Advertise on podcast: Faith in Daily Life

We celebrate the church’s heritage in a unique way this year: the Greatest Story takes us to the building of Solomon’s magnificent temple, which was filled with the glory of the Lord. As we mark our Lutheran heritage on Reformation Sunday, we see that God is always working to build up another kind of temple: God is building the church out of imperfect people like Martin Luther and like us. Join us for a festive celebration of the church’s heritage!

In The Greatest Story, God often sees what others overlook. David is chosen because God looks not at outward appearances but at the heart—yet David’s story will also reveal how troubled and unclean that heart can become. Jesus calls us to look beyond appearances and “judge with right judgment.” God’s covenant and care meet us not only in our faithfulness, but also in our failures, as we pray with David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”

In The Greatest Story, God calls ordinary people to listen, speak, and serve. Young Samuel hears God calling in the night and responds, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Generations later, Jesus sends his disciples into the world, saying, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” God’s covenant and care continue through people of every generation who listen for God’s voice and discover who God is calling them to become for the sake of others.

In The Greatest Story, God’s covenant and care are often revealed in something as simple as daily bread. When the Israelites are hungry in the wilderness, they complain and wonder if God has forgotten them, yet God provides manna—enough for each day. Generations later, Jesus declares, “I am the living bread,” promising life for the world. From manna in the wilderness to the bread of life, God provides what we need and invites us to trust in God’s abundant care.

In The Greatest Story, God hears the cries of the Israelites and calls a reluctant Moses to lead them toward freedom. At the burning bush, God reveals the holy name, “I AM,” and promises to go with Moses. Generations later, Jesus echoes this name, declaring, “Before Abraham was, I am.” From Moses to Jesus, God’s covenant and care are revealed in a God who hears, calls, and promises to be present.

The Greatest Story is filled with imperfect people through whom God continues to work. Jacob receives his father’s blessing through trickery. When his future becomes uncertain, God meets him along the way with a dream and a promise. Generations later, Jesus recalls Jacob’s dream, promising that heaven is still open and God is still at work. Through it all, God’s covenant and care continue—not because of our perfection, but because of God’s faithfulness.

Coventant and Care Flood and Promise In The Greatest Story, even the stormiest waters cannot overcome God’s promise and presence. In the story of Noah and the flood, God places the rainbow in the sky as a sign of covenant with all creation. Even Jesus comes across the stormy sea and comforts the disciples, saying, “Do not be afraid.” Through chaos and uncertainty, God’s covenant and care remain: God is faithful, present, and committed to the world God loves.

On this Labor Day weekend, we focus on “The Work of Grace” as Jesus gives us a parable to illustrate in no uncertain terms that we are utterly dependent on God’s grace, lest we think that we have somehow earned our place. The scandal of giving the same pay to the workers who show up at the eleventh hour as those who have been working all day wouldn’t fly here for labor unions, but God’s kingdom has its own economy and God is gracious and generous to us all. As we gather to celebrate that divine mercy and forgiveness, join us for services featuring the special music of tenor Josh Eidem, flautist and pianist Jodi Edstrom, and violinist Rachel Calvert. We will also celebrate God’s work of grace at the Table of Holy Communion. There’s a place for you there- we hope you’ll join us!

In this week’s Flora & Fauna message, Pastor Jeanne Aamot reflects on Jesus’ invitation to trust God’s care. Through the images of mustard seeds, birds, and everyday acts of kindness, she reminds us that God is present in both the extraordinary and the ordinary. Even the smallest things can grow into signs of God’s kingdom.

Pastor Peter’s message focused on Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones and the power of God’s Spirit to bring life where people see only endings. He repeated the theme, “We say it’s over, but God says breathe,” reminding the congregation that whether facing grief, change, uncertainty, struggles in the church, family challenges, or personal burdens, God is not finished. Just as God breathed life into the dry bones and Christ breathed the Holy Spirit upon his followers, God continues to offer hope, renewal, strength, and new beginnings, calling us to trust that even when circumstances feel hopeless, the Spirit is still at work.

Fire can warm us, guide us, and sustain life. But it can also consume everything in its path. In her sermon, Pastor Kristin explored Moses’ encounter with the burning bush and what God’s presence has in common with fire: powerful, life-giving, and never ours to control. She invited the congregation to consider what it means to listen when God still speaks from the flames.

In Water, Pastor Matthew explores Jesus' invitation to receive Living Water that renews, restores, and sustains us. Discover how God's love fills our deepest needs and flows through us to impact those around us. Listen now.

In this week's message, "Grounded in Creation: Earth," Pastor Kristin Skare explored Jesus' Parable of the Sower through the lens of creation and our connection to the earth. Drawing on Genesis and the experiences of ancient farmers, she reminded us that all soil plays a role in God's ecosystem of grace. The focus of the parable is not on being "good soil," but on the sower who spreads seeds abundantly and without limits. No season of life is wasted in God's hands. From dust we came, to dust we return, and through it all, God declares us very good.

In Acts 10, Peter discovers that God's grace is wider than he imagined. Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Director Shawna Berg explores how the Holy Spirit challenges assumptions, crosses boundaries, and reminds us that no one is beyond God's reach. Sometimes the greatest miracle is not that people change, but that God changes what we believe is possible.

In this week's Heroes & Villains of the Bible message, Pastor Matthew explores Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. From persecutor to apostle, Saul's story reminds us that God's grace can transform anyone and invites us to breathe in hope, courage, and the good news of Jesus.