Sermons on Diligent Mary:

Altered Plans

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Dec 23, 2019

Joseph was open to God's instructions and changing his intended actions.

December 22, 2019 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Matthew 1:18-25 Altered Plans Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Differing translations of the Bible can prompt us to reconsider a passage. For instance, the Good News ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Lutheran

Preparing For Christmas, John's Style

Contributed by Mari Larson on Dec 17, 2018

Preparing for Christmas beyond decorating trees and writing cards.

I have done it, and I cannot undo it. I have equated social media with that/this wild-eyed picture of John the Baptist. “You brood of vipers.” Polarizing. Negative. Scary, even. I hear some of you giggling, and I see you smiling. You know what I’m talking about. There’s a lot of speaking ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:7-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Christmas Preparations

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Dec 20, 2018

At Christmas, our most significant preparations occur in our hearts and souls

Christmas Preparations Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Today is December 16th. There are nine days before Christmas. As a child, that countdown to Christmas fanned such anticipation and excitement! With each passing day, my ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7

Denomination: Lutheran

A Wet Promise Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jan 13, 2019

The Blessings in Baptism

January 13, 2019 Baptism of Our Lord Rev. Mary Erickson Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 A Wet Promise Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. “O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 3:15-22

Denomination: Lutheran

The Greatest Of These Is Love Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Feb 4, 2019

In baptism we have been called as agents of God's love

February 3, 2019 Hope Lutheran Church Jeremiah 1:4-10; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 The Greatest of These Is Love Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Today is Super Bowl Sunday. Two weeks ago, I was rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs and ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Where True Blessedness Is Found Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Feb 18, 2019

Those who trust in the Lord are blessed

February 17, 2019 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Jer. 17:5-10; Ps. 1; Lk. 6:17-26 Where True Blessedness Is Found Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Blessedness. That’s the common word in all of our readings today. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 6:17-26

Denomination: Lutheran

Agents Of Grace

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Feb 25, 2019

The Bible directs us on how to respond to our anger as agents of grace.

February 24, 2019 Hope Lutheran Church Pastor Mary Erickson Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Luke 6:27-38 Agents of Grace Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. What do we do with anger? Anger is an emotion. It’s an emotional response to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 45:3-11, Luke 6:27-38

Denomination: Lutheran

With Us Through All Things

Contributed by Mary Erickson on May 20, 2020

Jesus promised his disciples that he would not leave them orphaned. God is with us through all things.

May 17, 2020 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson John 14:15-21 With Us through All Things Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. One of my favorite Netflix series has been “Anne with an E.” The series follows the popular Anne of ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Denomination: Lutheran

The Prayer Of The Divine

Contributed by Mary Erickson on May 26, 2020

On the night of his betrayal, Jesus prays that his church may be one, with the same unity that Jesus shares with his heavenly Father

May 24, 2020 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson John 17:1-11 The Prayer of the Divine Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Last Thursday was Ascension Day. 40 days after Easter, the risen Jesus meets with his disciples on a ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Ever Opened And Made New

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jun 1, 2020

The Holy Spirit of God fills us up with the divine will and sends us into the world that we may be agents of God's life and healing love.

May 31, 2020 Pentecost Sunday Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Acts 2:1-21 Ever Opened and Made New Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Pray with me: Breathe on me, Breath of God! Fill me with life anew. That I may love ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Divine Wellspring Of Unity

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jun 8, 2020

The nature of the divine Trinity reveals fundamental truths about the image and likeness that's been bestowed on humanity and the divine intent for our human community.

June 7, 2020 Holy Trinity Sunday Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Matthew 28:16-20 Divine Wellspring of Unity Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Today is Holy Trinity Sunday. Every year we dedicate this ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

God Loves Justice

Contributed by Mary Lewis on Jun 8, 2020

God's word compels Christians to work for justice in society, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

God Loves Justice I would like to talk to you a bit about the Bible. Not about a specific passage right this minute, but about the Bible in general. The Bible is broken into several sections or categories. Probably most of you know the biggest of the divisions, the OT and the NT. The OT concerns ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:8-14

Denomination: Baptist

From Suffering To Hope

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jun 15, 2020

God calls us as disciples and uses us just as we are to bring God's kingdom to a world in need.

June 14, 2020 Hope Lutheran Church Pastor Mary Erickson Matthew 9:35-10:8; Romans 5:1-8; Exodus 19:2-8a From Suffering to Hope Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. While they still weak, at the right time, Christ sent his apostles ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-8, Exodus 19:2-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Like Teacher, Like Student

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jun 22, 2020

The full impact and wonder of God's loving grace is the most liberating force on earth. That good news is not always well received.

June 21, 2020 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Matthew 10:24-39; Romans 6:1-11 Like Teacher, Like Student Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. “It’s enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Oases Of Grace

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jun 29, 2020

As we travel on the journey of our life's mission, Jesus promises that we will encounter people who will receive us with grace. They will be oases of grace.

June 28, 2020 Hope Lutheran Church Pastor Mary Erickson Matthew 10:40-42 Oases of Grace Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. In the 1930’s Roy Rogers and two other singers formed a musical trio. They came to be known as The Sons ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:40-42

Denomination: Lutheran