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

Shobi’s Table, baptism and transfiguration and why I'm not in it to save or change people...

Text: Mark 1:9-11, Mark 9:2-7

About our preacher/presenter: Margaret Mary Kelly is the pastor and mission developer with Shobi's Table in St. Paul, MN. They serve the poorest section of the East Metro, on the streets... with their food truck. Read more here.

Song: "You've Set Me Free" written by Nate Bergengren; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

There’s an age that every kid goes through we like call the “question” stage. First at age 3 is the why’s, then, again around 9 or 10 the life questions are asked. Without fail, they will ask a complicated question… one without an easy answer. And as adults, it’s hard to explain the unexplainable. Jesus today is aware of how difficult it is to explain the Kingdom of God, so he uses a lot of quick and easy examples to help paint a larger picture. So will we!

Scripture: Romans 8: 26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Song: "One Thing Remains" written by B. Johnson, C. Black Gifford & J. Riddle; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

We don't spend much time expressing our deep hurt and frustration. Certainly not to each other and certainly not in church. But God can handle it. In fact, taking time to sit in this space together is an essential part of our faith in God...

Scripture: Lamentations 3:16-24; Romans 8:15-25

Song: "Lord I Need You" written by C. Nockels, D. Carson, et al.; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

It's been 500 years since Martin Luther nailed a list of strongly-worded "reformations" to the front door of his local church, and inadvertently started the Reformation. And so far removed from 1517, we can sometimes forget how amazingly tranformational and radical his understanding of God's love truly was, and is. So let's dive into it together...

About our presenter/preacher: Rev Dr. Mark Tranvik is a faculty member at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN, and an expert on Martin Luther and the Reformation... bio here.

This morning we take a fresh look at the familiar parable of the sower and the seed. You know, some fell on rocky soil, some in the thorns and some on good soil. So, what kind of soil are you? Is that even the right question to ask? Those of us who are not up at the lake this weekend will follow Jesus to the shore to listen again to this great old story.

Scripture: Isaiah 55:10-13; Matthew 13:1-9

Song: "Here We Are" written by Nate Bergengren; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

As we do from time to time at our 10:30am worship service, we devote our entire morning to hearing from you on issues of our faith/life together. This particular time in conversation is always a blessing! Use #PoPAskThePastors and we'll respond, even now.