Today we begin a sermon series on the biblical figure, Jacob.  Today he and his brother Esau are introduced, and read the story of Jacob stealing Esau's birthright.  The stories came from Genesis 25 and 27.

·         What do you surmise about their respective personalities?

·         What is your impression of Jacob based on this story?

·         What does a story like this lead you to think about God’s purposes and plans?

Taking the Sermon Home

The commemoration of apostles Peter and Paul happens is June 29, which happens to fall on a Sunday this year. Our readings today remember the courage of these early disciples of Jesus, and inspire us with their stories of bold faith. The color for the day is red, as the tradition remembers Peter and Paul as martyrs.

Describe a situation in which you had to defend your faith.

•  In what ways were you challenged? 
• How did you respond, and what gave you the strength you needed? 

Religious persecution is not only a thing of the past.

• Where do you read about religious intolerance in our world today? 
• What is our role as Christians in light of continued persecution? 

Today our readings from Jeremiah 20:7-13 and Matthew 10:24-39 speak of challenges and hardship inherent in the life of faith and discipleship.

• What do you find difficult in the life of discipleship?
• Why does the Prince of Peace speak of bringing a sword (Matthew 10:34)?  Why are division and strife necessary aspects of discipleship?
• Where do you find reason for hope in today’s readings?

Taking the Sermon Home

Today is Holy Trinity Sunday, a day to enter the mystery of how we know God.  Our texts are Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; and Matthew 28:16-20.  We noticed that the word "Trinity" is not found in Scripture; it is a doctrine, or teaching, discerned by the Early Church

· How would you explain the Trinity to someone that had never heard of it?

· When you pray, what aspect of the Trinity comes to your mind most often?  Why?

· What difference does it make to our lives, to understand God as being revealed in different ways?

Taking the Sermon Home

Sunday, June 1.  Texts: Acts 1:6-14; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11

Today marks the final Sunday in the Easter Season—next Sunday is the festival of Pentecost, when we celebrate the in-breaking of God’s Holy Spirit. In the Acts reading, Jesus promises the apostles the power of the Spirit for their mission of sharing the gospel. In the reading from John, we hear Jesus praying for the disciples on the night before his crucifixion—entrusting them into God’s care.

• What kind of “power” comes with the Holy Spirit? 
• What does it feel like to wait on the Holy Spirit?  
• How do you know that God is with you in your life’s journey? 
• In both the Acts reading and the gospel, there is evidence of a close community of followers that prays together and provides mutual support. How might this strengthen their sense of mission? 

Taking the Sermon Home

May 11, 2014

Along with being Mothers’ Day, today is “Good Shepherd Sunday.”  The appointed readings include both Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd”) and John 10.

· In the gospel, Jesus warns about thieves and bandits that climb into the sheepfold rather than enter by the gate.  What do you think this refers to in your own life?

· What are the blessings of following a shepherd?

· How would you define the “abundant life” that Jesus promises to his sheep?

Taking the Sermon Home

May 5, 2014
The Road to Emmaus

Today’s gospel lesson from Luke features the journey of two men from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The risen Christ joins them and enters into conversation.

• Why do you think the men were walking away from Jerusalem?  
• Why do you think the travelers do not recognize Jesus at first? What causes them to know it is Jesus? 
• How are the men transformed by the experience? 
• When have your eyes been opened to the presence of the Lord?