St. Paul's Howards Grove Podcast

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Howards Grove, WI - Sept. 8th, 2024

People do some pretty amazing things. Armand Duplantis broke the world pole vaulting record 3 times this year, clearing 20 ½ feet and clinching the gold medal in Paris. When we read of Jesus’ miracles, we can be tempted to lump them in with any number of other human achievements, things that help for the here and now. But Jesus’ healings soar far higher than other human feats. He raises the bar to a level only he can clear. His wonders signify that he is the one God promised to save us. The LORD had promised this hundreds of years before he was born. And even after he ascended into heaven, Jesus’ name works powerfully to save from sin, death and hell. May the power of Jesus’ name amaze us today as we follow him! Our sermon today comes from Mark 7.

September 1st 2024 - St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Howards Grove, WI

We need better leadership!” Have you ever said that? Jesus Christ is the leader of our congregation, our home, our lives. And his leadership is perfect in every way. Therefore, when things are amiss, what is needed is not better leadership...but better followership. In this new worship series, we ask Christ to empower us with his Spirit so that we might better follow his lead. This Sunday will focus on how following Christ is not simply a matter of outward observance of laws. It is a matter of the heart. The Law was given so we could see God’s heart and demonstrate how his heart has affected our own. The followership Christ seeks flows from hearts that have been radically transformed by God’s law and gospel. May God grant this to us.

August 24th 2024 - St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Howards Grove, WI

There are so many choices to make with food! Should I spend more money on organic or other options that are supposed to be healthier? Should I eat more small meals or fewer large meals? Which restaurant should I try for a special occasion? Should I stick with a see-food diet, or try something a little more regulated? Jesus made it clear that no one can choose to believe in him or come to him. That is the Father’s work to draw us and Jesus’ words from the Spirit to give us life and faith. Yet today, Jesus leads us to let all our choices as his followers bring us back to him. Where else would we go? “Stay with the Bread of Life.” Our sermon today comes from Hebrews 11.

Aug. 18th 2024 - St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Howards Grove, WI

The Bread of Life gives wisdom and life. Jesus overcomes the crowd’s reluctance to see him as the heavenly gift-giver because of his humanity. He makes clear that the only way to receive those gifts is through the work of God drawing them. This spiritual food that Jesus describes is something no one finds appealing at first...but distasteful. And so today Jesus explains that we need God to work within us, so that we have the wisdom to see that this food gives life and the faith to find this bread most delicious. God has given us the Bread of Life...understanding this calls for the wisdom only the Triune God can give. Our sermon comes from John 6.

Aug. 11th 2024 - St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Howards Grove, WI

More than a third of all the food produced or imported in the United States goes to waste, much of which is due to expiration dates coming and going. All this costs the average American family over $1,500 per year. So much wasted food and money, effort and time! Yet it is even more costly when people go through life only working for food that spoils. Today, as Jesus talks to people in Capernaum and to us in Howards Grove, he shows us the eternal value of that which never expires. “Seek the Bread that Lasts.” Our sermon comes from John 6.

August 4th 2024 ST/ Paul's Howards Grove service

Ministry is when Jesus gives us some of his “stuff” so that we can give that “stuff” to others. When we meet the needs of those God brings into our sphere of influence...that’s meaningful ministry. In the Word today...we are reminded that the one who provides it all stands by our side. Whether we see it or not (First Reading), whether other supports stand by us or not (Second Reading), whether we feel it or not (Gospel)...the Lord is with us. Meaningful ministry is built on this powerfully pictured truth. Through it all...the Lord is there. Jesus removes his disciples’ fear by his comforting and powerful presence. Our sermon today comes from Mark 6.

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Howards Grove, WI - July 28th, 2024

When you go to the grocery store, what gets you excited? Is it the fresh fruits and veggies? The hearty meats or the flavorful breads? Maybe the chips or the candy section? There are so many choices in so many stores. Yet we owe it all to the Lord. There is no need to worry – only look to him. And there are so many opportunities to share with others – all because of his gracious hand. Today we worship our Lord who provides under this theme: “You Open Your Hand and Satisfy.” Our sermon comes from Psalm 145.

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Howards Grove, WI - July 21st, 2024

Summer is the time of year when many people try to get some time away and find a little rest and relaxation. Yet with this event and that trip they often find themselves even more tired than when they began. Today, Jesus offers his disciples rest after they returned from his mission to preach and heal from village to village. Yet this was so much more than a vacation. It was quiet time alone with him to be truly refreshed in their soul. Jesus still sends spiritual leaders to his people, and again to us this weekend “The Shepherd Offers Rest.” Our sermon today comes from Jeremiah 23.

July 14, 2024 Worship

When our God calls us to do ministry…he also gives us authority. We are sharing God’s own authoritative Word. This is meaningful ministry as Jesus gives instructions for disciples. Our sermon today comes from Matthew 9-10.

July 7th 2024 - St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Howards Grove, WI

We have had so many storms roll through our county this year! There were straight-line winds that shook houses and downed branches. There are ponds in places they are not supposed to be. Most of us can weather a little thunder and lightning. But when we’re up to our necks in guilt and waves of temptation crash around us, when winds of helplessness howl and death strikes suddenly, where will we turn and who will rescue us? Only Jesus. He is “Our Courage in the Storm.” Our sermon today comes from Mark 4.