Not Orphaned “I will not leave you orphaned,” Jesus promises us in today’s gospel. God is not some ruthless heavenly spectator judging us as on reality television, relishing our failures, wishing to exchange us for a better or more attractive child, no curmudgeonly “Daddy Warbucks” in the sky. Rather, God...
As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. As First Peter reminds us, we are a holy people,...
This is a special musical performance by the Joyful Noise Childrens’ Choir of He Knows My Name by Walker.
This is a special musical performance by the Joyful Noise Childrens’ Choir of Tree Song by Ken Medema.
An Abundant Life Abundant life is promised to those who follow Jesus. But what is meant by abundant life? Some Christians, and much of contemporary American culture, interpret an abundant life to mean the “good life” of many fine things, an opulent lifestyle. Much of our economy and leisure time...
This is a special musical performance of Run, Mary Run by the Faith Lutheran Chancel Choir.
Change of Heart The people who hear Peter’s testimony and preaching are cut to the heart. The writer of 1 Peter instructs believers to love deeply from the heart. The disciples who encounter the risen Christ notice afterward that their hearts were “burning” within them as Jesus reveals the scriptures and...
This is a special musical performance of I am sending you by Mary McDonald performed by the Chancel Choir at Faith Lutheran Church in Okemos, Michigan.
This is a special performance by the Faith Lutheran Chancel Choir of the Easter Echo Carol with brass quartet members: Sho Dembinski, Shannon Sheldrick on Trumpet and Drew Kilpela and Kyle Tilstra on Trombone.
The Service of Tenebrae has a rich tradition in the church dating back to the eight century. Tenebrae is a word derived from Latin meaning “darkness.” Through word and music, this service dramatizes the suffering, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. As the service moves from light into darkness, the...