The Gospel today reminds us just how similar we are to the disciples, when they ask Jesus just how often they are supposed to forgive someone. 7 times? Then can we stop? Jesus lays down quite the stunning answer to this question, one that we hate and love all at the same time.

Scripture: Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Song: "Mighty To Save" written by B. Fielding & R. Morgan; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

As we celebrate rally day and the kick off to our next season of ministry and outreach, we pause to consider what the church is really all about. Is this community of faith a tired remnant of generations past or are we being called together for just such a time as this?

Scripture: Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

Song: "Be The Church" written by Stefan Van Voorst; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

Our Gospel today tells us that we are called to carry the cross. If you think about the cross that Jesus carried - it’s a pretty big one. What does it mean for us to have to pick up that cross and follow Jesus? Is it as difficult as it may seem, or is there an easier way?

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Song: "We Are Called (let us not forget)" written by Nate Bergengren; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

There are a lot of announcements and pronouncements made in today’s Gospel. Peter announces that Jesus is the Son of God, and Jesus gives him the keys to the Kingdom. So strange. What does it mean that Peter says what he says and why does Jesus respond the way he does? And what does it have to do with us?

Scripture: Isaiah 51:1-6; Matthew 16:13-20

Song: "The Solid Rock" re-done hymn by the Prince of Peace worship band

This one is a doozy! A traditional understanding of this story says that Peter stepped out of the boat in confidence, looked at Jesus and then was distracted by the storm and the crashing waves and thunder bolts all around him.  And then was when he began to sink like a "Rock". But was it Peter's zealous faith that kept him on top of the water, for a time? Was the faith-filled act to have stepped out of the boat? Maybe Peter could have also shown his faithfulness by staying in the boat... let's explore this "what if?" together.

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Song: "God Is Able" written by B. Fielding & R. Morgan; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

About our preacher: Emmy Kegler is the pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Northeast Minneapolis (gracenempls.org) and the founder and editor of Queer Grace, an encyclopedia of online resources around LGBTQ life and faith (www.queergrace.com). Check out her bio for more info.

The woman we meet in the gospel today had no business believing that Jesus would bother to help her in her time of need. Remember that humiliated woman who snuck up behind Jesus just to reach out and touch the hem of his garment? Yeah, this is not that woman! The Canaanite woman we meet today demands a blessing. The disciples are so annoyed they ask Jesus to send her away. But Jesus sees something in this foreign woman in need, something he has been searching for. Something he wants you to have as well.

Scripture: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Matthew 15:10-28

VIDEO: Mark Heyer speaks about the memory of his daughter

Song: "Shelter From The Storm" by Bob Dylan

Living between memory and hope--it is a tough place to live, a diffcult tension to hold. We remember God's faithfulness in the past and we hope in God's faithfulness for the future. And at the same time we get to participate in God's work of redemption here and now... we sow seed in hopes that in time there will be a harvest.

Scripture: Psalm 126

Song: "Psalm 126 (come home with jubilation)" written by Nate Bergengren; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

We have all wondered what it sounds like when God interacts with us. Since we are kind of short on burning bushes and pillars of fire these days, how do we know what God’s voice sounds like? What does God look like or feel like? How can we be sure it’s God and not just our mind? Is there a test? And if and when God speaks to us, what does God say (especially now, in light of current events)? Both of our texts today share moments of experiencing God that give us some pretty great clues to how we experience our God who has promised to always be with us.

Scripture:1 Kings 19:9-13; Matthew 14:22-33

Song: "It Is Well" written by H. G. Spafford & P. P. Bliss; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

Take the time to hear this powerful story of addiction, stubborn faith, grace and redemption... it might just change your life too!

About our preacher/presenter: By 18 singer/songwriter and blogger, Sarah Kallies, had an ulcer for which she was given narcotic pain medication. And so began her long and secret relationship with pills that lasted until 2009 when she married her husband. Getting clean, sober and healthy is like having been blinded by a wet, heavy blanket... read more here.

Song: "Your Grace Finds Me" written by J. Myrin & M. Redman; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

There is something about the middle of the night that lends itself to magnifying our problems and concerns. There in the darkness our worries keep us from sleeping. At times, it is our own conscience that decides to do battle with us in the wee hours. Just ask Jacob. His entire past caught up with him one night and he found himself in a full-on battle with God. You may be surprised how the match turned out.

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-31; Matthew 14:13-21

Song: "Savior's Arms" written by B. Fielding, J. Ingram & K. Stanfill; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band