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Third Sunday after Epiphany January 25, 2015 Mark 1:14-20 Peder Stenslie In today’s gospel lesson, Mark tells the story of the calling of the disciples Andrew, Peter, James and John.  He has a rather peculiar way of telling the story.  It is extremely brief.  It races through a very critical and intriguing moment in Jesus’ ministry at a breathless pace.  With two simple sentences he relates each set of brothers’ stories.  Jesus tells them to follow him… and they leave everything... more»

“Each and every one of us can claim the very identity that Jesus claims: we are sons and daughters of the one true living God. We are the children of God, and that is what defines us.” † Sarah Stansfield, intern Wartburg Theological Seminary John 1:43-51 Grace and Peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen. Today’s Gospel text, albeit short, contains some interesting lessons for us as a church today. While at surface value, this text seems to be... more»

The Baptism of our Lord January 11, 2015 Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 Peder Stenslie The mystery of the power of God.  That is what is at the heart of today’s lessons and theme. Our world is full of mysteries… for those who have the eyes and the opportunity to see them.  There’s the mystery of the power of love… the miracle of growth… the mystery of change.  There’s the wonder of the workings of the human body… and the incomprehensible vastness of space.  There’s... more»

Christmas 1; Year B, 2014 Isaiah 61.10-62.3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4.4-7; Luke 2.22-40 Pastor Renee Splichal Larson   Grace to you and peace to you from the One who is salvation, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. Since I was nine years old my family and I have rented the same lake cabin in Minnesota for one week every summer.  It’s one of the dirtiest and most simple little lake cabins I have ever seen: no TV, no air conditioning, mismatched furniture, leaky faucets, a bathroom that is... more»