The Homily

This episode features Pastor Katie Elkin Ziehr, delivering a poignant message in celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th, 2026. At the heart of her homily lies the profound encounter between Jesus and the unnamed Samaritan woman at the well, exemplifying the transformative power of dialogue and invitation. Pastor Katie elucidates how this narrative serves as a model of evangelism, hi...

The homily delivered by Pastor Will Rose emphasizes the profound question posed by Jesus: "What are you looking for?" This inquiry serves as an invitation for individuals to reflect deeply on their spiritual journey and relationship with the Divine. Will elucidates that, akin to the first disciples, we are called to explore our own call stories and to discern where God is leading us. He articulate...

The homily delivered by Pastor Will Rose on January 11th, 2026, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, eloquently explores the profound significance of the Baptism of our Lord. At the heart of this message lies the assertion that Jesus's baptism is not merely a historical event, but a divine revelation of God's unconditional love and grace, as well as an invitation for us to recognize our own identities...

Pastor Will Rose's homily on this significant occasion of the 11th day of Christmas and Epiphany Sunday elucidates the profound tenet that God is a mystery, yet one that intimately desires relationship with humanity. He invites us to contemplate the celestial event of the Bethlehem star, exploring its theological implications and its connection to the Magi, whose recognition of Jesus as King chall...

Pastor Will Rose's homily, delivered on Christmas Eve at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, eloquently captures the essence of the Christmas narrative, emphasizing the profound significance of Christ's humble origins. The message elucidates how the birth of Jesus in a marginal setting serves as a poignant reminder of God's solidarity with the outcast and the marginalized. Through a careful examination...

This podcast episode centers on the poignant observance of the longest night of the year, which coincides with the third Sunday of Advent at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The service, led by Pastor Will Rose, provides a reflective space for congregants to acknowledge the complexities of the season, particularly the interplay of joy and grief that many experience during this time. It is emphasized...

The salient point of Pastor Will Rose's homily is the profound reminder that the nearness of God often manifests in the most unexpected and unconventional locales, particularly during the season of Advent. This sermon invites us to reflect upon the figure of John the Baptist, who emerges not within the confines of established religious institutions but rather in the wilderness, challenging us to u...

The central theme of Pastor Will Rose's homily centers on the profound significance of Christ the King Sunday, which culminates the liturgical year by inviting us to reflect on the nature of Jesus' kingship as demonstrated through his crucifixion. Will articulates that, contrary to conventional notions of power, Jesus embodies a reign characterized by humility, mercy, and sacrifice. He challenges...

Pastor Will Rose's homily on Rally Day emphasizes the profound notion that everyone is welcomed and loved on God's team, as encapsulated in the teachings of Jesus. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their loyalties and the dynamics of competition that often infiltrate both secular and spiritual realms. Through the lens of St. Paul's letter to Philemon, he invites listeners to reconsider...

The foremost focus of this podcast episode is a thorough discussion among Joshua Noel, Christian Ashley, and Brandon Knight, regarding their individual podcasts under the Anazao Podcasts Network and their reflections on the events of 2025. They delve into their respective projects, articulating the significant developments and content that have engaged their audiences throughout the past year. As...

The central theme of Pastor Will Rose's homily delivered on Easter Sunday, 2025, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, revolves around the profound and transformative implications of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pastor Will emphasizes the necessity of remembrance in our faith journey, urging us to reflect on the words of Jesus and the significance of his resurrection as a radical challenge to our...

This homily, delivered by Pastor Will Rose on May 4th, 2025, aptly intertwines the profound hope embodied in Jesus Christ with the existential struggles depicted within the expansive narratives of the Star Wars franchise. Pastor Will elucidates how the thematic elements of great and terrifying empires resonate with the contemporary human experience, particularly in the face of adversity and doubt....

The central theme of this homily, delivered by Pastor Will Rose on February 9th, is the transformative power of divine calling, particularly as it relates to the lives of ordinary individuals. Drawing upon the Gospel narrative of Jesus calling Simon Peter and his companions, the message conveys that amidst feelings of inadequacy and despair, one can find purpose and fulfillment through faith. Past...

Pastor Will Rose, affectionately known as "Chill Will from Chapel Hill," delivers a profound homily that urges listeners to discern the authenticity of their faith, particularly in the context of the season of Lent. The central theme of this discourse revolves around the notion of a "deep fake Jesus," a metaphor for the misleading portrayals and expectations of Christ that can lead us astray from...

Pastor Will Rose sits down with Dan Koch, a talented musician, podcaster, and licensed therapist, to explore the intricate connections between music, identity, and spirituality. Koch shares his insights on how music shapes community and personal identity, particularly for those navigating the complexities of faith and culture. They delve into the impact of punk rock and other genres on their lives...

Pastor Will Rose and Dr Tripp Fuller discuss why they love live music and what it is about the human experience that resonates with singing worship hymns together, going to concerts, or singing drunk karaoke together! . Why do people like going to concerts? Why do concerts make people happy? What is the psychology behind concerts? Why are concerts so addicting? How do concerts affect the brain? Wh...

This is a music podcast with no rhyme, no rhythm, and no reason! But really it's a podcast about community ! We have no host, no schedule, and no format! This is a place for the leaders of the Anazao Podcast Network to discuss music and we would like to invite you to lead episodes of this show as well! Let us know if YOU would like to create an episode of this podcast by emailing us at anazaominis...

This is the homily that Pastor Will Rose delivered at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chapel Hill, NC, on July 7th 2024. Pastor Will discusses how Jesus shares a unique story of hope from Jesus. And how we are invited to embody grace and mercy to those around us. . Is Jesus the embodiment of grace? What does it mean to embody grace? How to embody grace? What is freedom? What gives Christians hope?

This is the homily that Pastor Will Rose delivered at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chapel Hill, NC, on July 28th. Pastor Will discusses some of Jesus top hits, which stories of Jesus are in all four Gospels, and why Jesus' walking on water is so important! . Where in the Bible does it say Jesus walks on water? What is the main message of Jesus walking on water? What did Jesus do when he walked...

This is the homily that Pastor Will Rose delivered at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chapel Hill, NC, on August 4th 2024. Pastor Will discusses how real the experience of getting hangry is, how the Israelites felt that when they received manna from the LORD, and how the disciples got hangry too! . Is Hangry a real condition? What is the difference between being hungry and being hangry? What Jesus...

This is the homily that Pastor Will Rose delivered at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chapel Hill, NC, on August 25th 2024. Pastor Will talks about how Jesus made it weird! Jesus talks about eating his flesh and drinking blood, when His story wasn't even half-way over! . Where in the Bible does Jesus say "eat my flesh"? What does it mean to eat Jesus flesh? What is the meaning of John 6 53? Why di...

This was the homily that Pastor Will Rose delivered on Pentecost Sunday in 2024. This week our reading is from John 15:26 - 16:15. Pastor Will discusses the Holy Spirit and His role in making God known to us and being there with us. . What is the biblical meaning of Pentecost? Why is the Pentecost important to Christians? What is the Holy Spirit in theology? What is the meaning of pneumatic theolo...

This is the homily that Pastor Will Rose delivered at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chapel Hill, NC, for Trinity Sunday in 2024. Pastor Will discusses the challenges in explaining the Holy Trinity, and the power of just reaching out to God without having to understand the full mystery of who God is. . What is the difference between Trinity Sunday and Pentecost? What do you pray on Trinity Sunday...

Pastor Chill Will delivers the homily this week about the continuing power of Easter, having peace in hard times, and what it means to be a good friend. This week we discuss John 15:9-17! . Will discusses what's next after the resurrection! He speaks to the power of love over fear, and truth over the grave. How do we understand love? What brings peace? What is involved in good friendship?

What place does awe and wonder have in apologetics and between faith and science? In this episode, as we bring Apologetics 201 to an end, Pastor Will Rose stops in to talk about his passion for finding harmony and equiping the church on topics related to faith and science. Pastor Will tells us about his recent trip to the BioLogos Faith and Science Convention, the importance of engaging in discuss...