Sermons From Upper Dublin Lutheran Church

Field education student Courtney Smith explores this text of Jesus appearing to the disciples where they think they are seeing a ghost. While celebrating Volunteer Sunday we are reminded that Jesus calls us to bear witness to the resurrection through our actions to serve and love others.

Harry Potter: The Boy Who Lived!

When Jesus rose from the tomb on Easter morning he overturned the fake news of the world and replaced it with the Good News. Pastor Keith reflects on the hope of Easter.

On this fifth Sunday of Lent we are presented with a text challenging us to live in community, to lay down our independent lives, and follow Jesus. Through today's struggles with hurt and oppression in the world, we are challenged every day to turn to each other for support and growth. Looking through the story of the grain of wheat and using The Circle of Life, we can all find comfort from one another on our journey to the cross. Field education student Courtney Smith preaches.

Pastor Lawlor discusses how difficult it is for some of us to 'take advice" from others about our spiritual growth. Interesting bible stories are aligned today from OT Moses and poisonous snakes...and NT...God so loved the world"....showing our stubborness. This Lent we are challenged to "be the change we want others to feel" when they embrace Christ's gracious love..

Instead of "giving up" things for Lent, how about we think of it as "letting go"? Pastor Keith reflects on what he learned from the practice of minimalism, what Jesus was up to flipping over tables in the Temple, and how the Church is in the midst of its own epic rummage sale. With inspiration from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Phyllis Tickle, and The New Copernicans.

Do you take even 15 minutes of silent observation of nature, at dawn, or noon lunch daily- to let the healing prayer you received in baptism refresh you!? Pastor Lawlor challenges us to deny the world’s dominance 24/7 and listen more closely to Christ’s call for spiritual focus, purpose and refreshment!

Pastor Keith Anderson reflects on seeing Les Miserables and the contrasting understanding of religion in the show between Jean Valjean and Javert. He says, "We see today, as it did for Valjean and Javert that the very same religion, Christianity, can be used to oppress or to liberate, to condemn or to redeem, to exclude or to embrace. It can be used as a weapon (a bludgeon) or a healing salve." He connects this to Jesus' 40 days in the desert and rejection of the way of power and privilege.

Pastor Dyan begins with Eagles' transformation into victors and historic parade to Art Museum. And as we listen to Jesus' coaching on the mount of Transfiguration, we too need to stay strong in the field of discipleship, "read his 'playbook," and never give up!

Pastor Keith (a Patriots fan, forgive him) preaches about lessons the Super Bowl showdown between the Eagles and the Patriots, and reflects on how Jesus overcame ancient rivalries to show us a new way to love.

Pastor Dyan tells of the beauty and inspiration of our partnership with Tanzania, in our shared music and warm fellowship experienced during last summers visit there. She also shares the power of similar solidarity at recent Martin Luther King celebration

"Pastor Lawlor encourages us to acknowledge THE gift we've been given at Christmas time...in the Christ Child. She shares a personal story where she failed to say timely 'thanks" for a beautiful present. Sometimes our behavior must seem to God like we never received His gift of peace and love also!

Seminarian Eric Schwirian preaches that if our lives become disoriented and overwhelming we can navigate through the good times and the bad by focusing on the light of Jesus.

Inspired by his second hand shopping, Pastor Keith reflects on John the Baptist and how God is like a second hand shopper, finding life and hope in things and people that have been discarded. With inspiration from Mary Karr and Rob Bell (Mark 1:1-8).