Sermons From Upper Dublin Lutheran Church

Pastor Dyan shares her vulnerability about working with very little children--until, ironically, a little gal, barely 2yrs. fixates on her...So Isaiah's reading today(chapter 11:1-10) ...is the prophecy that a new is coming when 'a little child shall lead them"...into a peaceable kingdom and God's favor. Reference to baby Jesus?

Seminarian Eric Schwirian preaches that readiness is not found in waiting for the exact moment of Christ’s return but by living faithful lives.

Pastor Lawlor emphasizes that great generosity to others is a hallmark of our family name, "Christian"...and that thankful people are happy people!

This week begins reflections on "Live Simply- Take hold of life that really is life"!Pastor Dyan's sermon describes the high stress many teens and adults experience constantly at work or excelling at school . Sharing close relationships and discovering a sense of awe in nature or the heavens are healing practices!

Pastor Dyan uses her insistent neighbor dog, Casey's begging for a treat, as an illustration of persistence in prayer...We should be just as persistent in our prayers, trusting God wants to hear and respond as well!

Pastor Keith reflects on the role of gratitude in our spiritual lives, and how expressing gratitude like the healed leper in Luke 17:11-19 can make us happier and draw us closer to God.

Pastor Keith preaches for our healing service that in the healing love and light of God your secrets cannot imprison you, your suffering does not define you, your brokenness is the place God meets you. (Mark 1:29-39).

Pastor Lawlor celebrates the memories of Roland Hare, for whom our outdoor worship spot was named 35 years ago! He modeled servanthood in colorful ways and Christ calls us all to do the same!

Pastor Keith tells a story about his visit with his daughter to Fenway Park, and how the way we instill a love of our favorite teams is not unlike the sacred trust we have to pass on the faith to future generations. For each of us, Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am?" is something to be constantly revisited throughout the life of faith. Deuteronomy 6:5-9, Mark 8:27-38.

Pastor Dyan shares concerns over hostility to new immigrants and increased divisiveness in our nation--In the words of Moses (to the Israelites entering the Promised Land) she challenges us to "choose life!"

Pastor Dyan describes the unique qualities of congregational vitality based on Hebrews 13..."We come to actively resemble him whom we admire" (Jesus Christ) through worship, fellowship and active ministry!!!

Pastor Lawlor explains how Jesus' Sabbath day healing of a woman bent-over for 18yrs..foreshadows the true meaning of God's coming kingdom! Though he breaks the religious lawsof his day, God's kingdom places higher value on human healing, including women, and all relationships full of grace and mercy.

Pastor Keith shares wisdom from Debbie Blue's book Consider the Birds: A Provocative Guide to the Birds of the Bible and the ways in which caring for our pets and animals is a spiritual practice.

Pastor Keith reflects on what how his recent binge watching of Game of Thrones sheds light on Abraham and Sarah's long wait and for a promised heir, and their model of faith for those that wait (Genesis 15 and Hebrews 11).

With inspiration from Pokemon Go, Virtual Reality, Ready Player One, the RNC and DNC conventions, and It's a Wonderful Life, Pastor Keith talks about how Jesus and the Bible help us distinguish between what is real and what is virtual in our lives.

Pastor Lawlor reflects on Abraham's example of showing hospitality to strangers (Genesis 18. )and not fearing " the other".

Pastor Keith responds to this week's news of the deaths of Alton Sterling Philando Castile, and the five Dallas police officers through the parable of the Good Samaritan, which calls us to be better neighbors and widen our circles of concern especially across and amidst difference.