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.
- To Become Sunday, January 4, 2026 - Christ has made God’s heart known to us, so now you know, you see, and you can act as God’s beloved child in this world, for the healing of all things. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Second Sunday of Christmas, year ABCTexts: John 1:1-18; Ephesians 1:3-14 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the […]
- Hush, and Listen Sunday, December 28, 2025 - God’s way of making the world safe for children is to risk becoming a child and leading us into the way of peace. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe First Sunday of Christmas, year ATexts: Matthew 2:13-23 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and […]
- No Disguises Thursday, December 25, 2025 - If you want to see what the Triune God is really like, look at Jesus. If you want to know what you could really look like, start there, too. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas DayTexts: Hebrews 1:1-4, John 1:1-14 (adding v. 18) (also referring to Luke 2:1-20 and other Scriptures) Beloved […]
- Always Bethlehem Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - We’ve known for two millennia the kind of rule God intends to establish on this earth: a rule won heart by heart, in the most powerless places, until life is full and abundant for all. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas EveTexts: Luke 2:1-20 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace […]
- Don’t Be Afraid Sunday, December 21, 2025 - God needs you to incarnate God’s presence in your life, your love, no matter how small or unimportant you might feel you are. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Fourth Sunday of Advent, year ATexts: Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 7:10-16 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + […]
- No Offense Thursday, December 18, 2025 - God comes to heal, not to destroy, and following the path of Christ is seeing and hearing that mercy and love, and then living it. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Third Sunday of Advent, year ATexts: Matthew 11:2-11; Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, […]
- No More Of This! Sunday, December 7, 2025 - “No more of this!” Jesus’ way is love for enemies, healing of relationships, ending of violence and hatred. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Second Sunday of Advent, year ATexts: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of […]
- Awake Sunday, November 30, 2025 - Wake up and be the Christ you are made to be, for the healing of the world. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe First Sunday of Advent, year ATexts: Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44; Isaiah 2:1-5 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the […]
- A Savior, A Ruler, A Friend Sunday, November 23, 2025 - On Reign of Christ Sunday, the church considers what it means to follow a crucified king. Jesus rules from the cross, extending his mercy and compassion to all. As followers of Christ, we reject all forms of violence and instead go out to serve. Vicar Erik NelsonThe Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 23 CTexts: Jeremiah […]
- Eased Weariness Sunday, November 16, 2025 - You and I may never make a measurable impact, be a visible success by the world’s standards, in serving Christ. But all we are called to be is faithful, and God gives us the strength we need. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenThe Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 33 CTexts: Luke 21:5-19; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Beloved in […]
- Holy Eyes Sunday, November 2, 2025 - See as Christ sees as blessed, not the world, and you will be. Act as Christ acts as holy, as you are set apart, and you will live as a saint. Pr. Joseph G. CrippenAll Saints Sunday, year CText: Luke 6:20-31 Beloved in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, […]
- 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 NelsonReformation SundayTexts: John 8:31-36 Beloved in Christ, grace and peace to you in the […]
- 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 […]
