Real Good Courage - The Westwood Podcast Westwood Lutheran Church
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- Religion & Spirituality
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The Prayer of Good Courage describes the call that God has made to all believers. This podcast explores how the Prayer of Good Courage is made real in the lives of the staff, members and friends of Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park, MN.
Prayer of Good Courage:
O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us, and your love supporting us, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Background music written and performed by Kent Gustavson from Mountain Vespers Copyright 2006
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Be Where You Are
When life gets hard or hostile, God’s words bring comfort. “I knowthe plans I have for you…to give you a future with hope.” In the same passage, God also empowers us to make a difference while we wait for that future.
Often, we can't imagine how something good or beautiful can happen in the place we reside and we doubt our ability to have an impact. When we commit to the places and relationships where we find ourselves, God transforms the here and now as we join God’s work in this world.
This message is brought to you by Pastor Sarah Scherschligt.
The scripture is from the book of Jeremiah, Chapter 29 Verses 4-11. -
What's Your Footprint?
In our gospel and many other places in scripture, Jesus and others clarified what they wanted their legacy to be. Even as people of faith, we often struggle talking to our family/friends about our dying, our financial legacy, and the stories and values we want to leave behind.
This message comes from Pastor Tania.
Our scripture is from the Book of John Chapter 21, Verses 15 to 18. -
What Story Defines You?
A good actor witnesses to the power of story by seeking to understand the story that defines a character. We as people of faith are people “clothed” with the story coming from the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. To join God’s work in the world is to love as Jesus has first loved us.
This message comes from Pastor Jason Van Hunnik.
Our Scripture reading is from Colossians 7, verses 12-13 and our Gospel is from John 15, verses 9-15. -
God Bless the Doubters
Do you have Faith FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)?
Does it seem like you are missing out on the ability to “have faith”without proof or experience? It may seem like you are out of step, but you aren't alone. Having doubt isn’t a reason to be ashamed, nor to question your belief.
Needing proof of God’s love just makes you human. Jesus’s appearance to a doubting disciple, Thomas, helps us trust that doubt is an aspect of faithfulness.
It’s also a reminder that sometimes the closest others will get to meeting the living God is meeting YOU and the love you share with others.
Our message is from Pastor Sarah on April 21st, 2024
The lesson is from the Book of Psalms 27, verses 1, 13-14, and the Gospelis from John chapter 20, verses 19-29 -
More Than We Can Ever Ask Or Imagine
The God who raised Jesus from the dead has an imagination beyond ours. Trust in that imagination is what calls us forward to live with courage as people of faith whether in initiatives like the creation of Rise Early Learning Center or the opportunities presented in our everyday lives.
The Lesson is Ephesians Chapter 2 Verses 20-21, and the Gospel reading is from Luke Chapter 24, Verses 36-44.
This message is presented by Pastor Jason on April 14, 2024 -
A Different Kind of Evangelical
Through Jesus, we can have a quality of life that’s hopeful, gentle, and generous. When we share this with others, it doesn’t look like dragging people into church. Instead, you are invited to join God’s dream out in the big wide world and share love wherever you are.
This message is delivered by Pastor Sarah Scherschligt on April 07, 2024
The Lesson is Philippians Chapter 4, Verses 4-9, and the Gospel is from John, Chapter 20, Verses 30-31.