Season After Pentecost 2024 - St. Stephens Lutheran Church and School

Season After Pentecost Week 8: "One In Christ. One In Mission"

July 21, 2024 • Pastor Shea

We live in a divisive world. There are so many things that can divide us–political views, race, gender, age, fashion, media, and more. In Ephesians 2, Paul addresses this “wall of hostility”. The Good news is that through Jesus, the walls that divide us are toppled over, and Christ makes peace between nations and peoples by His own blood. Now we are one Body, one Church, united under one Lord. May God’s peace reign in our lives, breaking barriers, building bridges, and bringing hope to the world.

Season After Pentecost Week 8: "One In Christ. One in Mission"

July 21, 2024 • Pastor Shea

We live in a divisive world. There are so many things that can divide us–political views, race, gender, age, fashion, media, and more. In Ephesians 2, Paul addresses this “wall of hostility”. The Good news is that through Jesus, the walls that divide us are toppled over, and Christ makes peace between nations and peoples by His own blood. Now we are one Body, one Church, united under one Lord. May God’s peace reign in our lives, breaking barriers, building bridges, and bringing hope to the world.

Season After Pentecost Week 7

July 14, 2024 • Pastor Dave • Ephesians 1:6

We are often reminded that things in this life don’t last in this broken world. This includes everything from material things and earthly goods to health and well-being as age increases, to relationships we treasure, and ultimately mortality, which leads to death. Yet just as things in this world are temporary, we are pointed frequently to what is everlasting with joy. Adopted as God’s own children, we are given an eternal inheritance through the work of Jesus Christ. Amid the temporary things of this broken and sinful world, we keep our focus on Christ and the eternal blessings assured “to the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:6).

Season After Pentecost Week 7

July 14, 2024 • Pastor Dave • Ephesians 1:6

We are often reminded that things in this life don’t last in this broken world. This includes everything from material things and earthly goods to health and well-being as age increases, to relationships we treasure, and ultimately mortality, which leads to death. Yet just as things in this world are temporary, we are pointed frequently to what is everlasting with joy. Adopted as God’s own children, we are given an eternal inheritance through the work of Jesus Christ. Amid the temporary things of this broken and sinful world, we keep our focus on Christ and the eternal blessings assured “to the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:6).

Freedom Sunday

July 7, 2024 • Vicar Daniel • John 8:36

Jesus Christ came down from his throne to set us free from captivity. By His death and resurrection, we are now free from death, free from sin, and free to fight against Satan, himself. Jesus’ death and resurrection is our declaration of Independence. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Freedom Sunday

July 7, 2024 • Vicar Daniel • John 8:36

Jesus Christ came down from his throne to set us free from captivity. By His death and resurrection, we are now free from death, free from sin, and free to fight against Satan, himself. Jesus’ death and resurrection is our declaration of Independence. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Season After Pentecost Week 5

June 30, 2024 • Pastor Dave

There’s an old English proverb which states, “Good things come to those who wait.” Though a nice thought, there is no certainty in a made-up saying, plus it can be very challenging for us to wait for “good things” to happen. The Word of God, however, is always true, especially as we hear from the book of Lamentations: “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD” (3:25–26). May you be blessed even as you wait upon the Lord!

Season After Pentecost Week 5

June 30, 2024 • Pastor Dave

There’s an old English proverb which states, “Good things come to those who wait.” Though a nice thought, there is no certainty in a made-up saying, plus it can be very challenging for us to wait for “good things” to happen. The Word of God, however, is always true, especially as we hear from the book of Lamentations: “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD” (3:25–26). May you be blessed even as you wait upon the Lord!

Spiritual Power Up

June 23, 2024 • Pastor Shea

God calls us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Today, we’re going to talk about leveling up our faith. Just as in a video game where characters gain power and abilities as they progress, we, too, can grow stronger and more equipped in our spiritual lives. Join us this Sunday for a “Spiritual Power Up.”

Spiritual Power Up

June 23, 2024 • Pastor Shea

God calls us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Today, we’re going to talk about leveling up our faith. Just as in a video game where characters gain power and abilities as they progress, we, too, can grow stronger and more equipped in our spiritual lives. Join us this Sunday for a “Spiritual Power Up.”

Season After Pentecost Week 3

June 16, 2024 • Pastor Dave

God is always at work through His Word and by the Holy Spirit, and He also chooses to work through each of us! We can be certain that regardless of our circumstances, it is God who creates and renews faith - the faith that carries us through this world to the promise of everlasting life as we remain steadfast in connection with His mighty Word.

Season After Pentecost Week 3

June 16, 2024 • Pastor Dave

God is always at work through His Word and by the Holy Spirit, and He also chooses to work through each of us! We can be certain that regardless of our circumstances, it is God who creates and renews faith - the faith that carries us through this world to the promise of everlasting life as we remain steadfast in connection with His mighty Word.

Season After Pentecost Week 2

June 9, 2024 • Pastor Shea

Lord, reignite our hearts to have a passion for the gospel. Teach our church to share the gospel with others. Teach us to live as men and women who are true witnesses of the good news of Jesus Christ. Remind us of our purpose. Convict us of our purpose. Empower us to live our purpose. Here I am, Lord, send me in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Season After Pentecost Week 2

June 9, 2024 • Pastor Shea

Lord, reignite our hearts to have a passion for the gospel. Teach our church to share the gospel with others. Teach us to live as men and women who are true witnesses of the good news of Jesus Christ. Remind us of our purpose. Convict us of our purpose. Empower us to live our purpose. Here I am, Lord, send me in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Season After Pentecost Week 1

June 2, 2024 • Pastor Dave

When the disciples were accused of breaking the Sabbath, Jesus replied, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). The Law of God was given to describe a holy and healthy life, and to protect us from the brokenness of a self-centered life. None of us, because of our sinful condition, can keep the letter of the Law. This is not okay, but instead of sinking into either legalism or guilt, the Cross of Christ leads us back to a healthy relationship with God where by His grace, we are given a rest to restore us each week.