First Christian St. Paul Sermon Podcast

Third Sunday in Lent |  John 4:5-42 | March 12, 2023 | Dennis Sanders, preaching     "We are called by God to go out of the walls of the church and connect with the world around us.  The church is the gathered community that comes together to learn to be disciples of Jesus and then we go out and carry God’s message of love to LGBTQ people and to everyone- gay, straight, liberal, conservative, Bernie Bro, Trump supporter."  Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org  Watch the worship live stream for March 12: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG0Yq7fXZYA  First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Roseville. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Second Sunday in Lent |  John 3:1-17 | March 5, 2023 | Rob Hamilton, preaching   "Ultimately, at the end of the day, as we go through Lent, that is the journey that we must be about, asking the questions about where is God in this moment, how we understand God, and how do we practice that faith in a wider community. Ultimately, as we develop that discipline, we can come to see Christ more clearly in our lives. And that's what I hope for each one of us now, and for all the days coming forward."    Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org  Watch the worship live stream for March 5: https://youtube.com/live/dvkaRpg2yn8?feature=share  First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Roseville. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

First Sunday in Lent |  Matthew 4:1-11 | February 26, 2023 | Dennis Sanders, preaching   "In our day-to-day lives, we are called to live out our values as Christians which is a fancy way of saying that we are always tempted to betray our values.  In our own baptisms, we are claimed by God.  For Jesus, knowing who he was helped him when the time of testing came.  As followers of Jesus it is always vital to remind ourselves that we are children of God and that as Christ was led by the Spirit, so are we led by the Spirit which reminds us we don’t walk this walk of life alone." Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Roseville. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Join us for worship Sundays in-person or online at 11:00 AM. Watch the live stream

Transfiguration Sunday |  Exodus 24:12-18; Matthew 17:1-9 | February 19, 2023 | Michael LeBuhn, preaching     "As we head into the Lenten season today, we reflect on the transfiguration of Jesus, the opening of the eyes of His disciples... This new knowledge that changes the way we see God and changes the way we see ourselves, it must not stay in our churches. It must not stay in our minds. It must come with us when we descend from the mountaintop and with us as we travel back to our homes, places of business, communities, and the goings on of our lives." Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Roseville. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Join us for worship Sundays in-person or online at 11:00 AM. Watch the live stream

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany |  Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) and Matthew 5:13-20 | February 5, 2023 | Amy Bertschausen, preaching   "Faithfulness to God is not a checklist of things to do in order to be righteous. Faithfulness to God is faithfulness to each other, to all people, especially those afflicted by poverty and injustice, illness and loss. No amount of Bible studies will suffice unless we are in right relationship with each other. "   Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org  Watch the worship live stream for February 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij4Hrt86R3c

Fourth Sunday After Epiphany | Micah 6:1-18 and Matthew 5:1-12 | January 29, 2023 | Dennis Sanders, preaching   "When Jesus tells the disciples and the crowd what God favors he is saying that God doesn’t want our curated lives.  God doesn’t want people that look good, but are ugly on the inside or think highly of themselves.  Instead, God wants people who are humble, who are merciful and who treat people justly. "   Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org

Lectionary Q is a resource for clergy and the laity to get ready for the upcoming Sunday using a text from the Revised Common Lectionary.  This week's texts are from Matthew 2:1-12 and Micah 6:1-8. What are your answers? What are your questions? Send them to lectionaryq@substack.com. Here are the questions for this week’s passage: This passage is usually called the Beatitudes.  This work comes from Greek which can mean blessed or happy.  Is there a difference between being blessed and being happy? How would you describe the people Jesus called blessed? What do the beatitudes say about following Jesus?  Is following risky or easy? What do the Beatitudes have to say about the state of the world? Let’s ask some questions from Micah: The first part of the passage has the prophet speaking for God.  How would you describe God’s feelings? Why was God not interested in the response from people? In verse 8 it says, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good,” which seems to be the biblical way of saying “You already know what I want.”  Do you think the people really knew what God wanted? Verse 8 uses the word, “require.”  Does require something from us or does God desire something from us?` Learn more about First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of St. Paul: fccsaintpaul.org. Listen to Church and Main Podcast

Third Sunday After Epiphany | Isaiah 9:1-4 and Matthew 4:12-23 | January 22, 2023 | Dennis Sanders, preaching   "So even in the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, we continue to gather as church, where the good news of Jesus is preached, where we break bread and drink the wine, where we pray for each other and the world and where we serve our sisters and brothers.  In this time when the tide is low, we continue to be faithful because the people who live in darkness have seen a great light."   Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org

Second Sunday After Epiphany | John 1:29-42 and Isaiah 49:1-7 | January 15, 2023 | Dennis Sanders, preaching "People have written the epitaph of this congregation for a long time.  We are still here.  I think we are still here to tell the good news of Jesus by fostering relationships outside of the walls of this church with the surrounding community.  God is still sustaining this ministry, inviting us to come and see and then to tell others to come and see." Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

Baptism of Jesus Sunday | Matthew 3:13-17 | January 8, 2023 | Dennis Sanders, preaching "Baptism reminds us that no matter what we do, we are loved by God and there is nothing we can do about that."

January 1, 2023 | First Sunday of Christmas | Matthew 2:13-23 | Rob Hamilton, preaching "We should not expect God to be we expect God to be." Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

Fourth Sunday of Advent | Isaiah 7:10-16 and Matthew 1:18-25 | December 18, 2022 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

December 11, 2022 | Third Sunday Of Advent| Isaiah 35:1-10 and James 5:7-10 | Amy Bertschausen, preaching Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

December 4, 2022 | Second Sunday Of Advent | Isaiah 11:1-11 | Rob Hamilton, preaching Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

November 27, 2022 | First Sunday Of Pentecost | Isaiah 2:1-5 and Matthew 24:36-44 | Dennis Sanders, preaching "Jesus calls us into a state of watchfulness, not just in Advent, but in every aspect of our lives. What if we came to church expecting to see God?  What would happen if we believe that God can use this small church to do God’s work in the world and take part in active waiting; stepping out in faith to do what God calls us to do and finding God there already?" Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

Luke 23:33-43 | Christ the King Sunday | November 20, 2022 | Dennis Sanders,  preaching   "This is the upside-down kingdom of Jesus.  Jesus wins by losing.  He saves by expending his own life."   First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Roseville, MN. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org.

November 13, 2022 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost | Luke 21:5-19 | Dennis Sanders, preaching This passage is for us today as we see a world that seems out of control and as we long to see God act and set the world to rights.  In these times we face, we are called to be faithful to put our trust in God and not listen to siren voices seeking to take the place of God. Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

November 6, 2022 | All Saints Sunday | 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 | Rob Hamilton, preaching Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

October 30, 2022 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost | Luke 19:1-10 | Dennis Sanders, preaching "As the hymn goes, grace is Amazing.  But it's also offensive." Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

October 23, 2022 | Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost | Luke 18:9-14 | Dennis Sanders, preaching "...the communion table reminds us that we are not perfect.  It deflates our pride and contempt and shows us the truth. We are sinners.  We fall short.  Communion reminds us that we are in need of grace always.  We can only rely on the grace of Jesus." Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

October 16, 2022 | Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Luke 4:21-30 | Amy Bertschausen, preaching Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

October 9, 2022 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Luke 17:11-19 and Jeremiah 29:1-4-7| Dennis Sanders, preaching Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

October 2, 2022 | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost | Luke 17:5-10| Rob Hamilton, preaching Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

September 25, 2022 | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Luke 16:19-31| Dennis Sanders, preaching Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

September 18, 2022 | Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Luke 16:1-13| Dennis Sanders, preaching Learn more about First Christian: fccsaintpaul.org Watch the worship live stream: https://bit.ly/3DI7Ats

September 11, 2022 | Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Luke 15:1-10| Dennis Sanders, preaching fccsaintpaul.org

September 4, 2022 | Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Luke 14:25-33| Rob Hamilton, preaching fccsaintpaul.org

August 28, 2022 | Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost | Luke 14:1, 7-14 | Amy Bertschausen, preaching fccsaintpaul.org

August 21, 2022 | Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost | Luke 13:10-17 | Dennis Sanders, preaching "This sabbath is a time to remember we are connected to each other and we are connected to God." fccsaintpaul.org

August 14, 2022 | Tenth Sunday After Pentecost | Dennis Sanders, preaching "Trying to follow Jesus, to live by faith is going to be something that bothers and rankles people." Learn more about the congregation: fccsaintpaul.org

Mark 4:35-5:20 | Decommissioning Service | July 24, 2022 | Dennis Sanders, preaching As we enter a new phase that is still murky, let’s do what we are called to do: preach the gospel, make disciples, and pursue God’s justice. God is calling us forward, so let’s go.  Let us enter this Strange New World.

Luke 10:38-42 | Sixth Sunday After Pentecost | July 17, 2022 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Luke 10:25-37 | Fifth Sunday After Pentecost | July 10, 2022 | Dennis Sanders, preaching The lawyer comes and asks Jesus what he has to do to inherit eternal life.   Jesus asks him what scripture says and Jesus responds he answered correctly.  But then the teacher gets sneaky.  He knows he is to love his neighbor as himself, but then he wants to know; who is the neighbor.  Or to be more precise, who doesn’t he have to be a neighbor to? Who can he ignore? One version of scripture says he is looking for a loophole and that’s exactly what he is doing.

Luke 9:51-62 and Galatians 5:1,13-25 | Third Sunday After Pentecost | June 26, 2022 | Dennis Sanders, preaching In light of the recent decision from the Supreme Court on abortion, could be become a place where we are centered at God’s communion table to reason with one another?

June 19, 2022 | Second Sunday After Pentecost | Galatians 3:23-29 | Amy Bertschausen, preaching What's the worst that could happen?  You could die, but then you get to see God.

June 12, 2022 | Trinity Sunday | Romans 5:1-5 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Acts 2:1-21 (22-47) | Pentecost Sunday | June 5, 2022 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

John 17:20-26 | Seventh Sunday of Easter | May 29, 2022 | Rob Hamilton, preaching

John 14:23-29 and Acts 16:9-15 |Sixth Sunday of Easter | May 22, 2022 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Fifth Sunday After Easter | John 13:31-35 and Acts 11:1-18 | May 15, 2022 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

John 10:22-30 and Acts 9:36-43 | Fourth Sunday of Easter | Dennis Sanders, preaching Have you ever been looking for something and it's staring you right in the face? The religious leaders who should be able to notice God, can't see him in the person of Jesus. First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org.

John 20:24-21:19 | May 1, 2022 | Third Sunday of Easter | Rob Hamilton, preaching Feed My Sheep.  Jesus says this during an encounter on a lakeshore with Peter.  A number of times he asks Peter, "Do you love me?" How would we respond if Jesus asked this question? First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org.

John 20:1-18 | Easter Sunday | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Maundy Thursday | John 13:1-17 and 31-35 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

This Sunday: March 27, 2022 (Fourth Sunday in Lent)  Text: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 and 1 John 4:7-12  Dennis Sanders, preaching It is said that Martin Luther once said that if the world was ending he would plant a tree. Our texts for Sunday talk about love and grace.  How do we love in a time of war and a nuclear threat?

Luke 4:1-13 | First Sunday in Lent | March 6, 2022 | Rob Hamilton, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org.

Preparing for Sunday is a resource for clergy and the laity to get ready for the upcoming Sunday using a text from the Revised Common Lectionary.  This week's text is from Luke 4:1-13.    Do you have questions or answers to the questions?  Respond in the comments or send an email to info@fccsaintpaul.org.   live stream the worship service at fccsaintpaul.org/worship

Luke 9:28-36 (37-43) | Transfiguration Sunday | February 27, 2022 | Amy Bertschausen, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org.

Preparing for Sunday is a resource for clergy and the laity to get ready for the upcoming Sunday using a text from the Revised Common Lectionary.  This week's text is from Luke 9:28-36.   This week's text:  Do you have questions or answers to the questions?  Respond in the comments or send an email to info@fccsaintpaul.org.   live stream the worship service at fccsaintpaul.org/worship   #biblestudy  #sunday  #preaching

“Get What You Give” | Luke 6:27-38 | Seventh Sunday After Epiphany | February 20, 2022 |Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org.

Preparing for Sunday is a resource for clergy and the laity to get ready for the upcoming Sunday using a text from the Revised Common Lectionary. This week's text is from Luke 6:27-38.  Do you have questions or answers to the questions?  Respond in the comments or send an email to info@fccsaintpaul.org. Learn more about First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of St. Paul by going to: fccsaintpaul.org.

We live in an age where people say trust in institutions and leaders is at an all-time low.  If it's so hard to trust others in our day and age, what does it mean to trust God? February 13, 2022 | Sixth Sunday After Epiphany | Jeremiah 17:5-10 and Luke 6:17-26 | Amy Bertschaulsen, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org.

Preparing for Sunday is a resource for clergy and the laity to get ready for the upcoming Sunday using a text from the Revised Common Lectionary. This week's text is from Luke 6:17-26.  Do you have questions or answers to the questions?  Respond in the comments or send an email to info@fccsaintpaul.org. Learn more about First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of St. Paul by going to: fccsaintpaul.org.

What does it mean that Jesus wants Peter and his friends will now go and fish for people?  What does leaving their nets behind mean? Luke 5:1-11 and Philippians 4:8-9 | Fifth Sunday After Epiphany | February 6, 2022 | Rob Hamilton, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

Preparing for Sunday is a resource for clergy and the laity to get ready for the upcoming Sunday using a text from the Revised Common Lectionary.   This week's text is from Luke 5:1-11.  Do you have questions or answers to the questions?  Respond in the comments or send an email to info@fccsaintpaul.org. Learn more about First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of St. Paul by going to: fccsaintpaul.org.

How would you respond if someone told you good news?  Would you jump for joy? Would you shout in sheer happiness?  How about throwing someone off the cliff? Why in the world would the congregation where Jesus preached want to kill him? Luke 4:21-30 | Fourth Sunday After Pentecost | First Christian Church | January 30, 2022 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

Jesus tells the synagogue in his hometown that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him.  Again and again, in Luke, Jesus is told that the Spirit is with him and at times even directing him.  What does it mean to be led by the Spirit?  What is the good news that Jesus preaches? Luke 4:14-21 | Third Sunday After Epiphany | January 23, 2022 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

This past Thursday, January 6 was Epiphany, the day we remember the arrival of the Wise Men to meet Jesus. We focus a lot on those strangers from a distant land, but there was another character: King Herod.  How does Herod fit in the story? Matthew 2:1-12 | Epiphany Sunday | January 9, 2022 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

Living in Fear, Living in Hope | Christmas Eve |December 24, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

Zephaniah 3:14-20  | Third Sunday of Advent | December 12, 2021 | Rob Hamilton, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

Few Are Guilty, But All are Responsible. | Luke 3:1-6 | Second Sunday of Advent | December 5, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org Sermon Transcript

Luke 21:25-36 | First Sunday of Advent | November 28, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

John 18:33-37 | Christ the King Sunday | November 21, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

1 Samuel 1:4-20 and Hebrews 10:11-25 | Twenty-Fifth Sunday After Pentecost | November 14, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

Pastor Dennis Sanders invites people living in the Twin Cities to visit First Christian Church on Sunday morning at 10:00.   If you plan to visit, please use the link below.  We look forward to seeing you on Sunday! Plan Your Visit: https://fccsaintpaul.org/visit Learn about the Disciples of Christ: https://disciples.org/our-identity/

Mark 10:46-52 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost | First Christian Church | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

Mark 10:35-45 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost | October 17, 2021 | Amy Bertschausen, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

Mark 10:17-31 | Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost | October 10, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

Mark 10:2:16 | Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost | October 3, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Visit us for worship in person or join us on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going fccsaintpaul.org

Mark 9:30-37 | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost | September 19, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Visit us for worship in person or join us on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going fccsaintpaul.org

Mark 8:27-38 | Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost | September 12, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Visit us for worship in person or join us on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going fccsaintpaul.org

Mark 7:31-37 | Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost | First Christian Church | Rob Hamilton, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

John 6:51-58 | Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost | August 15, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going fccsaintpaul.org

John 6:35-51 and Ephesians 4:25-5:2 | Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost | August 8, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going fccsaintpaul.org

Ephesians 4:1-16 | Tenth Sunday After Pentecost | August 1, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going fccsaintpaul.org

Ephesians 2:11-22 | Eighth Sunday After Pentecost | July 18, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching First Christian Church of St. Paul (Disciples of Christ) is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. Join us for worship in person or on live stream Sundays at 10 AM! Learn more about our congregation by going fccsaintpaul.org

Ephesians 1:3-14 | Seventh Sunday After Pentecost | July 11, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Learn more about our congregation by going fccsaintpaul.org

Isaiah 53:1-6 and Mark 6:1-13 | Sixth Sunday After Pentecost | July 4, 2021 | Rob Hamilton, preaching Learn more about our congregation by going fccsaintpaul.org

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost | Mark 5:21-43 | June 27, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Learn more about our congregation by going fccsaintpaul.org

Mark 4:35-41| Fourth Sunday After Pentecost | June 20, 2021| Dennis Sanders, preaching Learn more about the congregation by going to fccsaintpaul.org

2 Corinthians 5:6-17 | Third Sunday After Pentecost | June 13, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Learn more about the congregation: fccsaintpaul.org

2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1 | Second Sunday After Pentecost | June 6, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Learn more about the congregation: fccsaintpaul.org

How can a church be like a passenger plane that runs out of fuel 8 miles in the air? For a plane to get off the ground, you need high air pressure to be great enough to give lift. For a plane to stay in the air, you need engines to keep the plane going at a proper speed. To keep going at a proper speed, you need fuel.  So what happens when there's no gas and then no engines on a Boeing 767 at 41,000 feet?  How is a church like an airplane? Welcome to the weekly online worship service of First Christian Church of St. Paul a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  We are worshipping in person again!  Join us at 10:00 AM on Sunday. You can also watch the live stream which is found on our YouTube Channel. First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FCCStPaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts Pentecost Sunday| Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Acts 2:1-21 | May 23, 2021 |Dennis Sanders, preaching

Just before he is arrested, Jesus offers a prayer to God for his disciples.  What does it mean that the Son of God prays for the disciples? What does that mean for us in the modern-day? Welcome to the weekly online worship service of First Christian Church of St. Paul a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  We are worshipping in person again!  Join us at 10:00 AM on Sunday. You can also watch the live stream which is found on our YouTube Channel. First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FCCStPaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts Seventh Sunday of Easter| John 17:6-21 | May 16, 2021 |Dennis Sanders, preaching

Jesus called the disciples to abide in him.  What does that mean?  Is God calling us to abide.  Pastor Dennis will preach from John 15 about abiding and about a "galloping" bridge. Welcome to the weekly online worship service of First Christian Church of St. Paul a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  We are worshipping in person again!  Join us at 10:00 AM on Sunday. You can also watch the live stream which is found on our YouTube Channel. First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FCCStPaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts Sixth Sunday of Easter| John 15:9-17 | May 9, 2021 |Dennis Sanders, preaching

Are you a dog person or cat person? I'm not really a dog person, but I if were to have a dog, it would be a German Shepherd.  I love these majestic dogs and I love the fact that they are hard-working dogs that guard against danger.  This Fourth Sunday of Easter is also called Good Shepherd Sunday.  On Sunday we will talk about what it means to be a shepherd, how God is a shepherd, and who isn't a good shepherd. First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts Fourth Sunday of Easter| John 10:11-18 | April 25, 2021 |Dennis Sanders, preaching Welcome to the weekly online worship service of First Christian Church of St. Paul a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  During the coronavirus pandemic, join us each Sunday for worship at 10:00 AM. www.fccsaintpaul.org

An encounter by two disciples teaches us how God can show up anywhere anytime. First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts Third Sunday of Easter| Luke 24:13-35 | April 18, 2021 |Rob Hamilton, preaching Welcome to the weekly online worship service of First Christian Church of St. Paul a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  During the coronavirus pandemic, join us each Sunday for worship at 10:00 AM. www.fccsaintpaul.org

Welcome to the weekly online worship service of First Christian Church of St. Paul a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  During the coronavirus pandemic, join us each Sunday for worship at 10:00 AM. www.fccsaintpaul.org How much do you trust second-hand information?  Or do you think you want to get your information from the source?  Thomas hears that Jesus is alive.  Thomas didn’t want to just hear about the Risen Christ, he wanted to see for himself.  How do we come to know Jesus?  How are we helping others know about Jesus? First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts Second Sunday of Easter| John 20:19-31 | April 11, 2021 |Dennis Sanders, preaching

Welcome to the weekly online worship service of First Christian Church of St. Paul a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  During the coronavirus pandemic, join us each Sunday for worship at 10:00 AM. www.fccsaintpaul.org Have you ever read a book that ends abruptly?  How did that feel?  Our Easter text comes from Mark and we never see an empty tomb. Instead, we see women who run away from the tomb in terror.  What’s up with that and how is this good news? First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts Easter Sunday| Mark 16:1-8 | April 4, 2021 |Dennis Sanders, preaching

Welcome to the weekly online worship service of First Christian Church of St. Paul a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  During the coronavirus pandemic, join us each Sunday for worship at 10:00 AM. www.fccsaintpaul.org Who doesn't love a parade? It's Palm Sunday, so we see Jesus entering Jerusalem in what might be the oddest parade ever. The crowd shouts, "Hosanna!" which means, "Save us!" How did Jesus save the people? Did they know how he was going to save them? Do we understand what it means that Jesus saves us? This Sunday, Rob Hamilton will preach on this most unusual parade. First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Learn more about us: fccsaintpaul.org. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts Palm Sunday| Mark 11:1-11 | March 28, 2021 |Rob Hamilton, preaching #worshipathome #firstchristianchurch #firstchristian

Have you ever heard of the phrase "get right with God?" It seems to connote that we have to do something in order to get back into God's good graces.  But in the texts for this coming weekend from Jeremiah and Hebrews talks about God being the one that acts in order to get people right with God.  The response is not to do something for God to like us but to respond to God's love with discipleship. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A Thankful Life | Fifth Sunday in Lent | Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 5:5-10 | March 21, 2021 |Dennis Sanders, preaching

We look to vaccines to save us from the dangers of COVID-19. Just like vaccines bring healing or salvation, Jesus explains in John 3 how God's love will bring healing to all of creation through his death on a cross. But how? We will find out. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-21 | Unafraid Worship Series | Fourth Sunday in Lent | March 14, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Third Sunday of Lent: We go to John chapter 2 where we see that Jesus is just a bit angry. What does it mean that Jesus got angry? What was Jesus angry about? What does it have to do with hope? What does it say to us today? Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). John 2: 13-22 | Unafraid Worship Series | Third Sunday in Lent | March 7, 2021 | Robert Hamilton, preaching

Second Sunday in Lent: "Thoughts and Prayers." That can be a phrase of caring, but it can also be just mere words.  Jesus calls the disciples and the larger crowd to put words into action.  In Mark chapter 8 and Revelation 3 we learn that in God's Kingdom, words must be backed with acts of love. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Mark 8:31-38 and Revelation 3:14-22 | Unafraid Worship Series | Second Sunday in Lent | February 28, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

First Sunday in Lent: What is hope? How is it different from optimism? This is the First Sunday in the Season of Lent.  We start our worship Series, Unafraid: Courage and Hope in an Uncertain Time.  We will look at the tales of Noah and the Ark found in Genesis 9.  Noah and his family finally get out of the ark after a long time inside. After all the death and destruction, God offers a symbol of hope and trust. Notes for this sermon: IGY (What A Beautiful World) by Donald Fagen Hope Is A Thing With Feathers by Emily Dickinson Theologies of Hope by Miroslav Volf Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Genesis 9:8-17 | First Sunday in Lent | UnAfraid Worship Series | February 21, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Transfiguration Sunday: This is the last Sunday before the Season of Lent. Jesus goes up on a mountain with three of his closest disciples and is transformed. A voice from heaven tells the disciples to listen to Jesus.  Why? What were the disciples not understanding? What are we not understanding.  Join us as we together enter into Mark 9. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Mark 9:2-9 | For the Sake of the World Series | Transfiguration Sunday | February 14, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

We hear a lot about freedom in our culture.  The freedom of speech, the freedom to express ourselves, the freedom to choose.  But what does that mean if we are Christians?  What does freedom look like in the body of Christ?  Pastor  Rob will be looking at this question today from 1 Corinthians chapter 8. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify Apple Podcasts First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 | For the Sake of the World Series | Fifth Sunday of Epiphany | February 7, 2021 | Rob Hamilton, preaching

January 31, 2021 (Fourth Sunday of Epiphany): Do we believe in God?  Really, do we believe that God is real, that God makes a difference in the world, in our lives?  In Mark 1 we encounter Jesus preaching in a local synagogue and casting out demons to the surprise of the crowd.  They saw God acting in a way they never had before.  What does that mean for us today? What does a living God mean for us now and what can it mean in our world today? Join us as we learn together.   Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/ Watch Past Worship Services: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline  Subscribe to the podcast:  Spotify  Apple Podcasts   First Christian Church of St. Paul is a small, open and affirming, and multicultural church located near St. Paul, MN in Mahtomedi. We are a local expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Mark 1:21-28 | Fourth Sunday of Epiphany| For the Sake of the World Series | January 31, 2021

Jonah 3:1-10 | Third Sunday of Epiphany | For the Sake of the World Series | January 24, 2021 | Dennis Sanders, preaching This Sunday (Third Sunday of Epiphany): If you felt that God was calling you to meet with the Klan and preach repentance, would you do it? Would you WANT to do it?  That's what is the case in today's passage in Jonah 3.  Jonah the prophet was called to preach the Ninevites, the sworn enemy of the Israelites.  He tried to run away from God, became a snack for a fish and then preached the repentance to the Ninevites who repented!  In real life, we hear the story of Daryl Davis an African American musician, who is known for starting up friendships with active Klansmen. When we hear that God so loved the world, we have to come to terms that God really does love the world. What does that mean when we profess to follow Jesus? Watch the worship service: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline Subscribe to our YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/user/FCCStPaul Read the sermon reflection: https://fccsaintpaul.org/news/homework-set-a-course-for-adventure Watch the TEDx talk by Daryl Davis: https://youtu.be/fw0vS0qvYo0 Join us online every Sunday at 10:00 AM.

This is a special evening prayer time for the nation on Martin Luther King Day 2021.  We come together to pray for the upcoming Inauguration, for justice, for peace and for healing in a time when it seems our nation is on the knife's edge. Join us as we pray to God together.  www.fccsaintpaul.org.   Though the Earth Shall Change: Contributors: Tom Witt, Rolf Vegdahl Tune: © 2009, Augsburg Fortress Text: © 2009, Augsburg Fortress Permission through One License A-723823.  #eveningprayer #martinlutherkingday #prayerforthenation

John 1:35-51 | Second Sunday of Epiphany | January 17, 2021 | For the Sake of the World Series | Dennis Sanders, preaching Come and See.  The sentence sounds like someone inviting you over for warm chocolate chip cookies.  Jesus and Philip tell others to “come and see” what Jesus is up to. Inviting people to meet Jesus is not about shoving the Bible in people’s faces.  It’s about sharing what God means to us with our family and friends.  In John 1 we see how Christ invites us to follow him and it gives us insight into how we can invite people to follow Jesus today. Watch the worship service: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline Subscribe to our YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/user/FCCStPaul Read the sermon reflection: https://fccsaintpaul.org/news/homework-set-a-course-for-adventure Join us online every Sunday at 10:00 AM.

Mark 1:4-13 | Baptism of Our Lord | January 10, 2021 | For the Sake of the World Series | Dennis Sanders, preaching "This is not who we are." It's hard to admit that we are sinners.  On this Sunday when we remember the Baptism of Jesus, Pastor Dennis talks about the insurrection this week at the United States Capitol, what it says about us as a nation and how in Christ through our baptisms, we have a new identity that allows us to be Christ's witnesses in these troubling times. Watch the worship service: https://fccsaintpaul.org/worshiponline Subscribe to our YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/user/FCCStPaul Read the sermon reflection: fccsaintpaul.org/news/this-is-who-we-are Join us online every Sunday at 10:00 AM.

John 1:1-18 | Second Sunday of Christmas | January 3, 2021 | Robert Hamilton, preaching

John 1:1-14 | Christmas Eve | December 24, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Luke 1:26-38 | Fourth Sunday in Advent | The World Is About to Turn Series | December 20, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Mary is just a normal girl from a normal town, loving a normal life. Then an angel comes to tell her of something extraordinary: she will give birth to a Savior! We learn how God surprised Mary and can surprise us as well.

Isaiah 61:1-11 | Third Sunday in Advent | The World Is About to Turn Worship Series | December 13, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?" It's not just a song, it's also how the people of Israel felt after they returned from exile.  But in Isaiah 61, we hear of a prophet that will come to heal broken hearts.  Signs of hope abound on this Third Sunday in Advent. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we aren't offering in-person worship so join us online at fccsaintpaul.org.

Mark 1:1-8 | Second Sunday in Advent | The World Is About to Turn Series | December 6, 2020 | Rob Hamilton, preaching During the COVID-19 pandemic, we aren't offering in-person worship so join us online at fccsaintpaul.org.

Isaiah 64:1-11 | First Sunday in Advent | World Is About to Turn Series | November 29, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching From today's sermon: "Every year we sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel and don’t think about the fact that this song is a cry for help.  It is a cry for the Christ child to free us." During the COVID-19 pandemic, we aren't offering in-person worship so join us online at fccsaintpaul.org.

Matthew 25:31-46 | Christ the King Sunday | The Church Has Left the Building Series | November 22, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching We look at the Parable of the Sheep and Goats and wonder: do we see Jesus in the face of the people we meet in our lives? During the COVID-19 pandemic, we aren't offering in-person worship so join us online at fccsaintpaul.org.

Matthew 25:14-30 | Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost | The Church Has Left the Building Series | November 15, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching During the COVID-19 pandemic, we aren't offering in-person worship so join us online at fccsaintpaul.org.

Matthew 25:1-13 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost | The Church Has Left the Building Series | November 8, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Jesus will return, we just don't know when. While we are waiting, we are called to be faithful. This Sunday, we will hear from Matthew 25:1-13, the parable of the Ten Bridesmaids, continuing our fall worship series, "The Church Has Left the Building." During the COVID-19 pandemic, we aren't offering in-person worship so join us online at fccsaintpaul.org.

“I Can’t Drive 55” | Matthew 22:33-46 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost | The Church Has Left the Building Series | October 25, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching The religious leaders ask Jesus one final question. What is the greatest commandment?  Jesus gives the answer: love God, and love neighbor.  The religious leaders saw the law as rules people had to follow, but Jesus showed another to look at the law: as entering into a relationship with  God and neighbor.  This Sunday, we will hear from Matthew 22:34-46, continuing our fall worship series, "The Church Has Left the Building."   Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul  Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/

Divided Loyalties | Matthew 22:15-22 | Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost |The Church Has Left the Building Series | October 18, 2020 Today's Service: Jesus is faced with a question: is it lawful to pay taxes to Ceasar?  Jesus had a quick answer, but do we? What does it mean to be a Christian and a citizen of a nation?  This Sunday, we will hear  from Matthew 22:15-22, continuing our fall worship series, "The Church Has Left the Building."   Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul  Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/

“Out of Context” | Matthew 22:1-14 | Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost |  The Church Has Left the Building Series | October 11, 2020 | Robert  Hamilton, preaching

“Unmasked” | Matthew 21:33-46 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost | The Church Has Left the Building Series | October 4, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Today's Service: The Parable of the Tenants in Matthew 21 is an odd tale: the tenants of a vineyard refuse to pay the owner even to the point of killing his only son.  God has entrusted the care of the world to us. How are we using the time we have: to look after our sisters and brothers or to look out for ourselves?    Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCStPaul  Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fccstpaul/

“And Like A Good Neighbor…” | Matthew 21:23-32 | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost | The Church Has Left the Building Series | September 27, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching    What does it mean to be a good neighbor? Do we seek to follow God with our lives and not just with our talk?  We continue our series, "The Church Has Left the Building," as we continue to find out how to be the church in this time of COVID. We read in Matthew 21 about a parable Jesus tells about two sons and which was one faithful. Watch our worship services online by going  youtube.com/FCCStPaul.

“Working 5 to 6” | Matthew 20:1-16 | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost | The Church Has Left the Building Series | September 20, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching   Who among us wouldn't like to be treated like a VIP?  However, in God's kingdom, status or what we do doesn't matter as much as what God does for us.  What does this mean when it comes to our sermon series "The Church Has Left the Building?" How does it prompt us to "Love God, Love Church and Love Neighbor?" Watch our worship services online by going  youtube.com/FCCStPaul.

"Swimming in Gratitude" | Matthew 18:21-35| Pentecost 15 | Dennis Sanders, preaching The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant is one where the protagonist takes the mercy he is shown for granted.  How thankful are for the grace shown by God? Watch our worship services online by going  youtube.com/FCCStPaul.

Ms. Puddleglum's Faith | Matthew 15:21-28 | September 2, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching The woman at the center of this story believed Jesus could heal her daughter. It was a risky faith, like doing a trust fall ten feet up and blindfolded.  We place our trust in God even when the future seems bleak. Watch our worship services online by going  youtube.com/FCCStPaul.

“And Yet the Gospel Is Proclaimed” | Matthew 16:21-28 | Pentecost 13 | August 30, 2020 |Rob Hamilton, preaching Damage Report!  That's what 2020 feels like, doesn't it? In today's sermon, Rob Hamilton preaches from Matthew 16 about how the good news of Jesus is still preached in the darkest of times. Watch our worship services online by going  youtube.com/FCCStPaul.

“The Worship Continues” | Romans 12:1-8 | Pentecost 12 | Romans Preaching Series | August 23, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

“Icons, Alcoholics and a Divided Heart” | Romans 11:1-2 and 29-32 | Romans Preaching Series | Pentecost 11 | August 16, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

"Keeping Relationship Through Empathy" | Romans 9:1-5 | August 2, 2020 | Rob Hamilton, preaching

"The Big Idea" |  Romans 8:26-39 | July 26, 2020 | Dennis Sanders,  preaching

Romans 7:14-25 | Romans Sermon Series | Pentecost 5 | July 5, 2020 | Robert Hamilton, preaching

Romans 6:12-23 | Pentecost 4 | Romans Sermon Series | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Romans 6:1-11 | Pentecost 3 | Romans Sermon Series | June 21, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Romans 5:1-11| Pentecost 2 | June 14, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Luke 24:13-25 | Trinity Sunday | June 7, 2020 | Rob Hamilton, preaching

1 Corinthians 15:1-26 and 51-58, Ascension Sunday, May 24, 2020 Dennis Sanders, preaching

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 17, 2020. Dennis Sanders, preaching

Acts 18:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020 Dennis Sanders, Preaching

Acts 17:1-9 and 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2020 Dennis Sanders, preaching

Acts 3:1-10, Third Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2020 Dennis Sanders, preaching

Acts 1:1-11 | Second Sunday of Easter | April 19, 2020 | First Christian Church | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Mark 16:1-8 | Easter Sunday | April 12, 2020 | First Christian Church | Dennis Sanders,  preaching

Psalm 23, Mark 11:1-11, Romans 8:31-39 | Palm Sunday | April 5, 2020 | First Christian Church | Rob Hamilton, Preaching

Mark 13:1-8 and 24-37 | Fifth Sunday in Lent | March 29, 2020 | First Christian Church | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Romans 8:26-39 | Third Sunday in Lent | March 15, 2020 | First Christian Church | Dennis Sanders, preaching

Mark 10:32-52 | The Color Purple Series | Second Sunday in Lent | March 8, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Two disciples want special access to Jesus.  Jesus responds by saying what it means to be first in God's kingdom.

Mark 10:17-31 | The Color Purple Series | First Sunday in Lent | March 1, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching A young man asks Jesus a question, but he doesn't like the answer.

Mark 8:27 - 9:8| FOCUSED Worship Series | Transfiguration Sunday | February 23, 2020 | Rob Hamilton, preaching Who is Jesus?  Peter says he's the Messiah...but doesn't realize what king of King he would be.

Mark  7:1-23 | Sixth Sunday After Epiphany | FOCUSED: Worship Series | February 16, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Jesus faces down the religious leaders and criticizes their love of following ritual, but not loving others.

Mark 5:21-43 | Fourth Sunday After Epiphany | FOCUSED Worship Series | February 2, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching A woman who spent everything to be healed tries one last chance.  A high official at the temple humbles himself to save his daughter.  Jesus is in the middle of it all.

Mark 5:1-20 | Third Sunday After Epiphany |  FOCUSED: Worship Series | January 26, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching In the power of Jesus, a small church can do what Jesus did.  Do we believe this?

Mark 4:1-34 | Second Sunday After Epiphany | FOCUSED Worship Series | January 19, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Jesus explains the Kingdom of God in parables and Pastor Dennis talks about Negro Spirituals and the movie Inception.

Mark 2:1-22 | FOCUSED: Worship Series | Baptism of Jesus | January 12, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching A young paralytic is brought face to face with Jesus.  Jesus forgives the man before healing him.  What does it mean that Jesus forgives?

“Blind Spots” | Mark 1:21-45 | Epiphany Sunday | FOCUSED Worship Series | January 5, 2020 | Dennis Sanders, preaching On the first Sunday of the new year and the new decade, Pastor Dennis preaches on how we see or don't see the people in our midst.

Isaiah 35:1-10 | Verge of a Miracle Series | Third Sunday of Advent | December 15, 2019 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Advent is a time when we know things aren’t right in the world.  It is a time when we realize things aren’t right with us.

Isaiah 40:1-11 | Second Sunday of Advent | Verge of Miracle Series | December 8, 2019 | Rob Hamilton, preaching Isaiah preaches for comfort for a weary people and Pastor Rob shares how this passage still speaks to a weary land.

Isaiah 2:1-5 | Verge of a Miracle Series | First Sunday of Advent | December 1, 2019 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Pastor Dennis thinks the United Nations tries to establish peace in the world, but God's future peace will be so much better.

Christ the King Sunday | Ubuntu Worship Series | 2 Kings 22:1-10, [14-20]; 23:1-3 | November 24, 2019 | Dennis Sanders, preaching On the Sunday before Advent, the people of Judah rediscover a lost document that they might have wished stayed lost.

Isaiah 5:1-17 and 11:1-10 | Twenty Third Sunday After Pentecost | November 17, 2019 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Dennis remembers a mailbox during his childhood and we are reminded of a God that seeks justice and also wants to love us as well.

God is angry at a wayward child and the church is called to follow Hosea's lead and speak from God's heart.

A thankful heart casts out fear. Jesus calls for a different way of being in the world.

King David's grandson becomes king, gets bad advice and sees the kingdom split in two. Service is a better way to lead than it is to lord it over others.

Just as King David danced before God, the church should be about dancing in our lives. We need to be able to express the joy of our faith in a public way in all that we do.

A comedian befriends an ex-president and hilarity ensues, which means there was no hilarity.  A widow is shown kindness by a woman named...kindness.

You never know what happens when the bread is broken.

Exodus 1: 8-20, 2:1-10 and 3:1-15  | Ubuntu Sermon Series | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost | September 29, 2019 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Two women are able to thwart the evil plans of a king.  A princess decides to care for a child that will one day lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the promised land. God hears the cries of the oppressed and decides to act.

A conman comes face-to-face with God and gets a new name.

Abraham becomes the host with the most, Sarah laughs out of frustration and we are reminded to be open to where God might lead us.

In the first of the fall sermon series, we hear about the second creation story, God as Trinity and we learn a new word: Ubuntu.

We look at Jesus final words to his disciples and seek to learn what it means to bring the gospel in a world of mass shootings.

Jesus heals a woman on the sabbath and everyone is happy....except the leader of the synagogue. What does this passage from Luke have to do with a father's sarcastic letter to a church about how they treated his son who is on the autism spectrum?  Find out.

“Do You Hear the People Sing?” | Luke 12:49-56 and Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2 | Tenth Sunday After Pentecost | August 18, 2019 | Dennis Sanders, preaching What matters more: social justice or evangelism? The answer is not as important as standing up for what God requires which will divide people.

Hebrews 11 is a gallery of Old Testament figures who were faithful to God. We learn about Abraham who was faithful to God, which didn't mean that he never doubted.  We also learn about the link between faithfulness and obedience.  Oh, and we talk about buildings.

What do we do with all of our stuff?  We learn about a rich farmer whose bountiful harvest "sparked joy" but did not help the poor or please God.

Grace comes first and then comes acts of justice. Paul tells the church to be rooted in Christ and to live a life that speaks to the crucified and risen Lord.

We all like to think we would be the Good Samaritan in the parable with the same name, but Pastor Dennis shares that most of us would probably walk on by like the other two characters in this famous story.

Pastor Dennis shares his memories of vacations when he was a young kid, Paul's closing words to the church in Galatia and what is the role of the church in the wider world.

Third Sunday After Pentecost | Galatians 5:1,13-25 | June 30, 2019 | Dennis Sanders, preaching Paul tells the church in Galatia that we are made in free in Christ in order to serve.  Paul then talks about the works of the flesh and fruits of the Spirit and we learn about the hearts of two religious figures through their Tweets.

Paul says in Galatians 3 that there is no male or female, slave or free, Jew or Gentile, but all are one in Christ. Pastor Dennis talks about the holiday of Juneteenth to explain that in Christ we called to live in radical relationship with each other.