Sermon | Luke 9:28-36 | Finding Our Roots

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Finding Our Roots

Sermon

Second Sunday in Lent - C

Luke 9:28-36

John M. Braaten

THE GREATEST WONDER OF ALL

Sermons for Lent and Easter

Ever since Alex Haley’s novel, Roots, hit the bookstands in the mid-70s, there has been an increasing number of people interested in their heritage. I know one man who bought a computer primarily to keep track of his family tree. He has also taken a liking to trans-Atlantic flying because it enables him to get back to his roots by searching for his forebears in their own country.

Read more about Finding Our Roots

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For March 8, 2026:

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Exodus 17:1-7
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Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen. The pastor was trying to show some of his parishioners the church's new web page. With pride he had gathered them into his office after the Christian Education Committee meeting. He paused. "I don't do this very often ... We may have to try this another time," he said disappointed. "Try 'church,' " someone says, looking over his shoulder. The pastor types c - h - u - r - c - h. Amazingly the internet connection pops up on the screen. A password is a secret word given to gain entry. It can mean security.

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Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him." Let us pray that we may be true worshippers today.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when we try to hide from you, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when we fail to worship in spirit and in truth, forgive us.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when we neglect to reveal you to others, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.

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After the bombing of a building in Oklahoma City, an earthquake or a department store implosion in Japan, rescuers hurry. They do so to alleviate the pain of the survivors, to certify the hopes and fears of those who are related to victims of the disaster, and ...

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Here's a parable by a cartoonist named Saxon. It's about a fellow who has just reached retirement. Now he wonders about his place in society. He begins to spend much of his weekend time walking alone in the woods. One day he finds himself on an unfamiliar path that leads him to a small pond. As he stands beside the pond, the water begins to stir and bubble until there is a lovely little fountain. Astonishingly, a voice calls out to him: "Arnold Flagler! This is the Fountain of Youth!"

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Thomas WilladsenNazish NaseemChristopher KeatingKaty StentaMary AustinGeorge ReedDean Feldmeyer

Marian R. PlantDavid G. Plant

Carlos Wilton

Russell F. Anderson

Lee Griess

Frank Luchsinger

Richard E. Gribble, CSC

Mark Ellingsen

Harry N. Huxhold

Dallas A. Brauninger

Wayne H. Keller

Janice B. Scott

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt

Keith HewittTimothy Smith

Wayne BrouwerSchuyler Rhodes

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This Week’s Scriptures

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant

Keith Hewitt
Timothy Smith

Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes