Sermons

On April 26, 2026, Grace Lutheran Church welcomed Rev. Angela Denker. She is an award-winning author, ELCA Lutheran pastor, and veteran journalist.

This Sunday, we join two disciples on the long walk to Emmaus. They were heartbroken, walking beside a “stranger” they didn’t recognize because their hope had died on the cross. And yet, the hospitality of these two becomes the occasion for Jesus to welcome them into the truth of the resurrection. Jesus then shows us how to welcome others to the table of his abundant grace.

The initial joy of Easter morning may have faded into the familiar quiet of evening, but the risen Jesus still finds his way through our locked doors and weary routines. He comes unprompted, not to erase our wounds but to honor them, breathing the Holy Spirit into our bodies and gifting a peace that the world cannot give. Join us this Sunday as we gather to receive the life and grace that is still coming towards us.

At first glance, everything seems the same. But we are not the same people we were last year, or the year before that. In Matthew’s gospel, the story begins with heavy stones and guarded tombs. It looks utterly hopeless, but hope finds a way. Come join us as we celebrate the truth: Jesus Christ is risen, and with him, life and love will forever have the final word.

Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work. (sundaysandseasons.com)

On the heels of the equinox and facing Holy Week, our Lent has been interrupted by resurrection. We ask, “Can these bones live?” Alone, we can’t, but filled with the breath of God, we can. Join us as we unbind one another from the old storylines of death and step into abundant life together.

While we fail to see in so many ways, Jesus sees what we truly need. He is the Light of the world who enters our shadows for our sake. Whatever you’re walking through this week, know that Jesus is willing to meet you in the midst of it all.

This week, we encounter the Samaritan woman at the well—a woman longing for dignity and a life beyond her labels. When Jesus speaks to her, he sees her fullness and loves her without exception. Join us as we explore what it means to receive “living water” and how being truly known can turn us into voices of hope for others.

If you only know one verse of scripture, there’s a good chance it’s John 3:16. Sometimes called the “gospel in miniature,” these famous words emerged from a lengthy conversation between Jesus and a teacher named Nicodemus. Despite all his knowledge, Nicodemus couldn’t quite grasp the message. Why? Because the gospel isn’t something we can make sense of by our own understanding. Join us this Sunday to learn what this means on our journey of faith.

On this first Sunday of Lent, we look at Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. His journey is our journey, too. In doing what we couldn’t, he shows us a new way to live. Life brings trials and temptations, but you don’t have to face them alone. Jesus has ended the “blame game” and brings us the victory. Whether you’re feeling spiritually hungry or looking for a place to belong, come find the Bread of Life that truly satisfies.