Sermons From Upper Dublin Lutheran Church

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 givenat Christmas time...in the Christ Child. She shares a personal story whereshe failed to say timely 'thanks" for a beautiful present. Sometimes our behaviormust 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).

On this first Sunday of Advent, (New Year's in church calendar), Pastor Dyanurges us to prepare for the holiday, by sitting down with a few persons you've seen forever, but neverreally engaged in deep conversation! ( Someone at work, in our Son Room coffee hour, a neighbor, etc) Take the time to sit down, listen on a deeper level...to their joys and challenges.,the people in their life. We may be surprised how much we never knew! And the connection will bring us deeper joy...

Seminarian Eric Schwirian preaches that Jesus calls us to care for others in need. How amazing is Jesus, Christ the King, who reminds us that he is present amongst those who are in pain and suffering? This includes but is not limited to the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and those in prison.

Pastor Dyan uses a poem once written for her mother to parallel our indebtedness to God —And ironically , using those gifts for others gives us energy and joy!

Inspired by meeting a personal hero for the first time and a book called The Gift by Lewis Hyde, Pastor Keith reflects on the difference between the market economy and the gift economy and how that informs and inspires our giving. Scripture: the feeding of the 4,000 in Mark chapter 8:1-21.

Pastor Lawlor does a “saintly inventory” on how we are doing on our assignments from God!

Pastor Keith shares a story about how he learned to bake sourdough during a recent trip to San Francisco and reflects on how both baking and faith take a little "starter" to get it going.

Pastor Keith describes a "come to Jesus" moment of accepting he requires more maintenance than he used to, the story of the slow transformation of Nicodemus in the Gospel of John, and reflects on how we change.

Drawing on Jesus' encounters with the elders of the Temple, UDLC Zoe Fellows Dan Potaznick, Vanessa Fry, and Amanda Couch reflect on their experiences on the Zoe Project expedition to Los Angeles and San Francisco this summer.