Spirit of Joy

In this episode, Dave talks about two disciples who meet the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus and only recognize Him in the breaking of the bread—a reminder that Jesus walks with us, even when we don't see Him.

In this episode, we reflect on Luke 24:1–12 , the powerful account of the empty tomb. As the women discover Jesus has risen, confusion turns to wonder and disbelief gives way to hope. Join us as we explore the first moments of the Resurrection and what it means for us today.

Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 19: 29-44, the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the message that we cannot earn God's favor, but we are invited to participate in what God is doing.

Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 18: 18-30, the story of the rich ruler, and the message of considering what we would give up to follow Christ.

Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 16: 19-31, the story of the rich man and Lazarus, and the message that we are invited to live for Jesus and to experience glimpses of heaven now.

Guest preacher Bekah Boatwright from Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp preaches on Luke 15: 1-32, the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal and his brother, and the message that God is with us no matter what chapter we are in.

Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 13: 1-9, 31-35 - the parable of the fig tree and the lament over Jerusalem - and shares the message that bad things do not happen to us as a result of some cosmic punishment for our actions. God knows our failings and still loves us unconditionally and offers us grace and redemption. Note: We do not have audio for Sunday, March 9, as the sermon did not record co...

Enjoy our moving last story of generosity and inspirational giving for our capital campaign: The Next 40 Years. This special story of invitation, welcome, and friendship comes from high school seniors and long-time Spirit of Joy members Allen Zwicke and Elijah Ryder. Listen to the end for a special outro from 10 year-old Elijah!

Pastor Dave Ryder preaches on Luke 9: 28-45, the story of the transfiguration of Jesus and his healing of a young boy with an unclean spirit. He discusses our fidelity to the way of the cross regardless of external circumstances.

We have been hearing different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from members of our community as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Our fifth Temple Talk comes from the F3 Generosity train and Jill Raney, who shares thoughts about the endless and unimaginable possibilities God provides.

Guest pastor Ron Bockhaus preaches on Luke 7: 36-50, the story of the sinful woman forgiven, and the message of examining our willingness to have compassion for those whom we may typically judge.

We have been hearing different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from members of our community as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Our fourth Temple Talk comes from Donna Walsh, who shares a thought-provoking and inspirational moment - about a sandwich, no less! - that changed the way she thought about giving.

Over the next few weeks, we will hear different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from our congregation during Sunday worship as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Our third Temple Talk comes from Rick Schleusener, who shares a moving and beautiful picture of his son, Christian, and Christian's experiences with Spirit of Joy.

Guest preacher Lauren Gouldey from Lutheran Campus Ministries (LuMin) preaches on Luke 5: 1-11, the story of Jesus calling the first disciples, and the message of honoring our call to spread love and healing in the name of Jesus.

Over the next several weeks, we will hear different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from our congregation during Sunday morning worship as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Our second Temple Talk comes from KarenAnn Weingartner, as she shares a life-changing and inspirational story of witnessing generosity.

Over the next six weeks, we will hear different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from our congregation during Sunday morning worship as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Enjoy this first Temple Talk from Zach Dickerhoff about his experiences with generosity and faith.

Pastor Dave Ryder preaches on Luke 6: 1-16, the declaration that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath and the story of the man with the withered hand, and the message that we are called to engage in a dynamic relationship with an incomprehensible God rather than follow a strict set of moral codes.

Pastor Dave Ryder preaches on Luke 4: 14-30, the sermon at Nazareth, and the message of the wideness of God's mercy and the call to engage in intentional relationships.

Pastor Dave Ryder preaches on Luke 3: 1-22, the story of the proclamation of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, and a discussion of how we are called to give with a joyful heart.

Pastor Dave Ryder preaches on Luke 2: 41-52, the story of the boy Jesus in the temple, and the message that we can know and love God without fully comprehending everything about him. Note: We did not have audio for Sunday, December 22, 2024 as the mics were not working properly that day. There was no message on Sunday, December 29, 2024, because we hosted our Lessons and Carols service. We apologi...

Pastor Dave Ryder preaches on Isaiah 61: 1-11, a passage about the good news of deliverance, and the message that restoration is coming in the birth of Christ and that we are called to be agents of hope as we wait. Note: Audio for the pastor's sermon on December 8 recorded incorrectly. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Pastor David Ryder preaches on Daniel 6: 6-27, the story of Daniel in the lions' den, and the message of remaining steadfast in faith despite external obstacles or threats.

Guest pastor Bekah Boatwright from Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp preaches on Jeremiah 36: 1-8, 21-23, and 27-28, the story of the scroll read in the temple, Jehoiakim's burning of the scroll, and Jeremiah's dictation of a second scroll, and the message that in our journeys with Christ, we may sometimes lead, follow, or be carried, but we are never alone.