Sermon preached by Matt Staniz at Temple Lutheran Church. Includes reflection on recent ELCA Assembly decision to open rostered/ordained ministry to individuals in committed same-sex relationships. Also includes reflection on upcoming changes in the worship schedule at Temple Lutheran Church.
Bible Texts:
Deuteronomy 4:1–2, 6–9 (The Israelites believed the law was a divine gift that provided guidelines for living out the covenant. Moses commands the people to obey the law and neither to add to nor subtract from it. The Israelites are also to teach the law to their children and their children’s children.)
Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23 (Mark’s gospel depicts Jesus as challenging traditional ways in which religious people determine what is pure or impure. For Jesus, the observance of religious practices cannot become a substitute for godly words or deeds that spring from a faithful heart.)
James 1:17–27 (Christians are encouraged to listen carefully and to act on what they hear, especially by caring for those least able to care for themselves.)
Monica Staniz
