Sermons from Upper Dublin Lutheran Church

Pastor Dyan reflects on sudden death of a young friend on Ash Wednesday, as this poignant day's refrain is"Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return." She challenges us not to take our baptismal promisesfor granted, but rather intensify our spiritual habits these 40 days.

Reflecting on Jesus' controversial first sermon in his hometown of Nazareth, Pastor Keith Anderson reflects on the power and vulnerability of preaching, and embracing the Jesus that sometimes bothers, frustrates, pesters, and angers us.

Jesus returns to his hometown pulpit to read from the prophet Isaiah. He surprises many with his boldness. Pastor Lawlorreminds us that we need to re-visit and re-examine what we believe from time to time-- and what God is calling us to do!

Pastor Keith Anderson preaches about Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana, and reflects on how God is continually turning our water—our brokenness, despair, worry, sadness, and grief—into new life.

Pastor Keith Anderson reflects on the power and beauty words spoken to Jesus at his baptism and at ours: "You are my child, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased."They are words that can change or save a life.

Pastor Dyan challenges us to resolve to be the "light no darkness can overcome" this year."..Follow Jesus' example in John 1 and "move into the neighborhood" of those in need physically or spiritually

Pastor Lawlor describes the "second best" love story ever told" with some insights by Minnesota's radio storyteller, Garrison Keillor

Pastor Keith Anderson reflects on the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, who were both miraculously pregnant and share both the joy and the apprehension that expecting a new baby can bring. He says we experience those same emotions as we celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas.

Simple everyday behaviors to a new kind of life.

In this sermon for Advent 2, Pastor Keith Anderson reflects on his cabbie grandfather's ability to always find the way home and John the Baptist's call to prepare the way as we await the birth of Jesus.

Storms in our lives can show up suddenly and with a variety of magnitudes, but time and time again we can feel stranded with the wind swirling around us. Through the lens of Luke this first week of Advent, we dive into the questions of where exactly is God in the storms of life, and where is the hope when the clouds get too thick? Preached by field education student, Dan Potaznick.

Pastor Dyan addresses our natural inclinations following terrorist attacks in Paris and Mali- on Christ the King Sunday-- She reminds us Christ comes to free us from fears, and empowers us to reach out to those in need, despite the cost to ourselves.

Stewardship Co-Chair reflects on our giving

Pastor Keith shares his experiences touring Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies, as a metaphor for the life of the church and how we support it.

" Pastor Lawlor kicks off the Stewardship theme for 2015, "It's a Celebration not an Obligation" by challenging the congregation to try a tithe (10%) . Based on the lesson from 2 Cor. 8:1-11...the new converts to the church Paul founded, "first gave themselves to the Lord," and were eager to participate in the Jerusalem offering for the poor. We are wired to share, an...

Pastor Keith Anderson reflects on what the saints in our lives, both living and those who have passed, have to teach us about living well.

The Rev. Dr. David Lose, President of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia preaches for Reformation Sunday

Dan Potaznick

Drawing on archeology of the Ancient Near East, Pastor Keith explains that when the prophet Amos calls us to "Have evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate" he means for us to establish justice and equity in the public squares of our time.

Pastor Lawlor revisits the joy and unity that Pope Francis' visit and outreach to the poor and marginalized brought to Philadelphia- She also and recommends we as Christians, on world-wide communion sunday, embrace diversity in unity to enrich our community...The African saying, "UBUNTU" illustrates that dream, ...It means, "how can we be happy when others are sad?" or ......

Pastor Keith Anderson preaches on how God's grace happens in unexpected ways and through unlikely people—inspired by Nadia Bolz-Weber's book, Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People

Ever been too afraid to ask a question of clarification about class material or scriptures? Jesus encourages us all to show our dedication and commitment to serve him by freely ASKING questions about what we don't understand on our faith journey regardless of age or experience. (Congregation is given short modern parables to discuss together during the sermon and return with their insights!)

On Rally Day, Pastor Dyan uses an" unair-conditioned school bus metaphor" to help translate Jesus challenge to all disciples, "Who do YOU say that I am?" Do your priorities and life-style choices speak louder than your words of intention about following Christ?

"A refrigerator magnet quotations- re-frames the gospel- "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves." Based on the epistle of James, Pastor Lawlor encourages us to not just talk about our faith and love but risk embodying it in our speech, and daily example.

As Joshua called his community to re-dedicate themselves choosing to serve God in every aspect of their lives, so Pr. Dyan challenges us to claim the Lord as head of our households!