Simply the Sermon for July 19, 2026: Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

Simply the Sermon for July 19, 2026: Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

Our Bible texts for Sunday, July 19 are: Isaiah 44:6-8; Romans 8:12-25; and Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. It is an age-old question: why is there evil in the world? In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God, and from the Lord’s table we go forth to bear the fruit of justice and mercy. Connect [https://unsplash.com/photos/orange-petaled-flowers-koy6FlCCy5s?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText] with Bethel Lutheran Church: • To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to office@blctempleton.org [office@blctempleton.org]. • Donate for ministry [https://www.blctempleton.org/donate]. • Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California. • Web site: www.blctempleton.org [https://www.blctempleton.org]

Simply the Sermon for July 12, 2026: Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

Our readings for Sunday, July 12 are: Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:1-11; and Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23. God’s word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seed indiscriminately. Our lives are like seeds sown in the earth. Even from what appears to be little, dormant, or dead, God promises a harvest. At the Lord’s table we are fed with the bread of life, that we may bear fruit in the world. Connect [https://unsplash.com/photos/orange-petaled-flowers-koy6FlCCy5s?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText] with Bethel Lutheran Church: • To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to office@blctempleton.org [office@blctempleton.org]. • Donate for ministry [https://www.blctempleton.org/donate]. • Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California. • Web site: www.blctempleton.org [https://www.blctempleton.org]

Simply the Sermon for July 5, 2026: Sixth Sunday After Pentecost

Our Bible texts for Sunday, June 5th are: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; and Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. The mystery of God’s ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent. Jesus associates with those often excluded from the religious community. Like Paul, we struggle with our own selfish desires and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. We gather to be refreshed by Christ’s invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary.” Gathered around word, water, and meal, we find rest for our souls. Connect [https://unsplash.com/photos/orange-petaled-flowers-koy6FlCCy5s?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText] with Bethel Lutheran Church: • To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to office@blctempleton.org [office@blctempleton.org]. • Donate for ministry [https://www.blctempleton.org/donate]. • Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California. • Web site: www.blctempleton.org [https://www.blctempleton.org]

Simply the Sermon for June 28, 2026: Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Our Bible texts for June 28, the 5th Sunday after Pentecost are: Jeremiah 28:5-9; Romans 6:12-23; and Matthew 10:40-42. How do we know the way of welcome? How can we tell the true prophet from the false? The true prophecy doesn't give us all our wants and desires, instead it gives us guidance and hope and a welcoming seat at the table. In today’s gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our baptismal mission: to both serve and be served by the little ones of this world and to be a sign of God’s merciful welcome. Connect [https://unsplash.com/photos/orange-petaled-flowers-koy6FlCCy5s?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText] with Bethel Lutheran Church: • To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to office@blctempleton.org [office@blctempleton.org]. • Donate for ministry [https://www.blctempleton.org/donate]. • Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California. • Web site: www.blctempleton.org [https://www.blctempleton.org]

Simply the Sermon for June 21, 2026: Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

Our Bible texts for June 22, the 4th Sunday after Pentecost are: Jeremiah 20:7-13; Romans 6:1b-11; and Matthew 10:24-39. God does not promise that the path of the disciple will be easy. Jeremiah feels the pain of rejection from those who do not want to hear what he has to say and yet he knows that God is with him and is encouraging him and giving him strength to go on. Jesus declares that his words may bring stark division. Even so, we need not be afraid, for God accounts for each hair on our heads. Though we may experience rejection, frustration, division, and death, God’s grace and love make us a new creation each day. Marked with the cross and filled with holy food, we are sent from worship to witness to Christ in the world. Connect [https://unsplash.com/photos/orange-petaled-flowers-koy6FlCCy5s?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText] with Bethel Lutheran Church: • To have Bethel news and updates delivered to your email, sign up by sending an email message to office@blctempleton.org [office@blctempleton.org]. • Donate for ministry [https://www.blctempleton.org/donate]. • Come join us on Sunday: 9:30 AM, corner of 3rd Street and Crocker Street in Templeton, California. • Web site: www.blctempleton.org [https://www.blctempleton.org]