))
WHAT LUTHERANS BELIEVE The Christian church is made up of those who have been baptized and thus have received Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the world. Sometimes it is referred to as "the Body of Christ." Lutherans believe that they are a part of a community of faith that began with the gift of the Holy Spirit, God's presence with his people, on the day of Pentecost. The church, regardless of the external form it takes, is the fellowship of those who have been restored to God by Chri ...
…
continue reading
The Gospel comes from Matthew 5, where Jesus used concept of salt and light to describe His followers in the world: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” Salt preserved food in the Middle Eastern desert. An…
…
continue reading
Pastor Leslie preaches from John the first chapter. Where do we find Christ in this world? We long for God to appear when we experience the worst. But do we look for Him in between the good and bad times? He is the one who sustains us in all times.
…
continue reading
Merry Christmas! On this joyous day, Pastor Leslie talks about the duties and work that goes into the celebration. But we refocus on the meaning when thinking about baptism: "Sustain (your name) with the gift of the Holy Spirit, the spirit of wisdom and understanding; the spirit of counsel and of might; the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the L…
…
continue reading
On this Christmas Eve, as we wait for the birth of Christ, Pastor Leslie preaches that Jesus came into an imperfect world in order to save it. We peek into several homes and situations and remember our blessings this day.
…
continue reading
On All Saints Sunday, Pastor Leslie preaches from Luke 6. When we remember that friend or loved one, we wish for one moment -- or many more moments. But even in sadness, Pastor Leslie says we can be the the conveyers of our loved one's faith and love.
…
continue reading
On this Reformation Sunday, Pastor Leslie preaches from John 8. What does grace look like? We are welcome and forgiven of God's grace; transformed because of His Grace. And on a day when our church remembers it's roots, Pastor Leslie says: "It's not what we have done, but what God has done in us."
…
continue reading
Pastor Leslie preaches from the old Testament of Genesis 32:3-31. It's a long story about Jacob having his name changed after struggling with God. So, Pastor Leslie asks, "What's your name?" The answer may seem simple, but maybe it isn't. How do you identify yourself to others -- and even yourself -- and how or what does God call you. Listen to thi…
…
continue reading
On this Sunday, Pastor Leslie preaches about the importance of how small group ministries carry the message from the sanctuary out into the world. The Gospel comes from John 15:12-17.
…
continue reading
On this 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Gospel comes from Luke 15:1-10. Jesus tells two stories that suggest a curious connection between the lost being found and sinners repenting. God takes the initiative to find sinners, each of whom is so precious to God that his or her recovery brings joy in heaven. Pastor Leslie talks …
…
continue reading
Pastor Leslie talks on this Sunday about the hope and love available in the world despite events across the globe that make it seem just the opposite. Hear about this light shining its way in the dark as we dive into Luke 12.
…
continue reading
Our Gospel today comes from Luke's Chapter 12, discussing family inheritance. Jesus told the people, be on guard for greed. Life is not in the abundance of possessions, he said. Pastor Leslie talks about this reading and wonders, what possessions do you value? Are they for yourself, or do those prized possessions come from a relationship with anoth…
…
continue reading
Although the Gospel comes from Luke, Pastor Leslie unwraps a text from 2 Kings with a man named Naaman who was healed of Leprosy. In the process he finds the God of Israel, the great healer, the one we look to for strength. Listen to the story here.
…
continue reading
Even when we do not know the message we need to hear, Jesus always knows. It's a message of radical welcome and grace. Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Orlando as we remember it is in Christ that we all find true acceptance. The Gospel reading comes from Luke 7:36-8:3.
…
continue reading
Pastor Leslie preaches on this Sixth Sunday of Easter from the Gospel of John 14:23-29. The reading speaks of those in whom God makes a home will experience peace that overcomes fear. Hear how the Spirit in every one of us is adventurous and wild like God.
…
continue reading
Pastor Leslie preaches on this Second Sunday in Lent from the Gospel of Luke 13:31-35.
…
continue reading
Pastor Leslie preaches on this Fourth Sunday after Epiphany from the Gospel of Luke 4:21.
…
continue reading
On this Second Sunday After Epiphany, Pastor Leslie talks about abundance, and on the opposite side, not having enough. The message comes from the Gospel of John 2:1-11, where Jesus and his disciples had been invited to a wedding in Cana of Galilee. And, not having enough, Jesus turned water into wine.…
…
continue reading
During CLC's music week, the children played, had fun, and learned all about the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They performed "It's Cool in the Furnace" before the congregation June 28, 2015.
…
continue reading
