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Calvary Lutheran Church, 3705 Austin Drive, Bedford, IN (2026)

09/02/2026

Ezekiel 33:7-9; Romans 13:1-10; Matthew 18:1-20

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Who is the greatest? It’s a question that we are somehow fascinated with. We love talking or even arguing about who is greater than all the rest. Whether it be in sports, in business, at school, or even at home, there seems to be this need for people to rank themselves and figure out where they stand in that line-up.

Indeed, be it pride or something else, we all wish to be at the top of that list. Perhaps, we feel that if we are the best at something, we’ll be immortalized because of our accomplishments. Maybe it’s just for the sense of accomplishment itself. Maybe it’s the capability of bragging to others.

It’s this very question that we find in our Gospel reading this week. The disciples for whatever reason inquire of Jesus about who is the greatest (Matthew 18:1). For so Jesus responds, “And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 18:2-3. The greatest isn’t Peter who makes a bold confession. It’s not the disciple who performs the most miracles. It’s not the one who converts the most people either. For you see, our measures of greatness are out of place in the kingdom of God.

Even still today, society at large looks down upon children and considers them too burdensome. Many people think children are a hindrance to their life rather than a blessing. We all like to think that we are better than small children. We’re smarter, stronger, wiser, better in every way. But in this, we place our value, our worth upon our utility. We like to measure greatness by what we can do. And dare I remind you… all we do is sin.

It would be better to cut off a hand or foot than be found in hell (Matthew 18:8-9). It would be better to ruin our usefulness, give up our place at the top, than to be cast into eternal fire. It would be better to become like a child so that we may receive the greatness of the kingdom of God! For the greatness of God isn’t found in what we do, but in what God has done for us. God calls us to humble ourselves by confessing our sins, by plucking out the sin from our body, by being reproved by one another and called back into the holy assembly. For a child is one who receives. They are powerless to provide for themselves yet trust they will be cared for. So too the child of God. We trust that we are incapable of earning our place in God’s kingdom, but that on account of Christ’s death on the cross, God shall give to us our place. Like a child, we come before God helpless only to receive the greatness of Christ!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:
O God, from whom all good proceeds, grant to us, Your humble servants, Your holy inspiration, that we may set our minds on the things that are right and, by Your merciful guiding, accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

08/28/2026

We have another wonderful service planned! If you are unable to join us in person, consider watching along online!

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 30 @ 10:30am

Link is posted in the comments below.

08/26/2026

Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Have you ever tried cooking a meal in a tiny kitchen with a bunch of people? You might think that having several people help out would be a good thing, and indeed, it is to a point. However, the moment you need to use the restroom, or grab something from the pantry or fridge, you have to squeeze past everyone. In fact, we often find that we can have the problem of too many people in the kitchen.

Likewise, it’s not just cooking with which we run into this problem. Someone standing in the middle of a street would quickly become a hindrance to normal traffic. Someone who stands right in front of a door becomes a hindrance to those wanting to enter or exit. Most of the time, we do this unintentionally, though sometimes we do it on purpose. That is, we can purposely become hindrances to others for any number of reasons.

As we continue reading from the Gospel of Matthew, we find out that Peter goes from “great confessor” to a hindrance very quickly. Following Peter’s good confession, Jesus begins teaching his disciples about what it means for him to be the Christ. “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised,” Matthew 16:21. Jesus is sharing with his disciples the truth of what he has come to do. He won’t sit on any throne, nor will he lead any army against the Romans. He will offer himself up on a cross.

This is where our great confessor, Peter, comes to stand in Jesus’ way. “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you,” Matthew 16:22. Peter thinks that he has God’s plan all figured out. He was just celebrated by Jesus a moment ago, that now he’s so bold as to tell Jesus what he can and can’t do. Instead of learning from Jesus’ teaching, Peter inserts himself between Jesus and the cross.

This is a hard lesson we all must learn. If we place ourselves, our wants and desires first, we become nothing more than a hindrance to Christ. Rather, Jesus shows us what it means for him to be the Christ, and what it means for us to follow. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me,” Matthew 16:24. Jesus had to go to the cross. Jesus had to suffer for us so that he may win forgiveness and eternal life for you and me. But we also must take up our cross to follow him. For following Jesus means suffering even cross and grave. The Christian life is cruciform, that is, that is we must let go of all we have in this life and then God shall grant us life eternal!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:
Almighty God, Your Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption. Grant us courage to take up our cross daily and follow Him wherever He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

08/21/2026

We have another wonderful service planned! If you are unable to join us in person, consider watching along online!

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 23 @ 10:30am

Link is posted in the comments below.

08/19/2026

Isaiah 51:1-6; Romans 11:33-12:8; Matthew 16:13-20

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

What if the world could be different? What if all the chaos and misery on tv doesn’t have to be all we see? Such is the plot of a popular movie called, Pay It Forward. A young boy comes up with this idea after being challenged by his teacher to change the world. His thought is simple. If I help three people, then they will go on and help three more, before long, many people’s lives are changed by this chain reaction. It’s a cute movie if you haven’t seen it. But the question remains, does it really work like that in real life?

Maybe it’s just hope that says yes. Maybe I should be more cynical about our world and thinking that it can ever change. But maybe the movie wasn’t too far off. For our world is hungry, starved even, of just a little kindness. I can’t say how many times I’ve heard people say that just a smile from a stranger has brightened their day. Imagine what might change if we all truly started caring for one another instead of drawing battle lines!

This is what the church is meant to be, a group of people who change the world by our kindness and caring. This is what St. Paul writes, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship,” Romans 12:1. As Christians, we can’t just talk the talk. We must walk the walk. We can’t just say we care about everyone without also doing it. Being a “living sacrifice” means being willing to give up our own wants and desires for someone else.

Even as I say all this, we realize the reason why this doesn’t always happen as it ought. We’re sinners still. Even as Christians, we still struggle with being selfish, reacting more in anger than love, and only caring about those things that impact us directly. This is why Paul says, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned,” Romans 12:3. We must retrain our minds not to think so highly of ourselves, but of others.

How do we do that? Only by the grace of God! That’s the entire point. The world won’t change only by sheer willpower. It must start with someone. In fact, it already started… with Jesus! Jesus is the one who started the whole chain. He’s the one who can redeem us from our sins and lead us to “pay it forward” to everyone we meet. It was all because Jesus died for you and me that we can share our love with one another. What Jesus paid for us, we now have the opportunity to give to the world. Lastly, as Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect,” Romans 12:2. We are not called to live as those in this world, but being transformed by Jesus’ death and resurrection, we may share his love and mercy with all!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:
Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us to know Your Son, Jesus, to be the way, the truth, and the life that we may boldly confess Him to be the Christ and steadfastly walk in the way that leads to life eternal; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

08/14/2026

We have another wonderful service planned! If you are unable to join us in person, consider watching along online!

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
August 16 @ 10:30am

Link is posted in the comments below.

08/12/2026

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32; Matthew 15:21-28

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

There is nothing worse than being an outsider looking in. When we are kept at arm’s length from the group, there’s bound to be hurt feelings and disappointment. The distance reminds us that we have no special standing, no privileges in the group. We aren’t treated like the others. Rather, we’re left out on purpose. No one invites, no one calls, no one acts like you even exist. It’s painful.

While this may be a common occurrence in our human relationships, but we never suspected this with Jesus. We’ve always looked at Jesus as the one who would be a friend to anyone. He wouldn’t leave anyone out even if it meant he suffered for it. American Christianity has this ideal image of Jesus that shatters when we encounter the real Jesus.

In our Gospel reading this week, Jesus ventures outside Israel to Gentile territory. There he meets a Canaanite women who comes seeking his help. He’s helped hundreds (if not, thousands) of people before, so why not help her? But their interaction begins with… silence! Jesus doesn’t even answer her request (Matthew 15:23). And when Jesus does finally answer, it’s not the kind, loving answer we’ve become accustomed to. As he said, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs,” Matthew 15:26. To Jesus, she was on the outside looking in.

It’s not like the disciples were pleading on her behalf either. She stood alone on the outside before Jesus and his disciples. And she knew it. She knew her place. And so should we… that’s the key. When we come before God, we don’t come as those who can boss God around. We have no standing to demand anything of God. Rather, we must come seeking his mercy, just as this woman does. As sinners, we have no claim on God. We stand on the outside of God’s holiness and purity.

So, we must confess, just as this woman does, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat crumbs that fall from their masters’ table,” Matthew 15:27. Notice how wonderfully she holds to Jesus’ words! Even being a “dog”, she confesses that a crumb would be enough! God’s love for Israel is so grand that it can (and does!) overflow to us (Gentiles) also! This is what she’s saying. At this, Jesus is amazed and complements her faith. For God doesn’t hold us on the outside anymore. Rather, through Jesus’ death on the cross, he has taken away our sins. He’s removed the barrier that kept us outside his presence. For now, Christ invites us to his table, not as dogs longing for meager crumbs, but as children of God! And let us come as children who are given the very food of eternity!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:
Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving. In every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

08/05/2026

Job 38:4-18; Romans 10:5-17; Matthew 14:22-33

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

There’s something to be said about the ministry of presence. It’s the simple fact of being present with someone, being physically close by. As a pastor, I know I’m not able to always help people with their struggles and challenges. I’m not able to pay off a house for you. I’m not able to heal all your diseases. I’m not able to change the facts of life, no matter how much I wish I could. However, I can sit beside you while you endure it. I can be present with you through it all and happily stay by your side the whole time.

You see, we so often discard the simple benefits of someone being present with us. Especially with technology, we think we can get the same benefits whenever we desire. But experience hasn’t shown as much. Having someone sitting three feet away from you is different than looking at that person on a computer screen.

In our Gospel reading this week, we read about one of the few times that Jesus doesn’t stay with the disciples. Jesus, still grieving the death of John the Baptist, sends the disciples off in a boat so that he can pray by himself. While Jesus is praying, the disciples are out in the boat being tossed around by a storm (Matthew 14:24). Even as experienced fisherman, this storm wasn’t to be taken lightly. One mistake or even one misfortune could quickly mean the death of all the disciples.

I wonder what type of conversations the disciples had in the boat. Were they regretting leaving without Jesus? Were they still confident in their experience navigating to shore? Or were they fearing for their life as we normally say? For Jesus walks on the water in the midst of this storm to rejoin them in the boat. It’s upon seeing Jesus that we’re told of the terror of the disciples (Matthew 14:26). The disciples were afraid, even deathly so. The storm had been battering them and now they see a “ghost” walking on the water towards them.

Notice that Jesus doesn’t immediately calm the storm. Only after he climbs into the boat, are the waves and wind stopped. Rather, his answer to their fear is a simple statement, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid,” Matthew 14:27. Jesus was telling them that he was with them. He was reassuring them that what they saw wasn’t a ghost, but himself revealing his glory in this miraculous act. Jesus simply sought to be present with them. Of course, Jesus wasn’t powerless either. He as the Lord of all creation had the power to calm the storm… and their fears. And so too with you. Jesus may not immediately calm the storms of our lives. He may not stop us from facing tragedy or difficulties, but he will be present with us. By his death, Jesus seeks to be near us with forgiveness, grace, and mercy. He reaches out his hand when we’re drowning that he may save us. For so we shall heed his words… do not be afraid. We need not fear the storm but look to the Lord who is with us always, saving us from our sins and bringing to us peace and eternal life!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:
Almighty and most merciful God, preserve us from all harm and danger that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish what You want done; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

07/29/2026

Isaiah 55:1-5; Romans 9:1-13; Matthew 14:13-21

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

One of the few things I watch on TV anymore are the cooking shows and challenges. I’m fascinated by the skill of these chefs and how quickly they can construct a menu and plate in their head. But so often when I’m watching, I don’t find the finished dishes to look appetizing. There’s a point for me where gourmet is too gourmet. I’d much rather have a basket of chicken tenders and fries, than fresh caviar.

When it comes to food, there’s plenty of room for personal taste. However, when it comes to hunger, really any food will do. So long as I have food to eat and something to drink, I won’t complain (too much!) about what is set in front of me. For hunger to be satisfied, all it needs is food to eat. The type of food is unimportant.

For in our Gospel lesson this week, there’s a comparison being drawn between two different feasts. Just prior to the feeding of the five thousand is a feast in the halls of King Herod. Herod was celebrating his birthday with a grand feast. One can only imagine how exquisite the food and drink would have been. The best of the best would be reserved for a king. As the king and his company were enjoying their food, Herod makes a promise to his niece/step-daughter to give her anything which she requests. It’s then that she asks for the head of John the Baptist. A feast meant for celebration ends with death.

When Jesus heard about John’s death, he withdrew to a desolate place for some peace and solitude. Yet, the crowds had followed Jesus. They stayed with him all day as he healed their sickness and cared for all around. But the crowd, having been present for the better part of a day, now grew hungry. So, the disciples pleaded with Jesus, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves,” Matthew 14:15. With little food available, it seemed impossible to feed the crowd, let alone give them a decent meal.

It was Jesus’ compassion that cared for the needs of this crowd, just as it was his compassion that provided a miraculous feast. Indeed, this feast was nothing gourmet like the feast of Herod. It was simply five loaves and two fish. Yet, “They all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over,” Matthew 14:20. Even in these simple means, Jesus provides far more than food. He provides life, even life eternal! This meal was just a glimpse of what the heavenly banquet would be, one where all would come and be satisfied. For it would be Jesus’ compassion that would satisfy not just the hunger of body, but of body and soul. Jesus would go to the cross to shed his body and blood for a new feast. There, also, he would take bread, bless it, break it, and give that all may eat of it and receive forgiveness, life, and salvation! Even still, Jesus brings us to his table that he may feed us the food of immortality… his own body and blood shed upon the cross!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

07/24/2026

We have another wonderful service planned! If you are unable to join us in person, consider watching along online!

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
July 26 @ 10:30am

Link is posted in the comments below.

Calvary Lutheran Church

09/02/2026

08/28/2026

08/26/2026

08/21/2026

08/19/2026

08/14/2026

08/12/2026

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