Shows
The Rambling RevPastor Scott's Farewell Sermon: 7-27-25In this sermon, based on Ecclesiastes 3, Pastor Scott offers his final sermon as the pastor of Underwood Lutheran Church before moving on to serve as Bishop of the Western Iowa Synod. He looks back over 12 years of ministry and encourages the congregation to keep going.
Note that the song Seasons of Love is featured in the sermon. We give all copyright credit to those who control this song.2025-07-2731 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Be Strong and Courageous, 6-15-25Sermon: Be Strong and Courageous, 6-15-25 by Pastor Scott Dalen2025-06-1520 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Yes, Jesus Will Die 4-6-25Sermon: Yes, Jesus Will Die 4-6-25 by Pastor Scott Dalen2025-04-0616 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Humanity's Even Playing Field 2-23-25In this sermon, based on Luke 6:17-20, 27-38, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' teaching from the sermon on the plain, in which he reminds us that we are called to show love even when its not easy or convenient. This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday February 23rd, the 7th Sunday after Epiphany.2025-02-2319 minThe Rambling RevSermon: How Does Jesus Catch Us 2-9-25In this sermon, based on Luke 5:1-11, Pastor Scott explores the story of Jesus' calling the first disciples, and just what it might mean for us to be captured by the gospel. This is the assigned text for Sunday February 9th, the 5th Sunday after Epiphany.2025-02-0916 minThe Rambling RevSermon: The Gospel and Band 2-2-25In this sermon, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Pastor Scott explores the portion of scripture known as the love chapter. He unpacks the importance of love within our interactions and relationships, because without love anything we do is just a distraction.
This is the assigned text for Sunday February 2nd, the 4th Sunday after Epiphany.2025-02-0215 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Who is the Gospel For? 1-26-25In this sermon, based on Luke 4:14-21, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' first public proclamation in which the year of the Lord's Favor comes into fruition. Pastor Scott explores the history behind this statement, and raises the question for us to consider, just who is the Gospel for? And what is its not always about me?2025-01-2616 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Water Into Wine 1-19-25In this sermon, based on John 2:1-11, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday January 19th, the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany.2025-01-1915 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Baptism of Jesus, 1-12-25In this sermon, based on Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Pastor Scott explores the Baptism of Jesus and the proclamation of God that this is my beloved Son. We share in the same baptism, and we share in the same identity. This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday January 12th, Baptism of Our Lord Sunday.2025-01-1213 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Epiphany 1-5-24In this sermon, based on Matthew 2, Pastor Scott explores the story of Epiphany, in which the Magi arrive to worship Jesus, and King Herod has a terrible reaction. This is the assigned gospel text for Epiphany, which is technically January 6th, but was focus of today's worship service.2025-01-0514 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Being a Faith Community 12-29-24In this sermon, Pastor Scott takes the approach of "stump the pastor." Following the reading of the 3 scripture lessons for the day, the congregation votes on which he'll use for the sermon, and he has 1 hymn to come up with the sermon. The lessons include 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Colossians 3:12-17; and Luke 2:41-52. While hints of all 3 are present, the main focal point is Colossians.
These are the assigned texts for Sunday December 29th, the 1st Sunday of Christmas.2024-12-2912 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Christmas Eve & AvacadosSermon: Christmas Eve & Avacados by Pastor Scott Dalen2024-12-2418 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Being Joyful in Harship 12-22-24In this sermon, based on Luke 1:39-55, Pastor Scott explores the story of the visit between pregnant Elizabeth and Mary, as well as the song known as the Magnificat. This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday December 22nd, the 4th Sunday of the Season of Advent.2024-12-2213 min
The Rambling RevSermon: A Quick Trip Through the Bible, 11-24-24In this sermon, based on Revelation 1:4-8, Pastor Scott offers a majorly abridged overview of the Bible narrative as the church year comes to a close on Christ the King Sunday. God reminds us of being the Alpha and Omega, so we recap the story.2024-11-2414 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Gospel According to Journey 11-17-24In this sermon, based on Mark 13:1-8, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' prediction of the temple's destruction. Human nature of wanting to know when and how is on display in the reaction of the disciples. This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday November 17th, the 26th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-11-1714 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Does God See Me? 11-10-24In this sermon, based on Mark 12:38-44, Pastor Scott explores the story of Jesus pointing out the widow who gives her last two coins. He explores the idea that no matter our circumstances or status, we are seen by God and we are claimed as beloved children.
This is the assigned Gospel text for Sunday November 10th, the 25th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-11-1010 min
The Rambling RevSermon: How Do We Mourn Together? 11-3-24In this sermon, based on John 11:32-44, Pastor Scott explores the reality of life and death through the example of Jesus raising Lazarus back to life. We are reminded that we mourn together but also that God mourns with us.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday November 3rd, All Saints Sunday.2024-11-0317 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Blind Bartimaeus 10-27-24In this sermon, based on Mark 10:46-52, Pastor Scott explores the healing of Blind Bartimaeus by Jesus, and the important statement about the importance of faith.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday October 27th, the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost and Reformation Sunday.2024-10-2716 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Faith is Like Golf 10-13-24In this sermon, based on Mark 10:17-31, Pastor Scott explores the story of Jesus being asked how to inherit eternal life, and compares it with golf.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday October 13th, the 21st Sunday after Pentecost.2024-10-1312 minThe Rambling RevSermon: We Need Eachother 10-6-24In this sermon, based on Genesis 2:18-24, Pastor Scott explores the 2nd account of creation and how "the human" ultimately requires companionship.
This is the assigned text for Sunday October 6th, the 20th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-10-0615 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Bias in the Church 9-29-24In this sermon, based on Mark 9:38-50, Pastor Scott explores an odd teaching of Jesus in response to the disciples trying to justify themselves on account of their bias.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday September 29th, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-09-2915 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Can I Ask Jesus Questions? 9-22-24In this sermon, based on Mark 9:30-37, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' second passion prediction, which confused the disciples and led them into a completely different debate.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday September 22nd, the 18th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-09-2214 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Where is the Kingdom of God? 9-15-24In this sermon, based on Mark 8:27-38, Pastor Scott explores the statement made that Jesus is the Messiah, and the way he shuts that down before shifting into the reality of what being the Son of Man means.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday September 15th, the 17th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-09-1513 minThe Rambling RevSermon: The Presence of God 9-8-24In this sermon, based on Mark 7:24-37, Pastor Scott explores the ways that God's presence is among us, especially in the midst of hard/difficult circumstances.
This is the assigned Gospel text for Sunday September 8th, the 16th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-09-0814 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Wisdom and the Gospel 8-18-24In this sermon, based on Job 32:1-10, Pastor Scott explores the idea of wisdom, and specifically how we share the wisdom of faith in the gospel. This is the text utilized for Sunday August 18th, the 13th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-08-1816 minThe Rambling RevSermon: When God Says Rest 8-11-24In this sermon, based on 1 Kings 19:4-8, Pastor Scott explores the event when the prophet Elijah gets whiny and God orders a nap and food.
This is the assigned text for Sunday August 11th, the 12th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-08-1111 minThe Rambling RevSermon: God's Compassion 7-21-24In this sermon, based on Mark 6:30-34 and 53-56, Pastor Scott explores the example of Jesus' compassion upon the crowds and the importance of the times when we follow his example to show compassion on one another.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday July 21st, the 9th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-07-2112 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Why The Gospel Is Important 7-14-24In this sermon, Pastor Scott explores the story of the death of John the Baptist and the messy dynamics that led to his death. Likewise, he explores this in light of the attempted assassination on July 13th.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday July 14th, the 8th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-07-1419 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Getting Stuck in the Past 7-7-24In this sermon, based on Mark 6:1-13, Pastor Scott explores an odd story where Jesus is discounted within his hometown. This points towards a human tendency to remain stuck in the past, while God tends to invite us forward.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday July 7th, the 7th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-07-0713 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Why Do We Care? 6-30-24In this sermon, based on Mark 5:31-43, Pastor Scott explores the story of 2 miraculous healings as an example of Jesus' Care for the world, which we are called to emulate.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday June 30th, the 6th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-06-2918 minThe Rambling RevSermon: When the Storms Rage 6-23-24In this sermon, based on Mark 4:35-41, Pastor Scott explores the story of the disciples being overcome with fear as they are stuck in a boat in the middle of a storm at sea...all while Jesus is snoozing.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday June 23rd, the 5th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-06-2313 minThe Rambling RevSermon: How Does Faith Grow? 6-16-24In this sermon, based on Mark 4:26-34, Pastor Scott explores a couple of parables of Jesus describing the way that God grows the kingdom.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday June 16th, the 4th Sunday after Pentecost.2024-06-1615 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Shame, Blame, Name, Claim 6-9-24In this sermon, based on Genesis 3:8-15, but also expanded out to discuss Genesis 2-3 as a whole, Pastor Scott explores the story of God's interaction with humanity immediately after the Fall, and how it sheds light on human nature.
This is the assigned text for Sunday June 9th, 2024, the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost.2024-06-0816 minThe Rambling RevSermon: What is Sabbath For? 6-2-24In this sermon, based on Mark 2:23-3:6, Pastor Scott explores 2 events which happen on the Sabbath, in which Jesus challenges a rigid understanding of what is allowed.
This is the assigned gospel for Sunday June 2nd, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost.2024-06-0214 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Do We Understand the Holy Trinity? 5-26-24In this sermon, based on Romans 8:12-17 and John 3:1-17, Pastor Scott explores the idea of the Holy Trinity, one God in 3 persons, which is unbelievably confusing, and ultimately unknowable. What we do know is what God says about us.
These are the assigned texts for Sunday May 26th, Holy Trinity Sunday.2024-05-2614 minThe Rambling RevSermon: The Spirit of God 5-19-24In this sermon, based on Acts 2:1-21, Pastor Scott explores the story of Pentecost and the disruptive way that the Holy Spirit empowers the earliest church.
This is the assigned text for Sunday May 19th, Pentecost Sunday.2024-05-1918 minThe Rambling RevSermon: When Jesus Sends Us Out 5-12-24In this sermon, based on Acts 1:1-11, Pastor Scott explores the story of the Ascension and the "what next" aspect for the disciples. This is based on Senior Recognition for our Graduates.
Note that one of the Graduates is Pastor Scott's daughter, and he gets a touch emotional at the end of the sermon.
This is the text for Sunday May 12th, Ascension Sunday and the 7th Sunday of Easter.2024-05-1210 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Jesus' New Commandment 5-5-24In this sermon, based on John 15:9-17, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' new commandment to the disciples that they love one another, and how that is an expression of our faith in the world.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday May 5th, 2024, the 6th Sunday of Easter.2024-05-0514 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Why Do We Care About Each Other? 4-28-24In this sermon, based on Acts 8:26-40, Pastor Scott explores the story of Philip and the Ethiopian and what Philip's example means for us, especially in light of a natural disaster which stuck the area a couple days prior to Worship.
This is the assigned text for Sunday April 28th, the 5th Sunday of Easter.2024-04-2816 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Knowing God 4-21-24In this sermon, based on John 10:11-18 and Psalm 23, Pastor Scott explores the apparent desire of God to be known by us, even as God already knows us.
These are the assigned texts for Sunday April 21, the 4th Sunday of Easter and Good Shepherd Sunday.2024-04-2114 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Why Do We Bear Witness? 4-14-24In this sermon, based on Like 24:36b-48, Pastor Scott explores another resurrection appearance of Jesus, one among many we have, and the importance of the witnesses of the resurrection.
Note that there are some pauses in the audio due to audience participation.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday April 14th, the 3rd Sunday of Easter.2024-04-1415 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Thomas Believes 4-7-24In this sermon, based on John 20:19-31, Pastor Scott explores the story commonly, though incorrectly, known as Doubting Thomas. Thomas needs to see to believe, but he is also credited as an eye witness.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday April 7th, 2024, the 2nd Sunday of Easter.2024-04-0716 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Easter 3-31-24In this sermon, based on Mark 16:1-8, Pastor Scott explores the Easter Story.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday March 31st, Easter Sunday.2024-03-3113 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Palm Sunday 3-24-24In this sermon, based on Mark 11:1-11, Pastor Scott explores the event known as the Triumphal Entry, as Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem and kicks off Holy Week.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday March 24th, Palm Sunday.2024-03-2414 minThe Rambling RevSermon: When My Soul Is Troubled 3-17-24In this sermon, based on John 12:20-33, Pastor Scott explores and emotional reaction that Jesus has as he faces down Holy Week. We tie that in with the normalcy of human emotional reactions.
This is the assigned Gospel text for Sunday March 17th, the 5th Sunday in Lent.2024-03-1713 minThe Rambling RevSermon: What Light Reveals 3-10-24In this sermon, based on John 3:14-21, Pastor Scott explores a portion of the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, in which Jesus talks about light and darkness.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday March 10th, the 4th Sunday in Lent2024-03-1012 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Is God's Mercy Like Sunscreen? 3-3-24In this sermon, based on John 2:13-22, Pastor Scott explores the event known as the cleansing of the temple. Jesus gets pretty riled up over the exploitation of individuals.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday March 3rd, the 3rd Sunday in Lent2024-03-0312 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Expectations of Resurrection 2-25-24In this sermon, which is a dialogue, Pastor Scott is joined by Deacon Eric Haitz, and they explore Mark 8:31-39, in which Jesus makes his first Passion Prediction. The disciples reaction is interesting.
This is the assigned Gospel text for Sunday February 25th, the 2nd Sunday in Lent.2024-02-2517 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Ash Wednesday 2-14-24In this sermon for Ash Wednesday, Pastor Scott explores a call from God through the prophet Joel to call together the people into a solemn assembly of repentance. This is a fitting thing for Ash Wednesday as we kick off the season of Lent.2024-02-1413 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Is the Gospel Relateable? 2-11-24In this sermon, based on Mark 9:2-9, Pastor Scott explores the story of Jesus' transfiguration, and dovetails into the reason that we hear about so many different people in the gospels, in order to relate to those who experienced the amazing moments.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday February 11th, Transfiguration Sunday.2024-02-1014 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Looking for God 2-4-24In this sermon, based on Mark 1:29-39, Pastor Scott unpacks a story in which Jesus performs a bunch of healings, but rather than sticking around in the same place he heads off to do the same thing elsewhere. We explore the motivations of why everyone keeps looking for him.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday February 4th, the 5th Sunday after Epiphany.2024-02-0412 minThe Rambling RevSermon : God Goes Papa Bear 1-28-24In this sermon, which is admittedly odd...Pastor Scott explores the ways that Jesus cares for God's Children, with a strange reference to Cocaine Bear
This is based on Mark 1:21-28, the assigned gospel text for Sunday January 28th, the 4th Sunday after Epiphany.2024-01-2810 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Jonah and God's Mercy 1-21-24In this sermon, based on Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Pastor Scott explores the story of Jonah and the display of God's mercy.
This is the assigned text for Sunday January 21st, the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany.2024-01-2112 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Tingling Ears 1-14-24In this sermon, based on 1 Samuel 3, Pastor Scott explores the call of God upon the boy Samuel and his important place in Biblical History, tied together with our ongoing life of faith.
This is the assigned text for January 14th, the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany.2024-01-1419 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Jesus' Baptism and God's Grace For Everyone 1-7-24In this sermon, based on Mark 1:4-11, Pastor Scott explores the Baptism of Jesus and what it means for each of us, focusing in on the claim of God on humanity as beloved children. This happens in light of the school shooting in Perry Iowa a few days earlier.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday January 7th, 2024, Baptism of Our Lord Sunday.2024-01-0714 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Hope 12-31-23In this sermon, based on Luke 2:22-40, Pastor Scott explores Holy Spirit inspired individuals who build into the story of his earliest life.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday December 31s, 2023, the 1st Sunday of Christmas.2023-12-3113 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Yes Mary Knew, December 24th, 2023In this sermon for Christmas Eve, Pastor Scott explores the age old question "Mary Did You Know?"
Hint: She knew.
This sermon is based on Luke 2:1-20, along with references to the Annunciation in Luke 1.2023-12-2416 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Advent Hope 12-3-23In this sermon, based on Mark 1:1-8, Pastor Scott explores the hope we find in the gospel as we look forward into an unknown, but still promised future.
This is the text for Sunday December 3rd, the 1st Sunday of Advent.2023-12-0311 minThe Rambling RevSermon: The Biblical Cinematic Universe 11-19-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 25:14-30, Pastor Scott explores the Parable of the Talents, but zooms out to the larger teaching and narrative, ultimately comparing this to the large scale story telling aspect of the MCU.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday November 19th, the 25th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-11-1913 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Being Prepared for the Lord 11-12-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 25:1-13, Pastor Scott explores a parable which Jesus' aims at questions of the end times. He teaches in ways that seem to reveal that no one knows when the end will be, so we live our lives in a way that reflects the joy of the gospel into the world.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday November 12th the 24th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-11-1211 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Future Hope 11-5-23In this sermon, Pastor Scott explores the promises which we find in Revelation 7:9-17, one of the assigned texts for All Saints Sunday.2023-11-0513 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Reformation 10-29-23In this sermon, based on John 8:31-36 & Matthew 22:34-40, Pastor Scott explores the promise that we have received from God that we are included in the heavenly household. But what does that mean for us today?
These are the assigned gospel texts for Reformation Sunday as well as the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost.2023-10-2912 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Trying to Make Sense of Violence 10-22-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 22:15-22, Pastor Scott explores a long history of violence between cultures and how it stems from the ways we define and protect out identity. From there he acknowledges the current turmoil in the Holy Land.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday October 22nd, the 21st Sunday after Pentecost.2023-10-2213 minThe Rambling RevSermon: The Parable of the Wedding Robe 10-15-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 22:1-14, Pastor Scott explores the parable of the Wedding Robe, which is admittedly a bit of a head scratcher.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday October 15th, the 20th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-10-1512 minThe Rambling RevSermon: When God Rebukes 10-8-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 21:33-46, Pastor Scott explores a difficult parable in which Jesus offers a rebuke to those tasked with caring for God's people. In light of recent conflict erupting in the Holy Land, Pastor Scott also addresses the human tendency towards violence.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday Oct 8th, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-10-0816 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Let's Talk Authority 10-1-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 21:23-32, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' teaching on authority leading into the importance of believing the gospel which is proclaimed to us.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday October 1st, the 18th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-10-0112 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Temper Tantrum With God 9-24-23In this sermon, based on Jonah 3:10-4:11, but also referencing the entirety of the book of Jonah, Pastor Scott explores the epic mercy and compassion on the part of God, even in the midst of an epic temper tantrum from Jonah.
This is the assigned text for Sunday September 24th, the 17th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-09-2414 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Forgiveness is Messy 9-17-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 18:21-35, Pastor Scott explores the messy nature of forgiveness and grace. Its not easy, but it is good.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday September 17th, the 16th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-09-1711 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Be Reconciled 9-10-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 18:15-20, Pastor Scott explores an odd exchange between Jesus and the disciples where he seemingly outlines a how-to guide for dealing with sin among the assembly. But the ultimate goal is reconciliation.
This is the assigned gospel for Sunday September 10th, the 15th Sunday after Pentecost2023-09-1012 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Will I Be Remembered 9-3-23In this sermon, based on a passage from Matthew 16, Pastor Scott explores the reality of death and the typical human aversion towards it. Yet the promise inherit in the teachings of Jesus remind us that ultimately we are remembered by the one who has power over death.
This is the assigned Gospel for Sunday September 3rd, the 14th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-09-0312 minThe Rambling RevSermon: What Do I Do When I'm In Danger 8-27-23In this Sermon, based on Psalm 121, Pastor Scott explores the tendency that humanity has to look up when danger or concern presents itself. From here he explores the promise of the Lord that we are never left alone.
This is the scripture lesson for Sunday August 27th, the 13th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-08-2712 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Jesus Feeds 5000 Plus The Disciples 8-6-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 14:13-21, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' miracle of feeding the 5000, featuring both the disciples both receiving and participating in the miracle.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday August 6th, the 10th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-08-0615 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Life is an Open World 7-30-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 13:31-33, 41-52, Pastor Scott explores 5 mini parables as well as the broader scope of Jesus' usage of a wide variety of parables that resonate differently with different people.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday July 30th, the 9th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-07-3013 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Wheat and Weeds 7-23-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 13, Pastor Scott delves into the parable of the wheat and the tares. Jesus speaks about the division of that which is desirable and undesirable to God, which points at the promise of God to sanctify each one of us.
This is the assigned Gospel text for Sunday July 23, the 8th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-07-2313 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Sowing Seed 7-16-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 13, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' parable of the soils, discussing how we are not called to judge what is worthy "soil." We're just called to cast it out there. Pastor Scott references and even sings a bit of Taylor Swift.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday July 16th, the 7th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-07-1616 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Welcome You/Welcome Me 7-2-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 10:40-42, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' final instructions to the disciples centering around welcome.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday July 2nd, the 5th Sunday after Pentecost.2023-07-0211 minThe Rambling RevSermon: God is For You 6-25-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 10:24-39, Pastor Scott explores a tough teaching from Jesus about the divisive nature of the gospel, but also finds a little glimmer of encouragement in the midst of it.
This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday June 25th, the 4th Sunday after Pentecost2023-06-2511 minThe Rambling RevSermon:The Mercy of Jesus 6-11-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 9, Pastor Scott explores 2 seemingly unconnected moments in Jesus' ministry that highlight God's mercy for the individual. This is the assigned gospel text for Sunday June 11th, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost.2023-06-1118 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Doubting 6-4-23In this sermon, based on Matthew 28:16-20, Pastor Scott explores the promise made by Jesus in the Great Commission, that we are never left alone.
This is the assigned Gospel for Sunday June 4th, Holy Trinity Sunday.2023-06-0409 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Pentecost 5-28-23In this sermon, based on Acts 2:1-21, Pastor Scott unpacks the story of the church's empowerment by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
This is the assigned text for Sunday May 28th, the Day of Pentecost.2023-05-2814 minThe Rambling RevSermon: A Silent Scream 5-29-22In this sermon, based on Luke 24:44-53, Pastor Scott explores the pain and sadness and anger following the tragic school shooting in Texas. He places this in tension with the story of Jesus' Ascension and the significant pause before the empowerment of the earliest church at Pentecost.
Note that this sermon was recorded live in worship at Pastor Scott's church, so the audio quality will sound different than normal.
This is the assigned gospel text for Ascension Day, recognized on Sunday May 29th, 2022.2022-05-2910 minThe Rambling RevSermon: What Does the Holy Spirit Do? 5-15-22In this sermon, based on Acts 11:1-18, Pastor Scott Dalen explores the action of the Holy Spirit, breaking down barriers regarding who's in and who's out.
This is the assigned text for Sunday May 15th, 2022, the 5th Sunday of Easter.2022-05-1515 min
Coaching For Pastors - Daily Coaching, Encouragement, and Support for PastorsWeekend Edition 03 - Pastoral Ups & Downs with Mark Messmore and Scott DalenOn this weekend's edition of the podcast Scott Dalen from Underwood Lutheran Church in Southwest IA joins Mark Messmore from Mount Olivet Christian Church in Williamstown KY to talk with Jeff about their ministries, the highs and the lows, and the most important lessons from both.Scott is "your friendly Internet pastor", so check him out on YouTube!Mark can be found at MarkMessmore.com - so check him out there!Get quick coaching and encouragement Monday through Friday from Jeff on this podcast - about 8 minutes...2022-04-2352 min
200churches Podcast: Ministry Encouragement for Pastors of Small ChurchesSeason 03 Episode 02 - Small Church Pastors Need Friends with Scott DalenScott Dalen, a small church pastor near Omaha, Nebraska joins Jeff on this episode to talk about the new normal, the liturgical year and Lectionary, and how he maintains life-giving relationships even in the blur of ministry. Another encouraging episode for pastors of small churches! Enjoy!2022-01-2642 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Be Prepared 11-1-20In this sermon, based on 1 John 3:1-3, Pastor Scott explores an odd little comment about being prepared for the resurrection, whatever that will look like. Pastor Scott unpacks this through the lens of All Saints Sunday, as we remember the blessed memory of those who have gone on before us.
This is the assigned text for November 1st, 2020, All Saints Sunday.2020-10-3114 minThe Rambling RevSermon: The Soil Doesn't Do Anything 7-12-20In this sermon, based on Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' Parable of the Sower. All to often we tend to default into an interpretation that we need to try and make ourselves be the good soil. However, it is not the action of the soil that ultimately makes the seed grow. The seed does that on its own. Pastor Scott explores the reality of our lack of control, especially in our current situation. We see this in our day to day lives. We see it within the parable as well as other scriptures. And yet God's promises to...2020-07-1121 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Welcome, Receive, or Accept 6-28-20In this sermon, taken from Matthew 10:40-42, Pastor Scott explores the tail end of Jesus' instruction to the disciples as he invites them to join in his current ministry. An ongoing theme has emerged of the opposition that they will face, but we must also remember that some will be open to their message. Pastor Scott also explores the idea of receiving, closely tied to the word "welcome," and the connection that has for our lives of faith today.
This is the assigned text for Sunday June 28th, 2020, the 4th Sunday after Pentecost.2020-06-2613 minThe Rambling RevSermon: Why is Love so Divisive 6-21-20In this sermon, based on Matthew 10:24-39, Pastor Scott continues to explore the ongoing teaching that Jesus offers to the disciples as he invites them into the ongoing ministry of announcing that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near. Its divisive, and Pastor Scott explores why.
This is the assigned gospel text for June 21st, 2020, the Third Sunday after Pentecost.2020-06-2016 min
The Rambling RevEpisode #024-Matthew 9:35-10:8In this episode, Pastor Scott explores the invitation of Jesus to the Apostles to join with him in the ongoing ministry that he is already doing in the world. Through his action and commands, we see the importance of proclaiming the good news, that the kingdom has come near. Pastor Scott also explores just why that statement is so vital.
This is the assigned text for June 14th, 2020, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost2020-06-1215 minThe Rambling RevSermon-Who Is This? 4-5-20(Note that the audio of this particular recording sounds quite differently than normal as Pastor Scott continues to experiment with different technology setups during a time of online worship).
In this sermon for Palm Sunday, taken from Matthew 21:1-11, Pastor Scott explores Jesus' Triumphal Entry into the city of Jerusalem at the start of the final week of his life. We've come to know this as Holy Week, though for Jesus, it was leading into the Passover festival celebration.
The declaration of the crowd, as well as "the city" give us a glimpse of the expectations of those surrounding Jesus...2020-04-0314 minThe Rambling RevCoronaVirus ReflectionAs anxiety continues to ramp up around the world over the CoronaVirus, becoming especially apparent in the past 4-5 days in Pastor Scott's corner of the upper-midwest, we are all trying to adapt to a new normal.
Pastor Scott shares some reflections, recorded late in the day on March 17th, 2020. He also references another podcast, the WISECast, which will feature this reflection as well, so just note that Pastor Scott is pulling double duty with this particular recording.
God bless everyone. We're gonna get through this.2020-03-1811 minThe Rambling RevSermon #017-All is Well? 3-15-20In this sermon for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, Pastor Scott explores Exodus 17:1-7. The Israelites are wandering in the wilderness and they are thirsty. Their frustration and anger and anxiety gets aimed at Moses, who brings it to God. We're in a similar situation with all the anxiety and unknowns around the Corona-Virus. But the promises of God remain.
(Note...as the sermon wrapped up, the organist asks Pastor Scott a question...which gets everyone laughing. The recording cuts off...but those gathered shared a much needed moment of laughter.)2020-03-1513 minThe Rambling RevEpisode #013-Matthew 17:1-9In this episode, Pastor Scott explores the story of Jesus' Transfiguration found in Matthew 17:1-9. We move from the early days of Jesus' ministry, where we have been in recent episodes, to an important moment towards the end. As Jesus prepares for his arrival in Jerusalem for the events of Holy Week, he takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain to witness an amazing event. Pastor Scott speculates on why these three disciples are allowed to be witnesses and not the other disciples, think that perhaps they simply need a little extra work from Jesus at this point.
This...2020-02-2114 minThe Rambling RevSermon #011-Be Salty 2-9-20In this sermon, based on Matthew 5:13-20, Pastor Scott explores a small portion of the larger Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tells us that we are Salt and Light...which are both good and yet can be destructive. Pastor Scott explores how these are apt metaphors for us in the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. Likewise, our ability to mess up these efforts reflects our need for a savior and the reason that God became human in the first place.2020-02-0913 minThe Rambling RevEpisode #011-Matthew 5:13-20In this episode of The Rambling Rev, Pastor Scott continues his exploration of the Sermon on the Mount, this time focusing on Matthew 5:13-20. Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Pastor Scott considers that salt and light are both good things but also destructive things. He ponders on what these analogies might tell us as we live our lives in the reality of the kingdom of heaven being here now. From there, Jesus flips into a corrective about abolishing the law and the prophets, but that he has actually...2020-02-0711 min
The Rambling RevThe Rambling Rev #007-John 1:1-18In this episode for the Second Sunday of Christmas, Pastor Scott explores the prologue to John's Gospel, 1:1-18. Hear we find the presence of the incarnation for John. Interestingly enough it takes two forms for John, light in darkness and the word becoming flesh. Pastor Scott dives into the different ways that the presence of God within our reality is revealed...both in tangible ways through Jesus, and in evidence of God's action through creation itself.2020-01-0311 min
The Rambling RevSermon #006- The Innocents 12-29-19In this sermon, based on Matthew 2:13-23, Pastor Scott preaches utterly off the cuff in response to news of antisemitism and recent hate crimes in New York. This, along with the timely text of the slaughter of the innocents caused him to deviate from his original plan and speak to address how this event and scripture speak an important message into our world at this time.
(Note that the initial reading of the scripture lesson is quite a bit louder than the sermon itself. Due to an initial mic-issue, Pastor Scott re-recorded the passage separately.)2019-12-2912 min
The Rambling RevThe Rambling Rev #006-Matthew 2:13-23In this episode, Pastor Scott tackles a difficult passage known as the Slaughter of the Innocents, found in Matthew 2:13-23. This passage is featured in the Lectionary once every three years. It reveals that even as a baby, Jesus was already a threat to those holding the illusion of power.
Once again, Pastor Scott is shooting from the hip, as he will not be preaching on this passage, but still wanted to have an episode exploring this touchy passage in the gospel for the First Sunday of Christmas.2019-12-2711 min
The Rambling RevSermon #004-Jesus and Silent Joe 12-22-19In this sermon, based on Matthew 1:18-25, Pastor Scott explores the ways that Joseph's action in and around the birth of Jesus is utterly significant, especially in light of his silence. Joseph never speaks. And yet, what he does for Jesus reflects enormous similarities between us and the Messiah.
This sermon stems from the reflections that Pastor Scott offered in The Rambling Rev Episode #004.2019-12-2214 min
200churches Podcast: Ministry Encouragement for Pastors of Small ChurchesEpisode 244 - Leading Yourself Before You Lead Your Church with Scott DalenJonny talks with Scott Dalen, a Lutheran pastor from the Midwest about self leadership. This is a conversation between two Millennial pastors about what it takes to lead yourself first. Scott is a small church pastor and a regular listener!2017-09-2039 min