Lutherans believe that God’s Word is alive and active in the world, and that one way it comes to us is through the preaching of sermons.
A sermon is more than a “message,” more than advice. In preaching, God speaks to us. The sermon is an integral part of the liturgy, and, within that context, conveys God’s grace. Included here are print, audio and video files of recent and past sermons preached at Mount Olive.
- Free Indeed Sunday, October 26, 2025 - Our readings for Reformation Sunday invite us to reconsider what Christian freedom is. When a Christian understands that they are freed from sin, lies, and other burdens, they become free to love and serve their neighbors with open hands. Vicar Erik NelsonThe Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 23 CTexts: Amos 6:1,4-7a; Psalm 146; 1 Timothy […]
- Inspire Us to Seek Your Enduring Justice Sunday, October 19, 2025 - God’s the one who needs to wrestle with you and me in prayer, to call us to do God’s justice in this world. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 29 CTexts: Genesis 32:22-31; Luke 18:1-8 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the […]
- A Bigger “Each Other” Sunday, October 12, 2025 - All people and creatures are bound together in Christ in healing and life. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 28 CTexts: 2 Kings 5:1-15c; Luke 17:1-11 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen They […]
- Beloved Littlefaith Sunday, October 5, 2025 - Faithfulness, not faith, will be how you change the world in Christ. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 27 CTexts: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Luke 17:5-10 (with ref. to Matthew 8:23-27) Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the […]
- The Chasm Monday, September 29, 2025 - Jesus tells a powerful parable that leads us to reconsider our relationships to one another. Jesus’ image of the chasm speaks into our lives, as a terrifying symbol of all our divisions and separation. God’s Word reminds us that God desires to close the chasm, bringing reconciliation to the whole creation. Vicar Erik NelsonThe Thirteenth […]
- Come to Me Sunday, September 21, 2025 - The Triune God loves you and welcomes you and invites you into the feast of love that is in God’s life. Come and see. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenFeast of St. Matthew, Apostle and EvangelistTexts: Matthew 9:9-13 (and referencing Matthew 11:2-6) Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and […]
- Lose the Logo Sunday, September 14, 2025 - God’s only way is to draw you into the cross, to become that sacrificial, self-giving, non-violent, peacemaking, world changing love. And things will be healed. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenFeast of the Holy CrossTexts: 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; John 3:13-17; Numbers 21:4b-9 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and […]
- Allegiance Sunday, September 7, 2025 - Jesus’ shocking command to “hate father and mother, spouse and children, siblings, yes, and even life itself,” stops us in our tracks. Christ’s words lead us to step back and reconsider our allegiances. Vicar Erik NelsonThe Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 23 CTexts: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; Philemon; Luke 14:25-33 Grace and peace to you […]
- Having Nothing, Having Everything Sunday, August 31, 2025 - Jesus’ admonition to humble ourselves is not only advice for gracious living. It encapsulates the entire gospel. The Rev. Beth Gaede, guest preacherThe Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 22 CText: Luke 14:1, 7-14 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the […]
- Come and See Sunday, August 24, 2025 - We can’t defend Christianity or Christians, or even God, with words; only by lives transformed by the Holy Spirit into Christly, self-giving love. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenSt. Bartholomew, ApostleTexts: John 1:43-51; Psalm 12; 1 Corinthians 12:27-31a (adding 31b and 13:1-3) Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and […]
- Long Division Sunday, August 17, 2025 - Following Christ is our path, trusting in God’s undying love, serving as Jesus taught, no matter what others bearing the name might say or do. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 20 CTexts: Luke 12:49-56; Psalm 82 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and […]
- Invited Friday, August 15, 2025 - Pentecost is our Annunciation, your call to let the Spirit fill you and transform you for the healing of the world. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenSt. Mary, the Mother of Our LordText: Luke 1:46-55 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the […]
- Trust, part 2 Sunday, August 10, 2025 - Don’t be afraid: God is pleased to give you the reign of God, here and in the world to come, for you and for all creatures and the creation. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 19 CTexts: Luke 12:32-40; Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace […]
- What was it all for? Sunday, August 3, 2025 - The grind and anxiety of modern life can make us as “What was it all for?” But our risen life in Christ leads us to contentment that leads to true joy. Vicar Natalie WusslerThe Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 18 CText: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23; Psalm 49:1-12; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21 Beloved in Christ, grace […]
- Trust Sunday, July 27, 2025 - Trust in the goodness and mercy of God that you know, and live heart-to-heart with God, speaking your mind, listening, and expecting God to answer and change you and your life. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 17 CTexts: Genesis 18:20-32; Luke 11:1-13 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in […]
- Pause Sunday, July 20, 2025 - Jesus helps us slow down and take a pause even when the world feels chaotic around us. Vicar Natalie SummervilleThe Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 16 CText: Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and […]
- Your Own Journey Sunday, June 29, 2025 - The saints remind you that your path is your path, that Christ’s call to you is yours and no one else’s, and that you are called to follow Christ and care for God’s sheep in your way. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenSt. Peter and St. Paul, ApostlesText: John 21:15-19 (adding in 20-22) Beloved in Christ, grace […]
- Love Gets Involved Sunday, June 22, 2025 - Love doesn’t care about the ways we feel divided from our neighbors. Love goes to the hardest places and holds out a hand, and gets involved. Vicar Natalie SummervilleThe Second Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 12 CText: Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22:19-28; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name […]
- In Our Image Sunday, June 15, 2025 - God has created us in the divine image, and that’s the truth about God we really want to focus on and know and live on this feast of the Holy Trinity. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Holy Trinity, year CTexts: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in […]
- Out of Control Sunday, June 8, 2025 - The Holy Spirit is out of our control, and that’s the best news ever, because that means God’s love could actually bring about healing and hope for all. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Day of Pentecost, year CTexts: Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17, 25-27 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the […]
