Prince Of Peace

(Natalia Terfa) Luke’s Gospel changes one word in the telling of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness, but this one word changes everything. What do we do in the face of the truth being spoken? When everything seems dark and hopeless how do we lean into the truth? Scripture: Luke 4:1-13 Song: A Quiet Winter Dawn by Chaxti Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Chad Brekke) Anyone who has camped or perhaps spent time in the Boundary Waters knows that you don't just leave your campfire when you're done, you need to properly extinguish your fire which includes stirring the ashes. This Ash Wednesday we ponder how stirring our own ashes can create Metanoia (the journey of changing one's mind, heart, self, or way of life.)  Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Song: Come Alive (Dry Bones) cover by Lydia Brekke, Paul Koopman, & Jenny Larson Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Chad Brekke) Transfiguration Sunday comes around every year and we recall the glorious and mysterious vision that drove Peter, James, and John to their knees high on the mountain. This experience must have stayed with these three disciples for the rest of their lives. But what about the other nine? What if you never have a dramatic conversion experience? What if you never get your turn on the mountain? What about the other nine? Scripture: Luke 9:28-43 Song: Vale by Dreem Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Natalia Terfa) Today’s Gospel sounds like lore passed down from one generation of fishermen to the next. What do these full nets have to do with discipleship? And what does it mean for us to fish for people today? Scripture: Luke 5:1-11 Song: Can You Catch Me by Lel Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Chad Brekke) The good news of the gospel does not belong only to us or to those we may believe are worthy. God is, and always has been, in the business of proclaiming release to the captives and good news to the poor and oppressed. This amazing grace has always caused some people's blood to boil, even while it brings new life. Scripture: Luke 4:21-30 Song: Sweet Talk by Tyra Chantey Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Natalia Terfa) Today’s Gospel is the first words Jesus preaches in Luke’s Gospel, and boy does he not mince words. No easing in, no gentle touch. Jesus just lays it out there, right off the bat, and then doesn’t stray for the rest of the Gospel. What would it be like if we all did this?  Scripture: Luke 4:14-21 Song: Startup by Auxjack Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Chad Brekke) Apparently, Jesus did not want his very first recorded miracle to be a Vegas-style magic trick. Even this simple act of kindness ends up spilling over and has never been forgotten. Today, even you will get a taste of the miracle Jesus reluctantly agreed to perform so long ago. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, John 2:1-11 Song: Nothing Like Wine by Velee Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Prince of Peace Confirmands narrated by Brent Haglund) When we made promises to these students long ago, we were serious about seeing it through. Back then, they were unable to speak for themselves, and yet they heard the promise of being "sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ, forever." Today, a piece of that promise has been honored. Now, we get to hear their words as they respond to that promise, and we take the next step in faith together. Scripture: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Song: Mountain by Twelwe Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Natalia Terfa) At Christmas, we are reminded that God comes to us. But then what? What happens after God comes? There are quite a few clues to help us answer this question at the start of John’s Gospel, to set us up as we enter a new year with Emmanuel.  Scripture: John 1:1-18 Song: Hold My Hand by They Dream By Day Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Chad Brekke) Home is not necessarily a place, but where we find authentic belonging. In this story, we find Jesus pursuing his theological education, increasing in his wisdom even as a young man. After the Passover festival, he strays from his birth family to dwell in the Temple, listening to the Rabbis and asking questions. Jesus claims and takes up space, choosing to dwell where God has chosen him to be. Similarly, we all need homes of our choosing— people and places that welcome us just as we are. Scripture: Luke 2:41-52 Song: Wherever You Are by Barnaby Bright (Paul & Amy Koopman) Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Natalia Terfa) After receiving the angel’s extraordinary news, Mary retreats to Elizabeth and Zechariah’s home to digest her new calling. She seeks refuge—physical safety and emotional protection. She receives a safe haven, a home for her heart to soon sing praise. Sanctuary and safe space are so crucial for everyone, especially the mother of Christ while she prepares to become a home for God. Sanctuary is anywhere God’s love dwells freely and abundantly. Scripture: Luke 1:39-55 Song: Wherever You Are by Barnaby Bright (Paul & Amy Koopman) Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Chad Brekke) John the Baptist’s good news sounds harsh, but he preaches a home for all— where inequities are banished, valleys are lifted up, and all have the resources they need for collective flourishing. Ultimately, John’s message is one of joy. We are called to collectively build and repair the structures of our society; we are called to be kin-dom builders. Wherever we build, God is there. What we build should be a place with a large table and room for all. Scripture: Luke 3:7-18 Song: Wherever You Are by Barnaby Bright (Paul & Amy Koopman) Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Natalia Terfa) In the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, we see the foundation of what is to come. We see how interwoven his story is with Jesus’ origin story. When Zechariah regains his voice, his imagination is also restored. He offers deep praise for God’s tender mercy and casts a hopeful vision for his own child. He sings blessings into John’s being. This lays the foundation for John’s life. In turn, John will go on to prepare the way for Jesus who will guide us all in the way of peace. In this week, we focus on making space—in our lives and our imaginations—for God’s blessings to break through. Scripture: Luke 1:57-80 Song: Wherever You Are by Barnaby Bright Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Chad Brekke) As we begin Advent with the “Little Apocalypse” in Luke 21, we remember how far from home we are. The world is not as it should be. Many have lost their physical homes, many feel alone, and many are isolated. Many of us feel as if we are wandering with no clear way forward. This first week speaks to our deep longing—for our home to be made whole, made right, and made well. With deep longing, we watch for God. Thankfully, God enters a homesick world. Scripture: Luke 21:25-36 & 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Song: Wherever You Are by Barnaby Bright Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Natalia Terfa) The call of the people of God on this Reign of Christ Sunday is the same year after year: God is God, I am not. This year, we speak these words again, as we wonder what it means to live in a world where we are not king. Scripture: John 18:33-37 Song: Queens And Kings by Curio Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Chad Brekke) Let’s take a moment to reflect on church buildings today and what they mean to us. What will we lose if the church on the corner goes the way of the dinosaur or Blockbuster video?  Here is the church, here is the steeple… Scripture: Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:19-25 Song: Octagonic by Luwaks Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Natalia Terfa) Today’s Gospel contains one of the most well-known moments in Jesus’ life - the moment he cried over his friend. We see crying as many things, but not typically as a sign of strength or a characteristic of God. But here it is. Jesus crying. If God can cry, why don’t we? Scripture: John 11:32-44 Song: Cotton Dreams by Elm Lake & This Time Tomorrow cover by Lydia Brekke & Paul Koopman Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Chad Brekke) The reformation not only changed the church, it had a global impact that continues today. On this Reformation Sunday, we will let old Martin Luther speak for himself. I think we will be reminded of the power of the gospel that freed this German monk from the terror of the law, even while members of his own church were condemning him to die. Scripture: Romans 3:19-28 Song: Woven by Viriya Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Natalia Terfa) Today we encounter blind Bartimeaus on the side of the road, and he begs Jesus to heal him. He begs. This is an uncomfortable thing for us to witness, and even more for us to emulate. But when he comes face to face with Jesus, he is asked a question that Jesus has been asking a lot lately. Let’s look closer at this question and his response.  Scripture: Mark 10: 46-52  Song: Close My Eyes by Tape Machines Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website

(Chad Brekke) James and John often had ring-side seats. They rarely had to ask the people in front of them what Jesus was saying because no one was ever in front of them. They spent so much time close to Jesus that they figured they could make an outlandish request. Hey Jesus, they said one day, if you don’t mind, scribble out a blank check and we’ll fill it in later. What Jesus says next should ring in our ears too. We better listen carefully. Scripture: Mark 10:35-45 Song: Olympos by Ooyy Support our podcast here Watch the Livestream Follow us on Instagram Visit our Website