SUFFERING
Holy Trinity Ankeny
The struggle to make sense of suffering – and to escape it – is woven into the fabric of human existence. We ask, “Where was God when I suffered?” or “I pray to God, and I still suffer. Why?” The truth is that suffering is unavoidable. Some suffering is of our own making. Some is part of our being. Some happens when we encounter the reality of chaos and death. In this last case, the cross and resurrection of Christ provides answers.
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ABANDONED?
Holy Trinity Ankeny
We go through life trying to find meaning and purpose, and we often try to find that in the things that ultimately will not give us meaning and purpose. We might ask the question "Is there more to life than this?" We might wonder if we are loved.
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LIVING STONES
Holy Trinity Ankeny
The back wall of our chancel (the place of the altar) is made of limestone. Each stone is unique, stacked into a wall. If those stones could talk, what would they say? But they can’t talk – they are “dead” stones. First Peter says that we, the people of God, are “living stones” built into a temple that lives and breathes. What does that mean?
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THE VOICE OF THE SHEPHERD
Holy Trinity Ankeny
Jesus says that his “sheep” know his voice. There are, however, lots of other voices that compete for our attention. How do we know the voice of our Lord? He speaks the language of love.
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THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Holy Trinity Ankeny
The disciples on the road to Emmaus fail to see Jesus when he is standing right in front of them. I want to think that I would recognize Jesus if he was standing in front of me, but the truth is that I would most likely be like the disciples. My expectations would blind me, or all the things of this world would blind me. Jesus helps them recognize him. He takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to all to eat. Just like he has done in the past and continues to do. Jesus walks with us in this world and reminds us of his presence in the rhythms of our lives.
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GRIEVING, AFRAID, FULL OF DOUBT
Holy Trinity Ankeny
Some might be surprised that a preacher feels the weight of grief, wrestles with fear, and sits in the dreary confines of doubt. You shouldn’t be. Preachers are all too human. Sometimes all a preacher can offer is a path into God’s Word where we find those who grieve, like Mary Magdalene; those who fear like the disciples; those who can’t believe like Thomas. Then together we can see what Jesus has to say to us.
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RAISED WITH CHRIST
Holy Trinity Ankeny
Paul asserts that we “have been raised with Christ.” (Colossians 3:1). He does not say, “You shall be raised,” or “You might be raised.” Resurrection is a present reality for us today. What does that look like?
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Good Friday Sermon
Holy Trinity Ankeny
The Good Friday sermon given by Pastor Travis Segar.
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Maundy Thursday Sermon
Holy Trinity Ankeny
The Maundy Thursday sermon given by Pastor Tim Olson.
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PARADES
Holy Trinity Ankeny
We all love a good parade. Today, we hear about Jesus’ parade into Jerusalem. At the same time as Jesus’ parade, there is another one occurring on the other side of the city. The Romans are marching in to ensure law and order are maintained during Passover. And just as then, we are faced with the choice of which parade to attend. Which parade do we join? Jesus’ or Pilate’s?
info_outlineIt takes little imagination to see that the world we inhabit is a pretty dark place. Hunger, violence, hate, war, failed banks, hungry people… all these things and more rob our souls of light and place a heavy burden on our shoulders. The gospel, however, tells us that “we are children of the light.” We need not solve the darkness of the world, we need only reflect the light of Christ given as we gather, listen, receive Christ, and are sent into the world to imitate the one who banished the darkness of death.