The Holy Trinity: May 26, 2013
Sermon: Pastor Barbara Wangsness

First Lesson: Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31
In the Bible, wisdom has many faces. It is portrayed in terms sometimes human and sometimes divine. Often, it is personified as feminine. In this passage, Woman Wisdom is depicted not only as the first creation of God but also as God’s helper, rejoicing in God’s creation, especially in human beings.

Psalm 8
Your glory is chanted above the heavens. (Ps. 8:2)

Second Lesson: Romans 5:1–5
Paul describes the life of faith with reference to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Even now, we have peace with God through Jesus, and our hope for the future is grounded in the love of God that we experience through Christ’s Holy Spirit.

Gospel: John 16:12–15
Jesus’ ongoing presence with the disciples will be borne by the coming Spirit, who will guide them and communicate to them Jesus’ will and glory.

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Pentecost Sunday: May 19, 2013
Sermon: Pastor Natanael Lizarazo

First Lesson: Acts 2:1–13 [14–21]
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told his disciples they would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Now, surrounded by signs of fire, wind, and a variety of languages in their midst, the people were amazed and astonished at Jesus’ promise coming true.

Psalm 104:24–34, 35b
Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104:30)

Second Lesson: Romans 8:14–17
Here Paul speaks about the mystery of baptism: through the Holy Spirit we are claimed, gathered, and welcomed into Christ’s body, the church. And we receive new names in our adoption: brother, sister, child of God.

Gospel: John 14:[8–14] 15–17
Though the disciples struggle with Jesus’ nature and identity, they receive the promise that they too will be identified with God and God’s mission. Though he must leave them now, Jesus promises the coming of the Advocate whom God will send to comfort and enlighten them.

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Seventh Sunday of Easter: May 12, 2013
Sermon: Pastor John Christopherson
“That They May All Be One” (John 17:21a)

First Lesson: Acts 16:16–34
The owners of a slave-girl who used her powers to tell fortunes threw Paul and Silas into jail for “healing” her and, consequently, ruining their business. In prison, Paul and Silas bring the good news of the gospel to the jailer and his family.

Psalm 97
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous. (Ps. 97:12)

Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 1:1–7
St. Paul writes to his missionary friend, Timothy—giving thanks for the wondrous way in which God's Word is caught and taught, from one generation to another: “I am reminded of  your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and now, I am sure, dwells in you.”  (v.5)

Gospel: John 17:20–26
Jesus prays that the life of his followers will be characterized by an intimate unity of identity with God. To be so identified with God means also to share in God’s mission: to proclaim the word that will bring others into this same unity.

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Ascension of Our Lord: May 5, 2013
Sermon: Pastor John Christopherson
“The Ascension: A Hightened Presence Through Absence”

First Lesson: Acts 1:1–11
Before he is lifted into heaven, Jesus promises that the missionary work of the disciples will spread out from Jerusalem to all the world. His words provide an outline of the book of Acts.

Psalm 47
God has gone up with a shout. (Ps. 47:5)

Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:15–23
The risen and exalted Christ reigns over the entire universe. The author of Ephesians prays that we would be given the wisdom to comprehend this and display it through love toward others.

Gospel: Luke 24:44–53
On the day of his ascension, Jesus leaves his disciples with a commission, a blessing, and a promise of the Holy Spirit.

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Fifth Sunday of Easter: April 28, 2013
Sermon: Pastor Barbara Wangsness

First Lesson: Acts 11:1–18
In defense of his earlier baptism of pagan believers, Peter demonstrates to the members of the Jerusalem church that God’s intention to love Gentiles as well as Jews is revealed in Jesus’ own testimony. In this way the mission to the Gentiles is officially authorized.

Psalm 148
The splendor of the LORD is over earth and heaven. (Ps. 148:13)

Second Lesson: Revelation 21:1–6
Christ is the shepherd who leads his faithful to springs of the water of life. Christ is also the lamb who vanquishes sin and suffering, in whose blood the saints have washed their robes and made them white.

Gospel: John 13:31–35
After washing the disciples’ feet, predicting his betrayal, and then revealing his betrayer, Jesus speaks of his glorification on the cross. This deep complicated love of Jesus, even to death on the cross, will be the distinctive mark of Jesus’ community.

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