SJLC Sermons

{astor Rhodes and Pastor Laura talk with us about the meaning and history  of Chrismons and some of the favorites.

December 24th- Christmas Eve Sermon 

Pastor Laura preaches on Luke 1:39-56 and the beautiful relationship of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her cousin, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.

“Joseph was a righteous man” (Matthew 1:19). There’s so little we know about Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. But this one verse — this one word — might be all we need to know. How might Joseph be a model for our journey to Bethlehem? That’s what Pastor Rhodes unpacks in this week’s sermon.

  It seems odd to preach a sermon about John the Baptist 3 weeks before Christmas. He wasn’t even there that first Christmas night! But John’s message invites us into a different way of preparing for Christmas. “Prepare the way for the Lord. Make your hearts ready for him. Straighten the crooked paths of this world, loose the bonds that hold people back, proclaim the Good News far and wide.” In th...

Advent has begun and Pastor Laura asked the question, “What are you longing for?”

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Rhodes lifts up St. Paul’s call for us to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). It’s interesting that he doesn’t say “rejoice when you have something to rejoice” but to “rejoice … always.” Is that possible? That’s what we’ll be focusing on this Thanksgiving Sunday. 

In this Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Rhodes tackles the Parable of the Talents. You might be surprised at how valuable a single talent is … but you should never be surprised at the incredible value of God’s great gift of grace. 

Pastor Laura explores what faithful and active readiness means as we await God’s kingdom. 

“Present.” During the All Saints Litany, names will be read of those St. John’s members who have died since last All Saints Day. As each name is read, the congregation whispers “present.” The tradition dates to Nicaragua in the 1980s when the political revolution led to the deaths of many Christians. In worship the names of the dead would be voiced and the congregation would say with one voice, “p...

Pastor Rhodes speaks on Martin Luther and the Reformation, but also challenges us to be giants in our own circles.

Guest Pastor Emily Norris explores Matthew 22:15-22 and the idea of being citizens of the world and of God’s kingdom.

This consecration Sunday we welcome Bishop Tim Smith. Bishop Smith  grew up in St. John's and is currently the Bishop of the North Carolina Synod of the ELCA. Bishop Smith preaches from Matthew 22:1-14 and talks to us about how do we respond? In our stubborn corkiness or rejoicing in joyful effervescence. 

This Sunday, we took a dive into one of those Jesus-stories that’s just, well, doggone tricky. It’s often called the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (from Matthew 21), but Pastor Rhodes renames it the Parable of Me, a Laborer in the Vineyard. In this sermon, we uncover some core truths about God and about ourselves.

Sometimes our priorities get messed up in the hustle and bustle of life. This week, Pastor Laura will use Jesus’ encounter with the money changers in the Temple to ask the question, “How do we prioritize and make room for God in our lives?”

What are three of the most-used words in the English language? “I love you”? Maybe … but probably, “That’s not fair!” This Sunday, Pastor Rhodes takes an honest look at how fairness is addressed in the Bible and the devastating affect it can have on our relationships if we’re not careful. Join us this Sunday for powerful worship, beautiful music, and an abundance of God’s amazing grace.    

We celebrate the First Communion of ten this Sunday. Pastor Laura will focus on meals that Jesus shared during his life and ministry as we meet Jesus through the simplicity of bread and wine. 

“And a little child will lead them.” It’s as beautiful a phrase as there is in scripture ... but are we ready to turn it all over to children? What might Jesus mean? Come to worship this Sunday for an inspiring message, encouraging music, and a time to pray for all of God’s creation. Join us!   +Pastor Rhodes

After a week of stress and challenge, we’re eager to share with you a message of hope. Join us in worship this week as we do just that — with special music from Hannah Adair, a powerful reading from Roger Alexander, and a sermon that looks carefully at what it means to be a ROCK, not a stumbling block. Join us!   +Pastor Rhodes

We have all been given a name, and throughout our lives, we are given a couple more. Why are names so important? This week, Pastor Laura looks at Matthew 16:13-20 to explore what Jesus’ name and identity mean to us today.

It’s training camp season for football and for disciples. And the first place Jesus takes them is ...... enemy territory. What’s up with that? Join us this Sunday for inspiring worship, beautiful music, and a message that will bring you hope and courage.   +Pastor Rhodes

Have you ever been knocked to the ground? Sure you have. What gave you the courage to stand up again? This week in worship, we hear the story of Peter who collapsed into the stormy waters faithlessness. What gave him the courage to stand up again? Join us this Sunday for inspiring music, powerful prayer, and a story that will give you reason to hope again.    +Pastor Rhodes

This Sunday, we honor our high school Class of 2020 with song, prayer, and one of the most familiar stories in scripture: when Jesus feeds 5000 with five loaves and two fish. What seems so little becomes so much. Hmmm, I wonder what our grads — and all of us — can learn from that beautiful lesson? Hope you’ll join us!    +Pastor Rhodes

What is the kingdom of God like? This week, we will discover new words for the way God is at work in the world ... and it might just look like a post-it note!   This week Pastor Danielle DeNise will be returning as our guest preaching pastor.

This Sunday, join Pastor Danielle DeNise, as we explore the reality that weeds grow – why can’t God give us a garden without them? What are the weeds in your life that are choking out God’s abundant life? Where is life thriving?