ST. STEPHEN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Striving to speak God’s saving truth in love. Ephesians 4:15
08Aug
Are Your Expectations of Jesus Too Small?
Sermon on John 6:24-35 for Pentecost 11 (Pr 14), August 5, 6 & 8, 2021 Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, brothers and sisters in him. Back in June, when I had the call to Portage, Michigan, I got two free lunches. A classmate…
25Jul
The Lord Knows Our Needs
Exodus 16:1-15 Proper 12 7/22/21; 7/23/21; 7/25/21 St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church—Beaver Dam, WI Parents bring their first child home. All of a sudden reality hits them. They are now responsible for another life. Despite looking everywhere, and perhaps even asking the doctor, the new child does not come with an instructional manual. New parents…
18Jul
Jesus: The Great Shepherd of the Sheep
Sermon on Hebrews 13:7-8, 17-21 for Pentecost 8 (Pr 11) July 15, 16 & 18, 2021 Today’s readings all have a shepherd theme. We’re used to the shepherd theme on the Fourth Sunday of Easter—then the Gospel is always from John chapter 10, where Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd.” Today’s readings focus also…
27Jun
“He Helps Us Free in Every Need”
Sermon on Mark 5:21–24a, 35–43 for Pentecost 5 (Pr 8), June 24, 25 & 27, 2021 The human condition is a one of constant need. When you were born, you needed someone to dry you off, wrap you in a warm blanket and put you in a crib. Within an hour you were squeaking or…
13Jun
Our Life of Faith Grows
Colossians 1:3-8 Proper 6 6/10/21; 6/11/21; 6/13/21 St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church—Beaver Dam, WI A parent’s eyes roll. They look and only have to laugh at another growth spurt of their child. It happens at some of the most inconvenient times. Their shirts become tighter and shorts just a little bit shorter. Here it is…
13Jun
RADIO SERVICE: Strive for Such a Faith ~ Pastor Dorn
Strive for Such a Faith James 1:2-12 Hymns: TLH 352, 231, 396, 381
06Jun
Satan Has His Limits. “Crushed,” “Chained,” “Bound”
Sermon on Mark 3:20–35 for Pentecost 2 (Pr 5) June 3, 4 & 6, 2021 When I was in school, I remember teachers or pastors telling us about movies we shouldn’t see—and I confess, my sinful human flesh was at work. “Don’t see that movie!” “Oh, where’s it playing?” One controversial movie from that time…
28May
God Gives His Charge To You…
I Kings 2:1-4 8th Grade Graduation 5/28/21 St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church—Beaver Dam, WI You finally made it. Nine years ago this day probably was not even on your mind. As the years went by, as you moved from grade to grade, this day came into focus a little bit more. Well, it is finally…
23May
The Holy Spirit Testifies….
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-11 Pentecost 5/20/21; 5/21/21; 5/23/21 St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church—Beaver Dam, WI Goodbyes can be hard. Parents drop off a child at college. They spend a few days getting putting the finishing touches on things before school starts. A bunch of trips to the grocery store make sure they have all the snacks…
09May
Define “Love”!
Sermon on 1 John 4:7-11, 19-21 and John 15:9–17 for Easter 6 April 6, 7 & 9, 2021 I try to follow Jesus the Master Teacher who used parables—stories about everyday things–to teach deeper spiritual truths. When I’m teaching catechism class, I often tell some story including the students to make a point or to…
02May
Dear Members, Keep The Faith To Which You Were Called
I John 3:18-24 5th Sunday of Easter 4/29/21; 4/30/21; 5/2/21 St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church—Beaver Dam, WI May 5, 1996. I will always remember this date. My confirmation day. I am sure I could go around the church and many people would know the date, or at least the year, of their confirmation. It is…
25Apr
John Reflects the Heart of the Good Shepherd
Sermon on 1 John 4:1-6 for Easter 4, B April 22, 23 & 25, 2021 The disciple John is my favorite. He wrote the gospel and the three letters that bear his name, along with the Revelation. In his gospel he refers to himself very humbly as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Through the traditions…
11Apr
“The Life Appeared”
Sermon on 1 John 1:1-4 for Easter 2, April 8, 9 & 11, 2020 The Second Sunday of Easter is known as the Sunday of St. Thomas because of the Gospel lesson that is read on this day every year. It’s easy to pick on Thomas—doubting when the other disciples had seen the Lord—but today…
04Apr
Easter’s Message Lasts Into Eternity
I Corinthians 15:19-28 Easter Sunday 4/4/21 St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church—Beaver Dam, WI A few days ago, we celebrated a holiday that some people look forward every year. It allows them to play tricks or practical jokes on people. Some of us here might have even fallen prey to some of the foolishness. April Fools’…
01Apr
We Belong!
I Corinthians 10:16-17 Maundy Thursday 4/1/21 St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church—Beaver Dam, WI We want to feel like we belong. This is something all of us desire to find. We join various clubs, organizations, or come together with neighbors to have this sense of belonging. One lesson the previous year has taught us is that…