Facets of Faith

Holy Trinity - Our Shared Mission

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Join Pastor Katie, Keith, and David as they explore the gospel reading for Holy Trinity Sunday, Matthew 28:16-20. This text is commonly called “The Great Commission,” but what does it have to offer us in today’s world?

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Sunday Sermon - May 24, 2026

Sun, 24 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Happy Pentecost! Today's reading (including in the episode) is Acts 2:1-24.

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Pentecost - The Holy Spirit Comes

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Ready or not, the Holy Spirit is here! Join Pastor Katie, David, and Keith as the explore the story of the Holy Spirit showing up in the community of believers at Pentecost and how this story impacts our faith lives today.

Reading: Acts 2:1-24

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Sunday Sermon - May 17, 2026

Mon, 18 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Text: Acts 1:1-14

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The Ascension... Tag! You're it!

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

This week brings us to the celebration of the Ascension - when Jesus ascends into heaven 40 days after his resurrection. The disciples are told to wait for the moment when the Holy Spirit will come and send them out into the world, which leaves us in a waiting pattern with them after Ascension Sunday as we wait for Pentecost and ultimately for the Great Commission when the disciples are sent into the world to witness to everything they have known in and about Jesus.

This week's reading comes from Luke 24:44-53 with references to Acts 1:1-14

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Sunday Sermon - May 10, 2026

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

What can we learn about evangelism from Paul? How does seeing an altar to an unknown god invite curiosity about what the God we know is doing in the world? This sermon focuses on Sunday's readings from Acts (Acts 17:22-31) with reassurances from the gospel reading (John 14:15-21)

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

The Para...what?? Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Facets of Faith, Pastor Katie, David, and Keith continue their exploration in the final discourse of Jesus in the fourteenth chapter of John. They dive into the arrival of the Holy Spirit in the gospel of John as Jesus offers comfort and encouragement to his disciples before his ascension and wonder at the role of the Holy Spirit in their own lives.

This week's gospel reading is John 14:15-21

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Sunday Sermon - May 3, 2026

Wed, 06 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400

After joining us for some background conversation on the gospel reading, listen to Pastor Katie's sermon as she explores how we can learn how to serve all people and strive for justice and peace following the example of Jesus by following the gaze of Stephen.

Scripture reading: Acts 7:55-60

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Way, Truth, Life and God's Big Big House

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Facets of Faith, Pastor Katie, David, and Keith dive into the rich language of this Sunday's gospel reading, including the place of God, Jesus as Way, Truth, and Life, and the incredible experience of relationship with God as they detangle the way this reading has been misused to exclude non-Christians from God's goodness.

This week's gospel reading is John 14:1-14

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Sunday Sermon - April 26, 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400

After joining us for some background conversation on the gospel reading, listen to Pastor Katie's sermon as she explores the abundant life to which Jesus invites us, the abundant life characterized by living among God's faithful people.

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Sunday Sermon - April 19, 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400

After joining us for some background conversation on the gospel reading, listen to Pastor Katie's sermon on the story about the walk to Emmaus. Listen as she explores what it is to be blessed, broken, and sent by Jesus in the resurrection. Because of a joint service at an alternate location, this is a delayed post.

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Jesus the Good... Gate?

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

The Fourth Sunday in Easter is often called "Good Shepherd Sunday." But this year, the gospel reading is about Jesus as the gate. Join Pastor Katie, Keith and David as they talk about the ways this text has been wrongly used in anti-Semitic ways and the good news this text has for all people.

Scripture: John 10:1-10

Also mentioned: Acts 2:42-47

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Walk to Emmaus... Broken, Blessed, and Sent

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared for the first time in the gospel of Luke to two new-to-us disciples as they return home to Emmaus. They are understandably devastated at Jesus' crucifixion, but Jesus meets them in their brokenness. He blesses them in their joy they rush to spread the good news. How does Jesus meet us in our brokenness? How does Jesus reveal himself to us? How do we experience relationship with Jesus? How does Jesus inspire us to go out and share the good news? Join us in this week's conversation on the story of the walk to Emmaus.

Luke 24:13-35

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Sunday Sermon and Gospel - April 12, 2026

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

After joining us for some background conversation on the gospel reading, listen to Pastor Katie's sermon. This week the sermon took everything in the podcast as foundational ideas, then explored the ways that being in relationship with Christ is what it is to hear and be transformed by the Word of God. This intimate relationship with the Word is what Thomas was seeking, and we can learn to seek to really hear the Word of God from him.

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Doubting Thomas or… Faithful Thomas?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:00:00 -0400

The story of Jesus appearing to the disciples in Thomas' absence, then later showing Thomas his crucifixion wounds is read every single year on the Sunday after Easter. But this familiar text is often read with some presuppositions. Join Pastor Katie, Keith and David as they dive into the text and peel back some of the layers of this impactful story of post-resurrection appearances.

Like what you hear? Leave us a review or send us a message and let us know!

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Easter Sunday - I have seen the Lord!

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Easter Sunday brings us to our final special edition of Facets of Faith as we bring song, prayer, and reflection to the scripture text of the day. During worship we will read from the gospel of Matthew, but Facets of Faith continues through the gospel of John as we reach the culmination of Holy Week celebrating Christ's resurrection.

Music:
Jesus, Remember Me
Text: Luke 23:42 Taize Community
Music: Jacques Berthier (1923-1994)
Text and music copyright 1981 Les Presses de Taize. Admin GIA Publications, Inc (Used under One License # A-724822)

We Remember
Text and Music: Marty Haugen (b. 1950) copyright 1980 GIA Publications, Inc (Used under One License # A-724822)

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Holy Saturday - Holy Waiting

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

We witness as Joseph and Nicodemus bury the body of Jesus as we sit in vigil for Easter in song, prayer, and reflection during this special devotional-style episode of Facets of Faith.

We Remember
Text and Music: Marty Haugen (b. 1950) copyright 1980 GIA Publications, Inc (Used under One License # A-724822)

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Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Good Friday - The Crucifixion

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Join us for this special devotional-style episode! We sing, pray and reflect on the readings of Holy Week in the gospel of John. On Good Friday, we hear the events, in real time, that take us to the cross as we recall the ministry of Jesus throughout the gospel of John. Jesus leads us the entire way, choosing to take each step along the way.

We Remember
Text and Music: Marty Haugen (b. 1950) copyright 1980 GIA Publications, Inc (Used under One License # A-724822)

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Maundy Thursday - The Last Supper

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Listen now to this special devotional-style episode! We sing, pray and reflect on the readings of Holy Week in the gospel of John. Today we join Jesus and the disciples at the last supper. During Jesus' last supper with his friends, he did something that took everyone off guard. He washed their feet... even Judas' feet. After this remarkable moment, Jesus spends several chapters offering a final teaching to the disciples, a final word of love and grace that would carry them through the crucifixion to the resurrection and ultimately to Jesus' ascension.

We Remember
Text and Music: Marty Haugen (b. 1950) copyright 1980 GIA Publications, Inc (Used under One License # A-724822)

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Holy Wednesday - Betrayal Is at Hand

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Listen now for this special devotional-style episode! We sing, pray and reflect on the readings of Holy Week in the gospel of John. Today we hear Jesus anticipate Judas' betrayal. But even in the face of betrayal Jesus maintains control over the sequence of events.

We Remember
Text and Music: Marty Haugen (b. 1950) copyright 1980 GIA Publications, Inc (Used under One License # A-724822)

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Holy Tuesday - We Want to Come and See

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Listen now for this special devotional-style episode! As we sing, pray and reflect on the readings of Holy Week in the gospel of John. Today we read the final public speech of Jesus. Even the Greeks come and see Jesus and listen as he predicts his death and the life that will come out of death.

We Remember
Text and Music: Marty Haugen (b. 1950) copyright 1980 GIA Publications, Inc (Used under One License # A-724822)

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Holy Monday - Mary Anoints Jesus

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Listen now for this special devotional-style episode! As we sing, pray and reflect on the readings of Holy Week in the gospel of John. After Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead and before Jesus enters Jerusalem for the last time, Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, invite Jesus to their home for a meal. While they are there, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume.

We Remember
Text and Music: Marty Haugen (b. 1950) copyright 1980 GIA Publications, Inc (Used under One License # A-724822)

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Palm Sunday in John

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Listen now for this special devotional-style episode! As we sing, pray and reflect on the readings of Holy Week in the gospel of John. After reading from the gospel of John for most of Lent, we return to the gospel of John for our Holy Week daily reflections. In this episode, we explore the distinct elements of John's narration of Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem and reflect on the ways that this invites us to consider how we will respond to the events of the coming week.

We Remember
Text and Music: Marty Haugen (b. 1950) copyright 1980 GIA Publications, Inc (Used under One License # A-724822)

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Holy Week... there are how many services?!

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

You are invited to come and explore the drama of Holy Week in a spiritually enriching series of worship events. Come and experience the story that moves us from Jesus' celebrated' entrance into Jerusalem to his Last Supper with his friends, to his crucifixion, and then to remembering the stories of faith as we wait for the resurrection. Pastor Katie, David, and Keith explore what these holy moments have meant for them in their own faith lives.

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Palm Sunday and Kings on Donkeys

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

As we enter into the drama of Holy Week, Jesus enters Jerusalem for the last time riding on a donkey. Listen in as Pastor Katie, David, and Keith talk about how this compares to other kingly entrances into cities and how the cries of Hosanna play into the story.

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Lazarus and New Life

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Pastor Katie, David, and Keith sit down and explore the gospel reading for the fifth Sunday in Lent, the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. This iconic story is full of emotion and relationship as we encounter the human and experience the divine in John 11. Read along with the scripture here.

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

The Man Born Blind and God's Creative Activity

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The gospel reading for the fourth Sunday in Lent this year is a story about a man born blind and his encounter with Jesus and his experience of the divine. Despite his healing, people have a hard time seeing what God is doing in and through this man's witness.

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

The Woman at the Well and Honesty in Faith

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Woman at the Well never receives a name in scripture, but it is through her witness that many come to experience the divine in Jesus. She doesn't have all the answers, but she knows who Jesus is and in that truth, she invites others to come and see. Join Pastor Katie, David, and Keith, as they explore some of the depth of this text for the 3rd Sunday in Lent.

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Nicodemus and Questions at Night

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

What is it about the night that invites questions? What questions do we have in our own experiences with faith? And whatever happens to Nicodemus after this famous encounter with Jesus at night? Join Pastor Katie, David, and Keith as they explore the gospel reading for the second Sunday in Lent in 2026 (John 3:1-17).

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Welcome to Lent and the Temptation of Jesus

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:00:00 -0500

Lent, a season of preparation for baptism, is an opportunity to explore different facets of faith as we engage in a discipline that resists anything that would lead us away from God's love. This podcast will delve into the gospel reading for each Sunday in Lent, focusing on how each story helps us understand and grow in faith.

This episode begins the discussion with the Temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4, examining its context and significance in understanding Jesus’ identity as God’s Son. The temptations show us Jesus’ commitment to his divine calling of servanthood and humility, challenging our understanding of Jesus' identity as God's Son, setting the stage for the ongoing struggle between the kingdom of God and worldly kingdoms throughout the Gospel of Matthew and in our own lives.

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.