Ascension St. Matthew’s

God’s Work. Our Hands. God’s World. Our Neighborhood. All are Welcome. Come Share the Spirit

June 1st - 7th Sunday of Easter, Year C

Readings - Acts 16:16-34 , Psalm 97

Second Reading - Revelations 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21,

Gospel - John 17:20-26

It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Christ for his own throughout history—to our day—and beyond. Jesus prays for us. In holy baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of Christ’s forgiveness, and receive the gift of life forever with all the saints.

June 8th- Day of Pentecost, Year C

Readings - Acts 2:1-21 , Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

Second Reading - Romans 8:14-17, Gospel - John 14:8-17 (25-27)

On Pentecost, we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us. Poured out in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abides in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ’s love and the freedom of God’s grace with all the world.

June 15th - Holy Trinity, Year C

Readings - Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 , Psalm 8

Second Reading - Romans 5:1-5, Gospel - John 16:12-15

“O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Today we celebrate the holy Trinity. Paul writes that through Jesus we have peace with God, whose love pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, giving us lasting hope. We celebrate the gracious One-in-Three, eternal Three-in-One, as we worship in community; as we share water and word, bread and wine; and as we bring God’s love and hope to our neighbors.

June 22nd- 2nd Sunday after Penteost, Year C

Readings - Isaiah 65:1-9 , Psalm 22:19-28

Second Reading - Galatians 3:23-29, Gospel - Luke 8:26-39

This Sunday’s texts paint startling pictures of the horrific nature of sin. The church’s repeated celebration of holy communion counters that tragic reality in a continued showing forth of the death of Jesus until he comes again. It is a dramatic declaration of “how much God has done for you.

June 29th - 3rd Sunday after Pentecost , Year C

Readings - 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21 , Psalm 16

Second Reading - Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Gospel - Luke 9:51-62

We have no good apart from God. That makes Jesus’ call to follow him an invitation to freedom. This is freedom to revel in the Spirit’s fruit: love, joy, peace, and patience. This is freedom to not be imprisoned by anything that would keep us from the fullness of the life God has given us. This is the path of life.

July 6th - 4th Sunday after Pentecost , Year C

Readings - Isaiah 66:10-14 , Psalm 66:1-9

Second Reading - Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Gospel - Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

God is the source of our nourishment. Jesus’ invitation to “take and eat . . . take and drink” is a repeated one. In holy communion, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.

July 13th- 5th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C

Readings - Deuteronomy 30:9-14 , Psalm 25:1-10

Second Reading - Colossians 1:1-14, Gospel - Luke 10:25-37

To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind is to reflect God’s mercy in responding to one’s neighbor. That mercy found its most profound expression in the “gospel that has come to you”—namely the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That gospel mercy comes to us again today: at the font, at the table, and from the pulpit. It is very near to you.

July 20th- 6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C

Readings - Genesis 18:1-10a , Psalm 15

Second Reading - Colossians 1:15-28, Gospel - Luke 10:38-42

Perhaps the church, at its best, is “all ears.” God urges the faithful, again and again, to “listen up!”—to heed the word that gives life. So it was with Abraham and Sarah, Mary and Martha, and the early church at Colossae. So it is today as we join the assembly to hear the word of God, the word of life.