Sermons from Upper Dublin Lutheran Church

Pastor Keith reflects on what how his recent binge watching of Game of Thrones sheds light on Abraham and Sarah's long wait and for a promised heir, and their model of faith for those that wait (Genesis 15 and Hebrews 11).

With inspiration from Pokemon Go, Virtual Reality, Ready Player One, the RNC and DNC conventions, and It's a Wonderful Life, Pastor Keith talks about how Jesus and the Bible help us distinguish between what is real and what is virtual in our lives.

Pastor Lawlor reflects on Abraham's example of showing hospitality to strangers (Genesis 18. )and not fearing " the other".

Pastor Keith responds to this week's news of the deaths of Alton Sterling Philando Castile, and the five Dallas police officers through the parable of the Good Samaritan, which calls us to be better neighbors and widen our circles of concern especially across and amidst difference.

Pastor Keith Anderson preaches about perseverance using the example of the prophet Elijah and remembering St. Paul's call: “Do not grow weary in doing what is right. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people."

Pastor Lawlor encourages (us after horrific Orlando shooting), to show neighbor love and honor especially to those who are different from us, culturally, racially, socio-economically. By this, we "regain a sense of paradise" and wholeness in our broken world.

Pastor Lawlor asks the congregation on Confirmation Sunday! A portion of our 15 teenagers' thoughtful and mature responses are shared from their Faith Statements. What is their image of God? How do they intend to continue in the faith now? Good stuff that gives great hope for the next generation's ability to lead our Christian mission NOW!...

Pastor Keith Anderson preaches on women disciples who were among Jesus' followers and Jesus' amazing way of hearing and sharing the stories of those whose stories often go unheard.

Pastor Keith Anderson reflects on the healing of centurion's slave and how the story and Jesus resist the kind of typecasting and stereotyping that harm our relationships and communities.

Pastor Dyan tackles the difficult doctrine of the "Trinity" by using creative characters from a popular novel, "The Shack", and adds insights from her recent trip to Atlanta.

Pastor Lawlor discusses Jesus' "mothering style" prayer from John 17:20-26...for his disciples then and all of us centuries later. Others will come to know God by how inclusively and graciously we love our neighbor! A timely reminder in our increasingly divided and angry world.

Field Ed Student Dan Potaznick preaches that the Holy Spirit is God working through us in the Kingdom here and now. What does that look like in a world that seems so broken? Jesus offers us a tool on our search, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Pastor Keith Anderson preaches on the experience of the earliest Christians in the Book of Acts, as they and we come to terms with the resurrection, what it means to be people of God, and who belongs. Spoiler alert: Everybody.

Pastor Dyan reviews beautiful story of the Risen Jesus cooking breakfast on the beach for his surprised disciples. He turns Peter's denials of him into a calling to build his church-- Similarly, he accepts us all, broken and uncertain of how to serve him and says " just follow me " and I will show you the path to abundant new life!

Noting the record popularity of dystopian stories like The Hunger Games, Divergent, Mad Max, Maze Runner, and more, Pastor Keith Anderson reflects on the dystopian nature of the first Easter and our present reality, where Empire and Easter collide.

Pastor Dyan asks quiz questions on the background of Palm Sunday! She encourages us to read the entire Passion story this week with family together --(children and grandchildren)

Dan Potaznick preaches that our life transitions, or bridges, can be gradual or sudden. Whether starting a new job, moving to a new city, or facing the death of a loved one, change is always difficult. Where is God as we cross life's bridges?

Youth Sunday preacher Madison Fink reflects on the story of the prodigal son in light of her experience of being a teaching assistant.

Youth Sunday preacher Catherine McInerney reflects on the story of the prodigal son.

Reflecting on the parable in Luke 15 of the gardner interceding for the barren fig tree, Pastor Anderson talks about how God intercedes for us, loves us, and forgives us—and the challenge of loving and forgiving ourselves. With inspiration from Shea Glover's viral video about people reacting to being called beautiful.

In Luke's gospel, Pastor Lawlor explores Jesus' feminine self-image as a mother hen gathering her chicks (us)underwing. Many refuse to be gathered under his care and are challenged to examine our busy lives and come home again to God this Lent!

When Jesus was tempted during his 40 days in the wilderness, he used Bible verses to overcome. Sharing his own practice of saving Bible verses, Pastor Keith Anderson encourages us to re-engage the Bible during Lent and to choose a Bible verse that speaks to us. Share yours on our Facebook page: facebook.com/upperdublinlutheran