Beyond the Pulpit: Jesus Connects Us

Beyond the Pulpit: Jesus Connects Us

Beyond the Pulpit: Jesus Connects Us What do our youth volunteers get out of a week at Vacation Bible School? A lot. Come listen in on a conversation between Deaconess Claire Schoepp and Augustana's VBS 2026 Skit Team. In between laughter, SC, Will, and Porter share about their process for writing the skits and what they learned along the way. If you listen closely, you can also hear them share about the day that challenged them the most. We hope that day sticks with them for the long haul because the message is powerful: Jesus connects us. Stay tuned beyond the end credits if you want to listen to our youth director rap. Thanks to our CYF Intern, Audrey King, for recording and editing this podcast.

From the Pulpit: I Am the Light of the World (July 12)

Sermon Title: I Am the Light of the World. Preacher: Intern Pastor Nathan Adu-Gyamfi. Preaching Text: John 8:12-20. Today we continue our summer sermon series, “I AM: Life with Jesus,” exploring the powerful “I AM” statements in John’s Gospel. Last week we heard Jesus declare, “I Am the Bread of Life.” Today Jesus makes another remarkable claim: “I Am the Light of the World.” In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and competing voices, Jesus does not simply offer us more information or better advice. He offers himself. He is the Light who reveals God’s presence, exposes what keeps us from God, and leads us into the fullness of life. Whether you come today carrying joy, questions, burdens, or hope, Christ invites each of us to walk in his light. As we gather, may our worship draw us closer to the one who promises, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

From the Pulpit - I Am the Bread of Life (July 5)

Sermon Title: I Am the Bread of Life. Preacher: Deacon Stephanie Anderson. Preaching Text: John 6:25-39. This weekend we begin our summer worship series "I Am: Life with Jesus", exploring the powerful “I am” sayings in John’s Gospel alongside the stories our children discovered during Vacation Bible School. In a world that offers countless promises about what will satisfy us, Jesus offers something deeper. “I am the bread of life,” he says, inviting us to receive the life that only God can give - a life rooted in grace. As we gather this holiday weekend, we remember that our deepest identity is found in the God who creates, redeems, and sustains all people. Around Christ’s table there is enough for everyone, and in Christ’s love there is room for all. Come, hungry and hopeful, and receive again the bread of life.

From the Pulpit - Sabbath Feasting (June 28)

Sermon Title: Sabbath Feasting. Preacher: Pastor Jason Bryan-Wegner. Preaching Text: Deuteronomy 14:22-29. We are concluding the Keeping the Sabbath Wholly series today. Throughout the last few weeks, we’ve taken a deeper look at both the command and the freedom of centering Sabbath in our lives as a way to connect with the rhythm of God’s time. This final week, we look at the ways God weaves celebration, relationships, and feasting into Sabbath.

From the Pulpit - Sabbath Embracing (June 21)

Sermon Title: Sabbath Embracing. Preacher: Intern Pastor Nathan Adu-Gyamfi. Preaching Text: Isaiah 56:1-8. What flourishes requires intentionality. Farmers know it. Healthy relationships prove it. Today, we hear how God built that same intentionality into creation through the gift of Sabbath. As we worship, may we embrace God’s rhythm of remembrance, trust, and renewal.