Good Samaritan Anglican Church

2020-03-08 - Year A - Lent 2 - Agape Year

Agape Year is a 9-month program (September to May) for recent high school graduates who seek to grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ while engaging in His mission for the lost, the poor, and the uninvited both locally and globally. On March 8, Nathan Twichell, co-Director of Agape Year, visited Good Samaritan Anglican Church with two Agape Year Fellows to share about what God has been doing in their lives, both in Pittsburgh as well as in Thailand.

For more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: www.goodsamaritananglican.org.

2020-02-23 - Year A - Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration) - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 99; Philippians 3:7-14; Matthew 17:1-9

Epiphany “a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something” or “an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being.” The Transfiguration reveals, yet again the fullness of who Jesus really is, and it points the way towards what he came to do. The readings this morning show us two very different but connected encounters with God on mountain tops and they show us what these two things mean for our lives.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/a-tale-of-two-mountains/

2020-02-16 - Year A - World Mission Sunday - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 67; Acts 1:1-8; Matthew 9:35-38

God is a missionary God. All mission is first and foremost God’s mission (or Missio Dei in Latin). We see this in Matthew 9:35 where Jesus, God himself, goes on mission. God invites us to participate in his mission reconcile the world to himself through prayer, sending, and going.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/participating-in-the-mission-of-god/

2020-02-07 - Year A - Epiphany 5 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
2 Kings 22:8-20; Psalm 27; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Matthew 5:13-20

In the fifth chapter of Matthew, Jesus explains to his followers how he wants them (and now us) to behave in the world by using two metaphors: salt and light. He is indicating that we should be people who do good in the world. Many of us have taken this to heart and try to do good things as we are able to, but have you ever considered why we do good things? The whys (motives) behind our good deeds are just as important as the whats (our actual good actions). I can think of four basic motives, some good, some not.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/why-do-good/

2020-02-02 - Year A - Presentation - The Rev. Carrie Klukas
Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 84; Hebrews 2:14-18; Matthew 2:22-40

The Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas is meant to be a time for us to present ourselves to the Lord. As the month of January has ended I am sure many of your New Year’s resolutions may have ended as well. Perhaps that is okay and perhaps God has a different plan for you this year.
What would it look like for you to present yourself as you are right now to the Lord?

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/the-feast-of-the-presentation/

2020-01-26 - Year A - Epiphany 3 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Amos 3:1-11; Psalm 139:1-18; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; Matthew 4:12-22

It can be widely assumed that most everything we do online can be tracked. You will know this if you have ever searched for something in a search engine and then you begin to see advertisements for the same kinds of products. Companies can track your purchases, location, and your digital history if you let them. Some think that they will track you even if you don’t let them! If that feels creepy to you, you can take comfort in the fact that there are some things that cannot be tracked: like your thoughts. On the other hand, there is someone who can even track your thoughts: God.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/exposed/

2020-01-19 - Year A - Epiphany 2 - The Rev. Steven Edwards Exodus 12:21-28; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42

Our Lord, Jesus, has so much love for us, and hope for our lives, that He offered His own, to save ours. He who created us, who called us into being, is Himself the greatest respecter and investor for the sacredness of human life. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He suffered and gave life so that no other substitutional sacrifice would need to be offered to sustain us in life before God. We are called to take joy in the gift and blessing of life in Him. We are called to defend and protect the sanctity of life of others. Those living in our midst, and for the unborn, and for all those dependent or defenseless, upon grace for the hope and fullness of life. We are to extend hope and mercy to each one. Let us take courage in the word of God through the Apostle Paul from 1 Corinthians 1: 4-8: "Let us give thanks for one another to the Lord, because of the grace given in Jesus Christ, that in every way you are enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/life-in-the-lamb/

2020-01-12 - Year A - Epiphany 1 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 89:20-29; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17

When Jesus comes to be baptized by John, John is confused (Matthew 3:14). Perhaps this passage confuses you as well. John’s job was to prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah, and now Jesus was standing right there in front of him. Shouldn't Jesus have baptized John? Also, John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance (Matthew 3:11-12). Jesus was without sin, so why would Jesus need to be Baptized? Listen to hear more about what Jesus' Baptism was all about.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/jesus-baptized-for-us/

2020-01-05 - Year A - Christmas 2 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 84; Ephesians 1:3-14; Matthew 2:1-12

It is possible that the Magi may have heard of a Jewish prophesy about a king whose birth was to be marked by a star (see Numbers 24:17). But how would a normal sign in the sky come to rest over the place where the child was. Jerusalem is only about 5 miles from Bethlehem. They could have walked there in about an hour and 45 minutes. It would be hard to tell the difference from an astronomer’s POV. I like to think that this sign was something that God specifically created to celebrate the birth of his Son! Kind of like the “it’s a boy” signs you sometimes see in a front yard! A special sign for a special birth.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/a-special-star-for-a-special-birth/

2019-12-29 - Year A - Christmas 1 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Isaiah 61:10-62:5; Psalm 147:12-20; Galatians 3:23-4:7; John 1:1-18

For those of you who are married, can you remember what you wore on your wedding day? If you are not married, think about another significant event in your life. We tend to wear special clothes for special occasions. In Isaiah 61:10, the speaker seems to be the servant of the Lord, the Messiah (see 61:1). Earlier in the chapter, God’s people were given “garments of praise” (61:3). Now the Servant himself is given special garments for a special purpose, Salvation and Righteousness. He is getting prepared to save his people. He is getting ready to visit us!

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/dressed-for-salvation/

2019-12-24 - Christmas Eve - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:1-20

"Hope," "Peace," and "Joy:" this time of year we see these words written everywhere: yard decorations, television commercials, wrapping paper, and Christmas cards. These words make us feel good, like a warm blanket and a steaming peppermint latte, but what do they really mean? Imagine for a moment receiving a gift in beautiful packaging, but when you open it there is nothing inside. The words “Hope, Peace, and Joy” can be like that. We hear them, and they make us smile, but a few moments later it is as if they meant nothing. These words can also be some of the best gifts you have ever received, which fill the deepest needs and desires of your heart. Ultimately, it is your choice.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/hope-peace-and-joy/

2019-12-22 - Year A - Advent 4 - The Rev. Carrie Klukas
Isaiah 7:10-17; Psalm 24; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph and Mary’s story at first is messy, difficult, and oh so similar to life as we know it. How many people have gotten married under difficult circumstances? How many people continue to live in difficult marriages and circumstances? How many people remain in difficult relationships in general? Both Mary and Joseph give us a deeper understanding of what it means to be a godly woman or a godly man in this world. They give us a pathway to the Father and a way to follow in this life. Today I want to look at how their lives, choices, and attitudes can shape our lives.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/risk-sacrifice-and-trust/

2019-12-15 - Year A - Advent 3 (Learning Tree Sunday)- The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146; James 5:7-20; Matthew 11:2-19

In business, it is important to underpromise and overdeliver. Sometimes this is referred to as “managing expectations.” It is important to be mindful of expectations in all of our relationships, whether business or personal. Especially in marriage. Unspoken expectations lead to lots of conflict and resentment.

In the Gospel passage today, John the Baptist is in prison for speaking truth to power. John’s role was to prepare the way for the Lord. The Messiah was coming, the time was imminent. John was sure that Jesus was the Messiah, he knew it even while he was still in his mother’s womb, and this truth was confirmed at Jesus’ Baptism. But now John was not so sure. His expectations were not lining up with what he was seeing. Why?

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/expectations/

2019-12-08 - Year A - Advent 2 (altered for 10th anniversary) - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 84; 1 Peter 2:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12

For the sons of Korah, the authors of Psalm 84, there was no better place to be than the Temple. The temple was intended by God to be an earthly representation of God’s heavenly courts. A place where heaven and earth met. Even today, when we worship it gives us a foretaste of heaven. Today, we give God thanks for this house of worship as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the consecration of this building. Since that day there have been approximately 520 Sundays and probably at least 2000 opportunities for corporate worship! At the same time, we remember that the church is not a building, it is people!

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/the-place-where-god-dwells/

2019-12-01 - Year A - Advent 1 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 24:29-44

Your car may not have an autopilot mode, but I bet you have had the experience of intending to go to a particular destination, getting lost in a conversation, and taking wrong turns because of it! Similarly, sometimes we move through life as if we have an autopilot for our lives. We can pick up sin in our lives without even realizing it. This is what happens when we are in autopilot mode. It is as if we are sleeping. We move passively through life, uncritically accepting patterns of speech, behaviors, and concepts from our culture. In Romans 13:11 Saint Paul tells us that it is time to wake up!

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/wake-up/

2019-11-26 - Thanksgiving Service - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
James 1:17-27; Psalm 65:1-8; Matthew 6:25-33

Our contemporary celebration of Thanksgiving arises from a European tradition with deep Christian roots, recognizing the blessings and provision of Almighty God either at harvest time or after deliverance from significant trouble. And yet, we forget this sometimes. We forget that God is the one who provides, and we take that burden upon ourselves. We strive after the things of this world, searching for happiness, searching for meaning, searching for peace. Jesus’ words remind us to set our anxieties aside. He tells us that when we focus on the things of this world, we will find anxiety. But, when we focus on God and his Kingdom instead, everything else falls into its own right place.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/count-your-blessings/

2019-11-22 - Year C - Christ the King - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:35-43

As Americans, we don't have much of an appreciation for the role of a King. In fact, you might say that the roots of our nations are decidedly anti-king. Our constitution was set up with a system of checks and balances to make sure that no one person could hold all the power at one time. We have a right to be afraid of earthly kings, but Jesus is a king that will never fail us. His rule is just and perfect, he always has our best interests and the best interests of his kingdom in mind. And one day he will make right all that is broken in this world.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/the-crucified-king/

2019-11-17 - Year C - Proper 28 - The Rev. Carrie Klukas
Malachi 3:13-4:6; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-16; Luke 21:5-19

Once when my son was about three years old he had spent about an hour building an incredible duplo block creation. His little sister crawled over and began to pull at his buildings. He exploded with anger and frustration. When I mentioned that it was time for lunch and therefore clean up time which meant taking his building down and putting it away he was beside himself with anger and rage. I sat on the floor with my son trying to help him understand that God desires for us to give ourselves to work and creativity, and to also let go of that which we create. It is so tempting in this life to cling to physical things we can see, touch, and experience. God longs to give us a godly perspective of our life. If we come to him we will have right thinking in regards to the way we invest ourselves.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/letting-go-of-our-creations/

2019-11-10 - Year C - Proper 27 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Job 19:23-27a; Psalm 17; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5; Luke 20:27-38

There is meaning in our suffering. When we suffer and continue to trust God, it gives us an opportunity to rely on God for the strength to make it through. It gives us an opportunity to identify with the suffering of Christ himself. There is work yet to do. There are people who rely on you, but even more important than that, you are the image of God in this world. There are people whom God has uniquely positioned you to reach, both by your words and examples. There are people who may not make it safely home to God without your influence in their lives. Remember, “he is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (luke 20:38). He wants us to live for him now, and we all look forward to seeing God, in our flesh, face to face.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/in-my-flesh-i-shall-see-god/

2019-11-03 - Year C - All Saints Sunday - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 149; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 6:20-36

If you golf, you may have golf heroes. Woodworkers have woodworking heroes. Cooks have cooking heroes. As Christians, we have Christian heroes that we call "saints." The point is not that Saints are so much holier than us and therefore must be much closer to God. All Saints were also sinners. Not perfect. The point is that they give us real, concrete examples of what it looks like to live out the Christian faith.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/saints-today-with-hope-for-tomorrow/

2019-10-27 - Year C - Proper 25 - Joy of Giving Up Series - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Jeremiah 14:7-10,19-22; Psalm 84; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Luke 18:9-14

There are three things you can do with seed: consume it, store it, or sow it. Similarly, there are three things that we can do with money: spend it, save it, or give it. We need to do all three of these. We spend regularly on our needs and our wants. This is the easiest of the three. We save for big purchases and for rainy days, this one is a little harder. Finally, we can give, or as Paul puts it, “sow” our money. When we ‘sow’ our money, we invest it in productive work for the sake of others. This is, perhaps, the best use and yet it can be the hardest one to convince ourselves to do. In this sermon, we will look at some of the reasons why God calls us to be generous givers.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/what-do-you-do-with-seed/

2019-10-20 - Year C - Proper 24 - Joy of Giving Up Series - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Genesis 32:3-8,22-30; Psalm 121; 2 Corinthians 8:8-15; Luke 18:1-8

Where we place our earthly treasure reveals something about what we value in our hearts. How we handle our money has a remarkably formative effect on our hearts, much more powerful than anything we say. For good or for ill. Think for a moment about your annual expenses. Where does your money go? What does it say about what you value? It is easy to make an idol out of money, or out of the things money can buy. Jesus provides us with a different way. Instead of seeking after more and more, Jesus seeks to give more and more.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/prove-it/

2019-10-06 - Year C - Proper 22 - Joy of Giving Up Series - Christopher Klukas
Habakkuk 1:1-13, 2:1-4; Psalm 37:1-17; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; Luke 17:5-10

Some churches talk about money too much. But it is also a mistake to not talk about money at all. The Bible has lots to say about money and how we use it. Generosity is a heart issue and one that God cares deeply about. God is a generous God. “For God so loved the world, that he gave…” (John 3:16) Jesus gave up his life for us, as we respond to this gift we are called to give up our lives for him, acknowledging him as Lord over every part of our lives, including our wallets. We are made in God’s image—generosity is a part of who we were created to be. We will examine this over the next month by looking at chapters 8-9 of 2 Corinthians.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/learning-to-give-up/

2019-09-22 - Year C - Proper 20 - The Rev. Carrie Klukas
Amos 8:4-12; Psalm 138; 1 Tim 2:1-15; Luke 16:1-13

How does God want us to hear him? How are we to grow in the ways of quietness and holiness? What is God's desire for men and women in the church? Today's Epistle from Timothy 2:1-15 gives us encouragement in prayer, holiness, and godly living. Come to Jesus in prayer, grow in the ways of the Good Shepherd and know God's peace in your life. I pray this week you would find more time to hear Jesus in the words of His scriptures for He is so good and so loving.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/men-and-women-in-the-church/

2019-09-15 - Year C - Proper 19 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Exodus 32:1, 7-14; Psalm 51:1-17; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10

In 1962, Someone asked Karl Barth, one of the most notable theologians of the 20th century, how he would summarize the major themes throughout his publishing career. He responded, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." These words from the popular children's song of the same name communicate some of the most important things that we need to know about who God is and who we are. In this sermon, we will explore the themes of this song more deeply as we also consider two of Jesus' parables, one about a lost sheep and another about a lost coin.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/jesus-loves-me-this-i-know/

2019-09-08 - Year C - Proper 18 (altered for Homecoming) - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Deuteronomy 32:45-47; Psalm 1; Hebrews 4:6-13; Luke 14:25-35

Two important symbolic actions were taken as the foundation of our church building was poured. A copy of the Bible was placed in the foundation, and two verses were written in the slab that would support this structure: Deuteronomy 32:47 and Hebrews 4:12. The Word of God is literally the foundation of this church! But we are not just called to remember the word of God, the word of God calls us to action. Jesus tells us that we are to be salt and light to this world. What does that mean? Listen to find out.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/ten-years-of-ministry-in-middleburg/

2019-09-01 - Year C - Proper 17 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Isaiah 41:1-10; Psalm 112; Hebrews 13:1-8; Luke 14:1,7-14

If you have lived in Florida for any amount of time, you know a thing or two about how to prepare for hurricanes. You buy batteries, water, and food; and you put down sandbags and put away the loose objects in your yard. But have you ever considered what is involved in spiritually preparing for a hurricane, or any other storm of life for that matter? This sermon explores some key ways we can get ready when we know a storm is coming.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/spiritual-preparation-for-hurricanes/

2019-08-25 - Year C - Proper 16 - The Rev. Carrie Klukas
Isaiah 28:14-22; Psalm 46; Hebrews 12:15-29; Luke 13:22-30

Our lives are broken and in need of a grand master to fix them and to heal them from the ways of the world. When we go to the Master and allow him access to our hearts he can heal us, show us a way forward, and give us peace. He is never done with us, there is always more that can be repaired. Hebrews 12 speaks to how God sometimes does this in our lives. Sometimes our lives seem to be shaking like an earthquake. Sometimes the circumstances of our lives are just huge.  The heaven and earth alike must be ‘shaken’ in such a way that everything transient, temporary, secondary and second-rate may fall away. Then that which is of the new creation, based on Jesus himself and his resurrection, will shine out the more brightly.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/cling-to-the-unshakeable/

2019-08-18 - Year C - Proper 15 - The Rev. Chritopher Klukas
Jeremiah 23:23-29; Psalm 82; Hebrews 12:1-14; Luke 12:49-56

Just like struggles of athletic training and competition, the struggles you face as a Christian may hurt or require you to make difficult decisions, but they also help you to grow stronger in your faith and the way you live it out. 

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/the-race-that-is-set-before-us/

2019-08-11 - Year C - Proper 14 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:10-21; Hebrews 11:1-16; Luke 12:32-40

Two similar and yet increasingly different words have been frequently used in talking about United States politics in recent years: patriotism and nationalism. Both words talk of love and affection for one's country, but nationalism has come to mean exalting your country (or your agenda) above all other countries (or agendas) with no regard for the needs of the other. The truth is, as Christians, we must love the Kingdom of God, which transcends all races and national boundaries, more than the nations of this world, even as we seek the welfare of the nation where we have been planted.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/patriotism-nationalism-and-the-kingdom-of-god/

2019-08-04 - Year C - Proper 13 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Ecclesiastes 1:12--2:11; Psalm 49:1-12; Colossians 3:5-17; Luke 12:13-21

It has often been said that hindsight is 20/20. King Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes at the end of his life, looking back and reflecting on all that he had done. He was a man with no lack of resources and he wholeheartedly pursued whatever caught his attention and interest. Overall, however, he found that most of these pursuits were nothing but "vanity and chasing after the wind." What is our life is worth pursuing? Where can we find happiness and fulfillment? Ultimately there is only one thing that can bear this weight.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/built-to-last/

2019-07-28 - Year C - Proper 12 - The Rev. Carrie Klukas
Genesis 18:20-33; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-15; Luke 11:1-13 

Abraham petitioned the Lord over and over again for the innocent. He relented only after asking the God of the heavens and earth for each of the people. Abraham shows us a way to pray, petitioning God for the concerns of our heart. When people suffer, make bad choices, need help, and experience scary circumstances we need to storm heaven for them. Not assuming that we know the right answer for their life but rather asking God to care for them, provide for them, and have his way in their life. God’s vision is so much clearer and wider than ours. We see life in a limited manner however God can see it all.

For Sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/storming-heaven/

2019-07-21 - Year C - Proper 11 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Genesis 18:1-14; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:21-25; Luke 10:38-42

Sometimes when we hear God's voice, it can take a long time for his promises to come to fruition. This was the case with Abraham and Sarah in the Old Testament as they waited for God to give them a son. When this happens we can be tempted to take things into our own hands or fall into despair and disbelief. God calls us to another way, patience. We have a God who always keeps his promises and he is always faithful to deliver. Let us put our trust in him and wait with patience.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/a-son-of-laughter/

2019-07-07 - Year C - Proper 9 - The Rev. Christopher Klukas
Isaiah 66:10-16; Psalm 66:1-8; Galatians 6:6-18; Luke 10:1-20

Our vision at Good Samaritan is to help people find God, love God, and share God. But how do we go about sharing God with others? In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus sends out 72 of his disciples into the towns where he himself was about to Go. As he sends them, he gives them some helpful advice which continues to be very applicable today as we share our faith with friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/laboring-in-the-harvest/

2019-06-30 - Year C - Proper 8 - GAFCON Sunday - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
1 Kings 19:15-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62

A lot has happened in the Anglican Communion over the past sixteen years. Structures are shifting, but the faith has not changed, God is still good, and his Kingdom is still expanding. When Elijah was at his darkest moment, God reminded him that he was not alone, and that there were still 7,000 people who had remained faithful. In our dark moments God continues to do the same, he reminds us that we are not alone and that there will always be a faithful remnant ready to continue the work of the mission of God.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/preserving-the-faith-engaging-the-mission/

2019-06-23 - Year C - Proper 7 - The Rev. Carrie Klukas
Zechariah 12:8-10, 13:1; Psalm 63; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 9:18-24

Sometimes asking someone, “Who do you say that I am?” can be a rather risky chance. Someone might say something hurtful or unkind. Someone might answer in a way that makes you uncomfortable. Someone might say something true that you do not want to be spoken out loud. Asking someone what people think of you opens up all kinds of possibilities. In the 9th chapter of Luke, Jesus is being vulnerable with his disciples and showing them the way to interact in the world.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/the-second-sunday-after-pentecost/

2019-06-16 - Year C - Trinity Sunday - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Isaiah 6:1-7; Psalm 29; Revelation 4:1-11; John 16:5-15

The tension between God’s “closeness” and his “otherness,” his transcendence and his immanence, is part of what led to the doctrine of the Trinity in the early Church. As Christians we believe that God is one God in three Persons. It is hard to get our mind around how this could be, and yet, this is how God has revealed himself to us. It is Jesus, the second person of the Trinity and the "image of the invisible God" who reconnects us with our heavenly Father and makes the distant God near to us once more. For those of us who are "in Christ," God now dwells within us in the person of the Holy Spirit!

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/the-near-and-distant-god/

2019-06-09 - Year C - Pentecost - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Genesis 11:1-9; Psalm 104:24-35; Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17

Many of the stories in the Old Testament describe the fracturing and scattering of people, largely as a result of human sin. On the Day of Pentecost we see the opposite happening, God uniting people of many nations together through the preaching of the Gospel, and each hearing in his or her own language. God loves unity, it is a major piece of his plan for redemption. This unity is already beginning to happen through the sacrifice of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/scattered-lego-pieces-pentecost/

2019-06-02 - Year C - Ascension Sunday - The Rev. Steven Edwards
Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 68:1-20; Revelation 22:10-21; John 17:20-26 

Jesus, who has the power and authority of life, desires for us, splendor and blessing greater than anything we could ask or imagine. His prayer for us, is that we be present with him, in the midst of the glory that is His, before the foundations of the earth; that we all may be one, and know in us, the very love of the Father, as the Father loves the Son, Jesus. May His will be fulfilled in us, that He be known in us and we in Him. Amen.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/destined-for-glory/

2019-05-25 - Year C - Easter 6 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Acts 14:8-18; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:1-4, 22 - 22:5; John 14:21-29

Memorial Day is a time for us to remember those who have died while serving our country in the armed forces. It brings us face to face with the harsh reality of war and the struggle for power between nations. The Book of Revelation gives us hope by reminding us that war will not be a part of the new heaven and new earth, neither will there be any more pain, or suffering, or tears, for the former things will pass away.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/no-war-no-pain-no-tears/

2019-05-19 - Year C - Easter 5 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Acts 13:44-52; Psalm 145:1-9; Revelation 19:1-9; John 13:31-35

There is something in us that loves weddings. It is beautiful to see a couple come together, pledging to love one another, through good times and bad times, until they are parted by death. Every human marriage points both backwards and forwards. Backwards to the one flesh union of our first parents, Adam and Eve. And forward to the marriage of the Lamb and his Bride in the book of Revelation. From this perfect, heavenly marriage we see a tangible example for us of what it means to love.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/love-is/

2019-05-12 - Year C - Easter 4 - The Rev. Carrie Klukas
Numbers 27:12-23; Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30

On Good Shepherd Sunday, we remember how Jesus loves us and desires to guide us in our lives. Sometimes though life becomes difficult and we desire to handle it ourselves. How often do you decide how Jesus should heal you or present himself to you? How often do you decide that He is not working fast enough or in the way you would like? If you are not daily listening to Jesus then you will not be able to hear his voice in times of crisis. Listening for a still small voice is the only way you are going to hear. Jesus desires for you to hear his voice. Jesus desires to be your shepherd; a godly, kind, and good shepherd. His ways are so very good. May you know his guiding and leading in your life! 

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/good-shepherd-sunday/

2019-04-28 - Year C - Easter 2 - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Acts 5:12-29; Psalm 111; Revelation 1:9-19; John 20:19-31

The Greek word for "faith" (pisteuo, pistis) also means believe, trust, and obey. Sometimes we think of faith as an acknowledgement of a historical fact (like the Resurrection) but it has more to do with how you live your life trusting in that fact. What difference does your belief make in your life? What difference did it make in the lives of the Apostles?

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/doubt-and-faith/

2019-04-21 - Year C - Easter Sunday - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas

Vigil Lessons: Genesis 1:1-2:3; Exodus 14:10-15:1; Ezekiel 36:24-28; Jonah 1:1-2:10; Romans 6:3-11; Matthew 28:1-10 | Principle Service Lessons: Acts 10:34-43; Colossians 3:1-4; Luke 24:1-12

We talk a lot, as Christians, about the cross and how Jesus died for our sins. This is entirely true, and we should talk about it! But Good Friday without Easter is meaningless. The Resurrection is God’s seal of approval of Jesus’ work on the cross. It is proof that Jesus’ death was not in vain. It was, in fact, a victory, not a failure! The resurrection is the means by which Jesus defeats death forever. There is no resurrection without the crucifixion, and the crucifixion is meaningless without the resurrection. The two go hand in hand. This is why Easter is the most important celebration of the Christian year! It is our defining moment. The event that changes everything and makes us who we are.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/dashed-hope-becomes-victory/

2019-04-19 - Good Friday - The Rev. Christopher Klukas
Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22:1-11; Hebrews 10:1-25; John 18:1-19:37

This is the amazing grace that we sing about: that Jesus, the only one ever without the stain of sin, offered himself as a sacrifice for all, that we might be saved and reconciled to God.  Today we thank him for this amazing grace. And we accept, once again the gift that he gives us. 

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/good-friday/

2019-04-14 - Year C - Palm Sunday - The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Luke 19:28-40; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22:1-11; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 23:1-49

To a first-century Jew, everything Jesus said and did looked as if he were building a movement to fight the Romans and take his place on the throne of Israel. Could this be the Messiah, the Son of David? Jesus was and is a king, but his kingdom is a different sort of kingdom, the battle he was preparing for was a different kind of battle, and the enemy he was preparing to fight was not the one everyone thought he would fight. On Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the beginning of Holy Week, the beginning of Jesus' battle against sin and death.

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/the-rebel-king/

2019-04-07 - Year C - Lent 5 - The Rev. Carrie Klukas
Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:7-16; Luke 20:9-19

In Paul's letter to the Philippians we hear of pursing Christ. Have you even had to learn a new skill? If you struggled and persisted in learning something new joy truly comes from gaining understanding and capability. Paul encourages us to strain towards Christ seeking him. We will never truly arrive on this side of the cross but instead experience a life of growing and changing in our love of the Lord. Press towards Christ seeking him and He will be found. 

For sermon notes and more information about Good Samaritan Anglican Church, please visit our website: https://www.goodsamaritananglican.org/sermons/pursuing-christ/