FIRST READING Jeremiah 23:23-29 Because Jeremiah preaches the unpopular message of God’s judgment, he suffers rejection. Today’s reading 23Am I a God near by, says the Lord, and not a God far off? 24Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord. 25I have heard what the prophets have said…
3900 Winnetka Avenue N., New Hope, MN 55427
3900 Winnetka Avenue N., New Hope, MN 55427
Sermons by Rev. Ashley Updegraff
FIRST READING Deuteronomy 30:9-14 Moses calls the people who are about to enter the promised land to renew the covenant God made with their ancestors. Through this covenant God gives life and asks for obedience. God’s commandment is neither burdensome nor too far off, but dwells in the people’s hearts. 9and the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous…
FIRST READING Isaiah 66:10-14 Those who returned from the exile found that the hopes for the glorious restoration of Judah were not completely fulfilled. For these disappointed people, the prophet envisions salvation in the image of a nursing woman. Mother Jerusalem and a mothering God remind the community how they are sustained and supported. 10Rejoice with Jerusalem, and…
FIRST READING Isaiah 65:1-9 The prophet announces God’s impatience. The people’s self-absorption is idolatry, and images of practices that displease God fill this reading. Like a vintner who crushes the grape to release the wine, God will use Israel’s exile to establish a new community of the faithful. I was ready to be sought out by those who…
FIRST READING Acts 2:1-21 Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told his disciples they would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Now, amid signs of fire, wind, and a variety of languages, the people were amazed and astonished at Jesus’ promise coming true. When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven…
FIRST READING Acts 16:16-34 Those who had enslaved a girl and used her powers to tell fortunes threw Paul and Silas into jail for ordering the spirit to come out of her and consequently ruining their business. In prison, Paul and Silas bring the good news of the gospel to the jailer and his family.…
FIRST READING Acts 9:1-20 Saul (later called Paul) was an ardent persecutor of all who followed the Way of Christ. This reading recounts the story of his transformation beginning with an encounter with Jesus Christ on the way to Damascus. 1Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2and…
FIRST READING Isaiah 65:17-25 Through the prophet, God promises a new heaven and a new earth. Weeping will pass away, life will be abundant for God’s people, and the world – including the wild animals – will be at peace. 17For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall…
FIRST READING Isaiah 43:16-21 The prophet declares that long ago God performed mighty deeds and delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage through the waters of the sea. Now, God is about to do a new thing, bringing the exiles out of Babylon and through the wilderness in a new Exodus. 16Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea,…
FIRST READING Isaiah 55:1-9 To those who have experienced long years in exile, the return to their homeland is a celebration of abundant life. God calls them into an everlasting covenant of love. Those who return to God will enjoy new life and forgiveness, because God’s ways are not our ways. 1Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to…