SJLC Sermons

This Sunday, Pastor Rhodes explores a very familiar parable of a sower and the seed (Matthew 13). There’s a critical problem with the story, unfortunately — a problem that might help us face the challenges of today. Join us online or live for this timely message.

Jesus makes a two part invitation in Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 to a fuller life in Christ. This Sunday, Pastor Laura will help breakdown the familiar verse so that we can follow Jesus more fully.

Join us for our online Celebration of Liberty service this Sunday at 11 am. You’ll enjoy dramatic readings, special music by Alex Yost, a team of vocalists guiding us through some of our favorite hymns, and a special message by Pastor Rhodes titled, “What does it really mean to be free?”

From the moment we are born, we learn to fear the world around us. Fear becomes the driving force of many of our decisions, our economy, and our politics. How do we live into Jesus‘ command to “have no fear“?   Join us this Sunday, as we dive into that very question.   +Pastor Rhodes

Is the glass half empty or half full? Sometimes, we get stuck in the negative. Jesus has a different idea for us. This Sunday, we will take a look at Matthew 9:35-10:8, focusing in on the harvest. Come hear the Good News of God’s kingdom and change the way you look at the world.   

This Sunday in worship, we join together with a variety of community leaders and our own presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, in praying for peace and God’s presence in these challenging times. We know you will be encouraged and blessed as we lean into God, our hope and our strength. Join us.   Pastor Rhodes

We began this week with unsettling images of police violence and reactive protests around the country. The story of Pentecost is unsettling, too, as an unexpected and mighty wind blew through Jerusalem. Pastor Rhodes explores how this 2000-year-old story powerfully impacts us even now.

Our reading this Sunday is particularly interesting, as Peter asks “Now what? What does it look like to live the life of Christ?” The disciples stood on the mountain that day gazing into heaven, surely wondering “Now what?” Do you wonder the same thing every now and then? I do. Let’s explore that question together in worship this Sunday.      

This Sunday, our sermon continues our look at 1 Peter 3:8-22.   What gives us the strength to continue to live a holy life even in the midst of suffering and adversity? How can we live up to the sometimes unreachable standard that Jesus laid out for us? Hint: It has to do with water and babies.   Come hear how our baptism is foundational for our life in Christ, even those unreachable standard!

This week we’ll continue our journey through 1 Peter, focusing on the phrase, ”let yourselves be built into a spiritual house.”   How can we take advantage of this unusual time period? One idea: focus on the things that matter. It just might end up being the most important time of your life.  .   

Cabin fever. You know what I mean by that, right? Over the next four weeks, we are going to dive into 1 Peter, a brilliant, short letter written to people who were struggling for one reason or another. The question they ask is one that’s perfect for us, as well: How can we be holy people despite our suffering?     

“But we had hoped...”   The Easter season brings with it raw and real stories of people just like you and me trying to make sense of what a resurrected Jesus means for the world. We learn this week in our Gospel that a resurrected Jesus means we do not walk alone. It makes us ask the questions, “Are we able to recognize Jesus beside of us?”  

This week we encounter the story of Thomas who, a week after Jesus resurrection, was still doubtful that it ever happened. The exchange between the two is fascinating … and does it make us think that maybe Jesus doesn’t see doubt as a distraction, but as an essential part of our faith journey. 

This Easter Sunday Morning, We join Pastor Rhodes in celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Our Gospel reading comes from John 20:1-18.

Pastor Rhodes and Pastor Laura lead us through Palm Sunday in this Narrative based worship service. This week is special because we are featuring the full service and not just the sermon. Enjoy our walk through the streets of Jerusalem as we enter Holy Week.

Pastor Rhodes addresses the toughest “forgiveness story” of them all: when Jesus is on the cross and says, “Father, forgive them.” How are we to imitate such an extreme act of forgiveness?

 Pastor Laura continues our lenten sermon series on "forgiveness". This week we focus in on Jesus' sayings about loving and praying for your enemy.

Pastor Rhodes continues our series titled Forgiveness: the most beautiful word. Using a classic text from 2 Corinthians 5, he explores the distinction between reconciliation and forgiveness, and why understanding both can make all the difference in the world.

 Slapped across our identity is the word “forgiven.” Think about that for a moment. “Forgiven” isn’t something you earn; it’s something you are. Pastor Rhodes explores how our identify as God’s forgiven children compels us to respond in our daily lives. Matthew 18:21-35

 “He doesn’t deserve to be forgiven.” Have you ever said or thought that about someone? Jesus addresses this very question in the story of a woman caught in adultery, found in John 8. Pastor Laura explores how judgment stands in the way of forgiveness.