Sermons

The wonder and glory of the Transfiguration wasn’t meant to just stay on the mountain. Our own mountaintop encounters with God restore our spirits and carry us through the valleys. Vicar Erik C. NelsonFebruary 15, 2026Texts: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the…

You are salt; you are light; you are God’s heart. Don’t be afraid, and be who you are, for the sake of the world. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Lect. 5 ATexts: Matthew 5:13-20; Isaiah 58:1-12 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of…

Where you are right now in this world and all the turmoil: blessed are you, because that’s where God is, too. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, Lect. 4 ATexts: Matthew 5:1-12; Micah 6:1-8; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of…

You and I are called – the whole point of faith is that you and I go out as God’s love in the world, for the healing of all things. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Third Sunday after Epiphany, Lect. 3 ATexts: Matthew 4:12-23; Isaiah 9:1-4 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the…

The Holy Spirit descends and remains upon Christ at his baptism. In our sacramental lives and the life of our city, this pattern continues to this day. God is continually coming down to stay. Vicar Erik C. NelsonJanuary 18, 2026Texts: Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace…

You are called in baptism to be Christ’s light in the world, and you will be enough, with the help and grace of God. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Baptism of Our Lord, Lect. 1 ATexts: Isaiah 42:1-9; Matthew 3:13-17 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of…

God’s people have often lived in deep darkness, in the time of Herod, so our hope is their promise: God’s light still shines, and now in and through us. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Epiphany of Our LordTexts: Matthew 2:1-12; Isaiah 60:1-6 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father,…

Christ has made God’s heart known to us, so now you know, you see, and you can act as God’s beloved child in this world, for the healing of all things. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Second Sunday of Christmas, year ABCTexts: John 1:1-18; Ephesians 1:3-14 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the…

God’s way of making the world safe for children is to risk becoming a child and leading us into the way of peace. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe First Sunday of Christmas, year ATexts: Matthew 2:13-23 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and…

If you want to see what the Triune God is really like, look at Jesus. If you want to know what you could really look like, start there, too. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas DayTexts: Hebrews 1:1-4, John 1:1-14 (adding v. 18) (also referring to Luke 2:1-20 and other Scriptures) Beloved…

We’ve known for two millennia the kind of rule God intends to establish on this earth: a rule won heart by heart, in the most powerless places, until life is full and abundant for all. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas EveTexts: Luke 2:1-20 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace…

God needs you to incarnate God’s presence in your life, your love, no matter how small or unimportant you might feel you are. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Fourth Sunday of Advent, year ATexts: Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 7:10-16 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the +…

God comes to heal, not to destroy, and following the path of Christ is seeing and hearing that mercy and love, and then living it. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Third Sunday of Advent, year ATexts: Matthew 11:2-11; Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father,…

“No more of this!” Jesus’ way is love for enemies, healing of relationships, ending of violence and hatred. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Second Sunday of Advent, year ATexts: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of…

Wake up and be the Christ you are made to be, for the healing of the world. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe First Sunday of Advent, year ATexts: Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44; Isaiah 2:1-5 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the…

On Reign of Christ Sunday, the church considers what it means to follow a crucified king. Jesus rules from the cross, extending his mercy and compassion to all. As followers of Christ, we reject all forms of violence and instead go out to serve. Vicar Erik NelsonThe Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 23 CTexts: Jeremiah…

You and I may never make a measurable impact, be a visible success by the world’s standards, in serving Christ. But all we are called to be is faithful, and God gives us the strength we need. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 33 CTexts: Luke 21:5-19; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Beloved in…

See as Christ sees as blessed, not the world, and you will be. Act as Christ acts as holy, as you are set apart, and you will live as a saint. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenAll Saints Sunday, year CText: Luke 6:20-31 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father,…

Our readings for Reformation Sunday invite us to reconsider what Christian freedom is. When a Christian understands that they are freed from sin, lies, and other burdens, they become free to love and serve their neighbors with open hands. Vicar Erik NelsonReformation SundayTexts: John 8:31-36 Beloved in Christ, grace and peace to you in the…

God’s the one who needs to wrestle with you and me in prayer, to call us to do God’s justice in this world. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 29 CTexts: Genesis 32:22-31; Luke 18:1-8 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the…

All people and creatures are bound together in Christ in healing and life. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 28 CTexts: 2 Kings 5:1-15c; Luke 17:1-11 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen They…

Faithfulness, not faith, will be how you change the world in Christ. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 27 CTexts: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Luke 17:5-10 (with ref. to Matthew 8:23-27) Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the…

Jesus tells a powerful parable that leads us to reconsider our relationships to one another. Jesus’ image of the chasm speaks into our lives, as a terrifying symbol of all our divisions and separation. God’s Word reminds us that God desires to close the chasm, bringing reconciliation to the whole creation. Vicar Erik NelsonThe Thirteenth…

The Triune God loves you and welcomes you and invites you into the feast of love that is in God’s life. Come and see. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenFeast of St. Matthew, Apostle and EvangelistTexts: Matthew 9:9-13 (and referencing Matthew 11:2-6) Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and…

God’s only way is to draw you into the cross, to become that sacrificial, self-giving, non-violent, peacemaking, world changing love. And things will be healed. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenFeast of the Holy CrossTexts: 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; John 3:13-17; Numbers 21:4b-9 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and…

Jesus’ shocking command to “hate father and mother, spouse and children, siblings, yes, and even life itself,” stops us in our tracks. Christ’s words lead us to step back and reconsider our allegiances. Vicar Erik NelsonThe Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 23 CTexts: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; Philemon; Luke 14:25-33 Grace and peace to you…

Jesus’ admonition to humble ourselves is not only advice for gracious living. It encapsulates the entire gospel. The Rev. Beth Gaede, guest preacherThe Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 22 CText: Luke 14:1, 7-14 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the…

We can’t defend Christianity or Christians, or even God, with words; only by lives transformed by the Holy Spirit into Christly, self-giving love. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenSt. Bartholomew, ApostleTexts: John 1:43-51; Psalm 12; 1 Corinthians 12:27-31a (adding 31b and 13:1-3) Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and…

Following Christ is our path, trusting in God’s undying love, serving as Jesus taught, no matter what others bearing the name might say or do. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 20 CTexts: Luke 12:49-56; Psalm 82 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and…

Pentecost is our Annunciation, your call to let the Spirit fill you and transform you for the healing of the world. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenSt. Mary, the Mother of Our LordText: Luke 1:46-55 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the…

Don’t be afraid: God is pleased to give you the reign of God, here and in the world to come, for you and for all creatures and the creation. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 19 CTexts: Luke 12:32-40; Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace…

The grind and anxiety of modern life can make us as “What was it all for?” But our risen life in Christ leads us to contentment that leads to true joy. Vicar Natalie WusslerThe Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 18 CText: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23; Psalm 49:1-12; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21 Beloved in Christ, grace…

Trust in the goodness and mercy of God that you know, and live heart-to-heart with God, speaking your mind, listening, and expecting God to answer and change you and your life. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 17 CTexts: Genesis 18:20-32; Luke 11:1-13 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in…

Jesus helps us slow down and take a pause even when the world feels chaotic around us. Vicar Natalie SummervilleThe Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 16 CText: Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and…

The saints remind you that your path is your path, that Christ’s call to you is yours and no one else’s, and that you are called to follow Christ and care for God’s sheep in your way. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenSt. Peter and St. Paul, ApostlesText: John 21:15-19 (adding in 20-22) Beloved in Christ, grace…

Love doesn’t care about the ways we feel divided from our neighbors. Love goes to the hardest places and holds out a hand, and gets involved. Vicar Natalie SummervilleThe Second Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 12 CText: Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22:19-28; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name…

God has created us in the divine image, and that’s the truth about God we really want to focus on and know and live on this feast of the Holy Trinity. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Holy Trinity, year CTexts: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in…

The Holy Spirit is out of our control, and that’s the best news ever, because that means God’s love could actually bring about healing and hope for all. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Day of Pentecost, year CTexts: Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17, 25-27 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the…

Our oneness with the Triune God is known and seen in the love of the Triune God that we bear in the world. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Seventh Sunday of Easter, year CTexts: Acts 16:16-34 (also including Acts 16:11-15 from last week); John 17:20-26 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name…

Don’t look up hoping you’ll find Jesus in the last place you saw him. Look around, out, and in to the Holy Spirit sending you out to be Jesus in the world Vicar Natalie WusslerDay of AscensionText: Act 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the…

The Holy Spirit has a vocation to walk alongside you to help and assist you. And to do the same for the whole creation and all people. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Sixth Sunday of Easter, year CTexts: John 14:23-29, with references to Lamentations 3 and Romans 8 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace…

God’s love is so expansive it crosses borders we consider uncrossable, and that brings us and the world healing and life. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Fifth Sunday of Easter, year CTexts: Acts 11:1-18; John 13:31-35 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and…

Listen to the Shepherd’s voice and follow to life and joy. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Fourth Sunday of Easter, year CText: John 10:22-30; Acts 9:36-43 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen Why did the Christians at…

No matter what you think may disqualifies you from the risen life of Christ, God’s not done with you. Vicar Natalie WusslerThe Third Sunday of Easter, year CText: Act 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son,…

It is in scars that we know God’s love and are God’s love. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Second Sunday of Easter, year CText: John 20:19-31 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen Thomas understood all along. And…

Our hope in Christ’s resurrection is for this life, too – and brings healing and hope and life to our existence here. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Resurrection of Our Lord, year CTexts: Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Corinthians 15:19-26; Luke 24:1-12 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of…

You are known and given life in this resurrection, life for this world, life in the next. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Great Vigil of EasterText: John 20:1-18 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen The voice said…

Jesus’ death declares an end to violence, hatred, and power as the way to live in the world, bringing in a new age of God’s healing love. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenGood FridayTexts: Luke 22:51 (from Sunday’s Passion); Hebrews 10:16-25 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of…

Stay awake with Jesus in these Three Days, and learn to follow to the life God brings to you and to the world. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenMaundy ThursdayTexts: John 13:1-17, 31b-35; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; all seen through the lens of Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus in Gethsemane. Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the…

Midweek Lent, 2025 + Love Does No Wrong to a Neighbor + Week 5: Love does no wrong to a neighbor Pr. Joseph G. CrippenTexts: Romans 12:1-3, 13:8-10; John 8:2-11 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen…

God’s new way is one that will ultimately change you from within, into a new person. But you start with your perception of it, and take that first step. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Fifth Sunday in Lent, year CTexts: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the…