St. Paul Podcast

Katy Warren preaches on Mark Chapter 10 beginning with verse 35. Pastor Katy reflects on the thought that if Jesus is the answer, what is the question? Is it your search for peace, hope, meaning, and purpose? Or is it possible that Jesus is the question and we become part of the answer? What does God hope for my life? Micah’s Song Text: Micah 6:8 Music: Bill Campbell © 1999 Bill Campbell. Used wit...

Peter W. Marty preaches on St. Mark’s Gospel Chapter 10. We can have huge resources but can be missing something vitally in us. What about the things we cannot buy? You cannot buy more time, you can’t buy your way out of shame or loneliness. The richest things in life have nothing to do with money.  All My Hope on God Is Founded Text: Joachim Neander, 1650-1680; para. Robert Bridges, 1844-1930, al...

Katy Warren preaches about the story of Job and bad days. Sometimes there is no justification as to why sometimes we have bad days. “Who has decided to walk beside us in the darkest of valleys?” On days when it is difficult to find something good, the sharing of gratitude lifts our spirits, focusing on those that bring us joy even during terrible, horrible, no good days.  God, When Human Bonds are...

There are few things in our lives that hold more power than words. The conversations we share, the stories we tell, and the ideas we express all influence our sense of being and belonging. The Book of James invites us to consider how our words shape our sense of community and faith - and pushes us to ponder the power of prayer. Megan Eide preaching. James 5:13-17 Hold Us Together: Words & Musi...

There is something very human about our desire to measure ourselves against other people. To compare and compete, to see who's bigger, better, best. Jesus' friends had their own debates about who was the greatest. And in response, Jesus does something pretty surprising. Pastor Sara Olson-Smith preaches on how Jesus turns our competing, our comparing - everything - upside down. Mark 9: 30...

The mouth figures prominently in scripture as the organ with which we sing, praise, and bless God. In this episode, Peter W. Marty looks at our individual capacity to speak such kind and blessed words on the one hand, and such cruel or mistaken words on the other -- and how difficult it is to take back our words. James 3:1-5a, 9-11. Give Me Your Eyes Words & Music by Jason Ingram and Brandon H...

When it comes to preferences, think about all the things you favor in a given day. Pastor Katy Warren preaches that when it comes to matters of faith, the Letter of James has some different thoughts on showing favoritism. Our task as Christians is to show compassion in intentional ways and share God's love and care for all people -- particularly those left out on the margins. Preaching text:...

Pastor Peter W. Marty preaches on the importance of commandments and their interpretation - especially to a religious and moral life. Living out God's commandments in thoughtful ways is basic to walking and talking with God. Deuteronomy 4:1-9 Everlasting God Words & Music by Brenton Brown & Ken Riley, © 2005 Thankyou Music. Used With Permission. CCLI License #2900188

Pastor Sara Olson-Smith preaches on moving and living with intention to make us come alive with meaning, purpose, and joy. As the school year begins, we have a new beginning to step back and ask ourselves, “Who are we going to be this fall? What will be our priorities?” Choose today who you will serve.   To Be Your Presence Text: Delores Dufner Music: Charles V. Stanford. Text © 2000 GIA Publicati...

Pastor Peter A. Pettit preaches John 6:51-59. The first of seven “I am” sayings and how God relates to the world and people through Jesus. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.”  10,000 Reasons Words and Music by Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman © 2011 Atlas Music; Said and Done Music; Sixsteps Music; ThankYou Music. Used with permission. CCLI License #2900188

Pastor Peter W. Marty preaches on character and personality. You are not your reputation, your possessions, or your skill set but are in fact your character. Walking in God’s ways means what we do in the name of God in regards to our character.   Words & Music by Neil Robins © 2009 Sojourn Community Church. Used with permission. CCLI License #2900188.

Pastor Sara Olson-Smith preaches on growth during the Season after Pentecost. We are a forest of faith that helps nurture us and grow into a deeper love of God and each other. Diversity is our greatest superpower to growth. We All Are One in Mission  Text: Rusty Edwards, b. 1955; Music: Finnish folk tune; arr. hymnal version. Text © 1986 Hope Publishing Company; Arr. © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. All...

During the Season after Pentecost, Pastor Peter W. Marty preaches on hunger and the anxieties surrounding scarcity with a reading from 2 Kings 4:42-44. “Wherever there is plenty of God in your life, there is plenty of everything else. And wherever this is a shortage of God in your life, you can expect other things to be missing as well.” River of Mercy Words and Music by Paul Frantsen © 1998 Cross...

During the Season after Pentecost, Pastor Katy Warren preaches on resetting your life through the words of Mark. At some point, everyone is in need of a reset in our lives, to discover God’s grace, love, and compassion. Music by Chris Nelson and an original piece by Bill Campbell with Open Spirit.   Garden of My Soul Music by Bill Campbell, Music by Bill & Michelle Campbell. © 1999 by William...

In Pastor Hayden’s final service, he talks about what makes an experience formative. Hayden speaks about his experiences over the last two years in the pastoral residency program at St. Paul. Hayden gives his farewell to the congregation. Music from Chris Nelson, Bill Campbell, and Open Spirit.  ELW 769 If You But Trust in God to Guide You Text: Georg Neumark; Music: Georg Neumark; Text © 1978, 20...

Season after Pentecost, Katy Warren preaches during the concluding online worship service. God’s love shows up, again and again, every morning without fail. This scripture addresses those who are looking for some sense of peace and God’s constant goodness among us. We meet and share the peace with some new friends during the Children’s Message. All Who Are Thirsty (first used 8/2/20) Words and Mus...

During the Season after Pentecost, Pastor Peter W. Marty preaches on weathering storms and approaching each other just as we are. God leads us into storms and also through the still waters of life. Pastor Hayden’s children’s message describes what items make us feel safe, protected, and peaceful during a storm and throughout the storms in our lives.

During the Season after Pentecost, Peter W. Marty preaches on how we unintentionally see the world through our own experiences which can sometimes lead to selfishness. Paul says we can see the world through our own perspective or we can see the world through the perspective of Jesus Christ so we can experience a more beautiful existence. Andy and Haley join for the Children’s Message to make old t...

Pastor Hayden Kvamme preaches on the Apostle Paul and resurrection moments in our lives and what makes life good even during our darkest times. Pastor Hayden likens this scripture to us having an emergency contact we would entrust our lives to in difficult times. Pastor Sara tries to pack a few special items to take on her trip.  Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord Words & Music by Paul Baloche ©...

Season after Pentecost, Pastor Peter W. Marty preaches on Moses and the ten commandments. We reflect on the word Sabbath and the importance of rest. Pastor Hayden Kvamme shares a message with the kids on seeing things through other people’s eyes. Give Me Your Eyes Words & Music by Jason Ingram and Brandon Heath © 2007 All Essential Music | Peertunes | Ltd. Windsor Way Music | Sitka 6 Music. Us...

On the Day of Pentecost, Pastor Sara Olson-Smith preaches on Romans Chapter 8 about The Holy Spirit and expanding our metaphors for the Holy Spirit. “This spirit knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God.” Chris Nelson takes Peter Marty on a tour of the organ. Musical performances by the St. Paul Chorale, Music Staff, Open Spirit, and...

On the seventh Sunday of Easter, Peter A. Pettit preaches. "Your blessing, O Lord, is in your very name, your name above all other names. Your name speaks mercy, grace, and compassion into our lives." The Chorale sings.

On the sixth Sunday of Easter, Peter W. Marty preaches on the Scripture of John regarding love and friendship. A very special goodbye to our wonderful Destiny Ellingsworth. The children and youth choirs sing. Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!     Paul Manz © 1974, 1990, and 2011 Birnamwood Publications. Used by permission under OneLicense #A-710534. All rights reserved Everybody Praise Him...

On the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Hayden Kvamme preaches. "May your whole life be nurtured and filled by the resurrection joy of Jesus our Lord, and may God's blessing bear much fruit in every encounter into which the Spirit leads you. Amen." Garden of My Soul Words by Michelle Campbell & William Campbell Music by William Campbell © 2000 by William Campbell Music ELW #377 Alleluia!...

On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Pastor Sara Olson-Smith preaches. "As you step with courage into these new days- go in the care and keeping our Good Shepherd, who came that you might have life and have it abundantly, and who might just lead you into amazing and unexpected relationships. And May God, our Creator, Savior, and Spirit, bless you today and forever. Amen." Savior, like a Sheph...