, 
“This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 
But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 
And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.
- Matthew 14:15-20 –
Have you ever been asked to do something that you ultimately felt unqualified to do, so you say no? Or, you say yes with incredible doubt, but end up sticking with it and learning something new? There are times when we can all relate to this scenario because we all have had doubts about our skills and talents. There’s also the possibility we simply believe that we don’t have enough to offer.
In our Scripture today, we read about the disciples being told to feed the growing crowds of people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. The disciples were asked to do something they thought was impossible; they didn’t believe there was enough to give. But what does Jesus do? He takes the loaves and fish, looks up to heaven, and says a blessing over them. Jesus took what little they had and turned it into something more.
It's the same with our doubt about what we have to give, whether it is our time, talent, or money; God can multiply and use whatever resource we give over to him. Therefore, we don't have to harbor those doubts as to whether we are enough, or have enough, in order to do what God is asking of us.
This Scripture is a beautiful reminder that when we prayerfully turn our doubts over to God, we can serve the Lord in a multitude of ways! Imagine how satisfying and fulfilling to serve in such capacity!
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of our time, talents, and treasures. May we always turn them over to you in order to serve in ways we can’t even imagine. Amen.
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 14) – August 9, 2026
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 
And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
- Romans 10:8-9, 13-15, 17 –
Have you ever finished a great book or watched an entertaining movie and couldn’t wait to share it with someone? It’s only natural to want to share special moments with others; we were made to be in relationships. And, feeling knowledgeable and excited about something, makes it all the easier to share.
How many times, however, have you thought, “I know I should share the Gospel, but I don’t always feel comfortable doing it,” so it gets left up to pastors, leaders of the Church, and theologians; people who are “qualified” to share the Gospel. But guess what? We have everything we need to share the Gospel, and it’s not only good news but a message of salvation! So what holds us back?
We read in Romans 10:8, “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” These are the very words we can proclaim and share with others. When we allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, sharing the Gospel will become as natural as sharing about a good book!
Allow God to work through you today, because someone is out there waiting to hear the Good News of the Gospel from you! Let the last words of Romans 10:17 resonate within you, “As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” Amen.
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 14) – August 9, 2026
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 
And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
- Romans 10:8-9, 13-15, 17 –
Have you ever finished a great book or watched an entertaining movie and couldn’t wait to share it with someone? It’s only natural to want to share special moments with others; we were made to be in relationships. And, feeling knowledgeable and excited about something, makes it all the easier to share.
How many times, however, have you thought, “I know I should share the Gospel, but I don’t always feel comfortable doing it,” so it gets left up to pastors, leaders of the Church, and theologians; people who are “qualified” to share the Gospel. But guess what? We have everything we need to share the Gospel, and it’s not only good news but a message of salvation! So what holds us back?
We read in Romans 10:8, “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” These are the very words we can proclaim and share with others. When we allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, sharing the Gospel will become as natural as sharing about a good book!
Allow God to work through you today, because someone is out there waiting to hear the Good News of the Gospel from you! Let the last words of Romans 10:17 resonate within you, “As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” Amen.
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15) – August 16, 2026
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, (Selah)
that your way may be known on earth your saving power among all nations. 
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!
 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. (Selah)
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! 
The earth has yielded its increase God, our God, shall bless us.
God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!
- Psalm 67 –
Can you recall a moment when your parent, teacher, or someone you looked up to, smiled at you in such a way that you knew instantly they were pleased with you? Pause for a moment and try to remember how that felt. To see the approval on the face of someone you admire, or love is such a great feeling. When we share these moments with others, we spread happiness and joy.
Psalm 67 is also a song and as you can see, contains the word “Selah” twice, which is believed to be included as a pause in the music. But why? In a beautiful melody or hymn, there is usually a moment in a song that the music director wants to draw your attention to, so there is a pause included. Consider the placement of the pauses in today’s reading: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us,” (Selah). Pause for a moment and imagine God’s face shining upon us. Remember, there’s nothing we did to earn God’s grace or to have his face shine upon us, but how wonderful to know he loves us so much that we are in his favor.
Psalms were written in such a poetic style that several have been sung or chanted throughout history, which is evident in the next pause we see in Psalm 67:4. “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth.” (Selah) Imagine singing this with fellow believers as you made your way to a feast or celebration.
Psalms are rich in the history of Israel, but also relevant for our praise and worship today as part of the body of Christ. Just as we are reminded throughout the Psalms (with Selah) to draw us into the words, let us remember to pause every day to give God praise and sing his glories out loud so that others may be drawn to him! Amen.
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15) – August 16, 2026
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, (Selah)
that your way may be known on earth your saving power among all nations. 
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!
 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. (Selah)
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! 
The earth has yielded its increase God, our God, shall bless us.
God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!
- Psalm 67 –
Can you recall a moment when your parent, teacher, or someone you looked up to, smiled at you in such a way that you knew instantly they were pleased with you? Pause for a moment and try to remember how that felt. To see the approval on the face of someone you admire, or love is such a great feeling. When we share these moments with others, we spread happiness and joy.
Psalm 67 is also a song and as you can see, contains the word “Selah” twice, which is believed to be included as a pause in the music. But why? In a beautiful melody or hymn, there is usually a moment in a song that the music director wants to draw your attention to, so there is a pause included. Consider the placement of the pauses in today’s reading: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us,” (Selah). Pause for a moment and imagine God’s face shining upon us. Remember, there’s nothing we did to earn God’s grace or to have his face shine upon us, but how wonderful to know he loves us so much that we are in his favor.
Psalms were written in such a poetic style that several have been sung or chanted throughout history, which is evident in the next pause we see in Psalm 67:4. “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth.” (Selah) Imagine singing this with fellow believers as you made your way to a feast or celebration.
Psalms are rich in the history of Israel, but also relevant for our praise and worship today as part of the body of Christ. Just as we are reminded throughout the Psalms (with Selah) to draw us into the words, let us remember to pause every day to give God praise and sing his glories out loud so that others may be drawn to him! Amen.
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16) – August 23, 2026
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
- Romans 12:3-5 –
There’s a memorable quote by Margaret Thatcher in which she observes, “Power is like being a lady... if you have to tell people you are, you aren't.” This quote cuts to the heart of when people think too highly of themselves. Know anyone like this? It's natural for people to pride themselves on when they’ve accomplished something they’re proud of, but what does Paul say in Romans 12:3? “For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
Paul goes on to make a comparison in verses 4-5 to the human body saying, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Each function of the human body works together, big or small, just as we should do as members of the body of Christ.
Our sense of purpose in this world also comes from what God has given us. As Christians, we are called accordingly to serve the Lord and “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” (Romans 12:6) God’s gifts are for building up his church. Therefore, it makes sense that we all have different gifts. There is no room for arrogance in the body of Christ; everything we have comes from God, so we cannot be boastful of our gifts and talents. Anything at all that we accomplish, big or small, is because of him and not of our own doing.
Dear Lord, thank you for the many gifts you have bestowed upon us. Help us to value one another’s gifts and work together as one body in Christ and to seek ways to serve others with what you have given us. Amen.
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16) – August 23, 2026
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
- Romans 12:3-5 –
There’s a memorable quote by Margaret Thatcher in which she observes, “Power is like being a lady... if you have to tell people you are, you aren't.” This quote cuts to the heart of when people think too highly of themselves. Know anyone like this? It's natural for people to pride themselves on when they’ve accomplished something they’re proud of, but what does Paul say in Romans 12:3? “For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
Paul goes on to make a comparison in verses 4-5 to the human body saying, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Each function of the human body works together, big or small, just as we should do as members of the body of Christ.
Our sense of purpose in this world also comes from what God has given us. As Christians, we are called accordingly to serve the Lord and “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” (Romans 12:6) God’s gifts are for building up his church. Therefore, it makes sense that we all have different gifts. There is no room for arrogance in the body of Christ; everything we have comes from God, so we cannot be boastful of our gifts and talents. Anything at all that we accomplish, big or small, is because of him and not of our own doing.
Dear Lord, thank you for the many gifts you have bestowed upon us. Help us to value one another’s gifts and work together as one body in Christ and to seek ways to serve others with what you have given us. Amen.
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17) – August 30, 2026
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.’”
- Matthew 16:24-25–
Dietrich Bonhoeffer is well-known among many Lutherans.  He was a German-Lutheran pastor and theologian, who died at the hands of Nazis in Germany during World War II. Before his death, Bonhoeffer wrote his work “Cost of Discipleship.” He writes how Christians today have taken advantage of God’s grace, referring to it as “cheap grace.” He says, “Cheap grace means the justification of sin without the justification of the sinner. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”
God’s grace came at an expensive price: the life his only son Jesus Christ. So often we lose sight of the great cost our God paid on our behalf. So often we want to water down God’s grace, making it more palatable. Discipleship, following Jesus, is not easy. It is a life of sacrifice, and Jesus doesn’t try to pretend that it’s going to be easy for us. His words are plain and simple: deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me.  
We are tempted to tell ourselves that it’s ok to miss worship because God will understand; he will forgive us. We want to sweep our sin under the rug and pretend it’s not there. What’s the harm, really? The harm is huge! When we treat God’s amazing gift of grace so frivolously, not only do we diminish the depth of God’s love for us, but we also avoid any form of repentance. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness of our sins. And so ultimately, we have put ourselves in a dangerous position.
God has called us to follow him in every way. We are called to act out of love and compassion for our neighbor. We are called to forgive one another as God forgives us through the sacrifice of Jesus. We are called to make sacrifices in order to make God a priority in our lives. In the moment it might seem difficult, but as Dietrich Bonhoeffer also says, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. It may be a death like that of the first disciples who had to leave home and work to follow Him, but cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17) – August 30, 2026
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.’”
- Matthew 16:24-25–
Dietrich Bonhoeffer is well-known among many Lutherans.  He was a German-Lutheran pastor and theologian, who died at the hands of Nazis in Germany during World War II. Before his death, Bonhoeffer wrote his work “Cost of Discipleship.” He writes how Christians today have taken advantage of God’s grace, referring to it as “cheap grace.” He says, “Cheap grace means the justification of sin without the justification of the sinner. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”
God’s grace came at an expensive price: the life his only son Jesus Christ. So often we lose sight of the great cost our God paid on our behalf. So often we want to water down God’s grace, making it more palatable. Discipleship, following Jesus, is not easy. It is a life of sacrifice, and Jesus doesn’t try to pretend that it’s going to be easy for us. His words are plain and simple: deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me.  
We are tempted to tell ourselves that it’s ok to miss worship because God will understand; he will forgive us. We want to sweep our sin under the rug and pretend it’s not there. What’s the harm, really? The harm is huge! When we treat God’s amazing gift of grace so frivolously, not only do we diminish the depth of God’s love for us, but we also avoid any form of repentance. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness of our sins. And so ultimately, we have put ourselves in a dangerous position.
God has called us to follow him in every way. We are called to act out of love and compassion for our neighbor. We are called to forgive one another as God forgives us through the sacrifice of Jesus. We are called to make sacrifices in order to make God a priority in our lives. In the moment it might seem difficult, but as Dietrich Bonhoeffer also says, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. It may be a death like that of the first disciples who had to leave home and work to follow Him, but cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”