Don’t Let Fear Stop You: Living the Resurrection Life

Do Not Be Afraid – Living an Easter Faith 30-Second Summary So what does “do not be afraid” actually mean in the Bible? On Easter morning, the first witnesses were afraid—and they went anyway. “Do not be afraid” doesn’t remove fear. It means fear does not get the final word. Because Christ is risen, we
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This Week at New Spirit – Holy Week 2026

This Week at New Spirit Lutheran Church – Holy Week 2026 1. Pastor’s Reflection Holy Week 2026. A week of mixed emotions. A week of traditions. If we are not careful it is very easy to think we know this story, that this story can’t speak to us in new ways. One way that we
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Not Just a Story from Long Ago

The Passion of Christ: A Love That Refuses to Abandon the World This past Sunday was different. There was no traditional sermon. Instead, we listened. We heard a story of a love that refuses to abandon the world. To view the worship service from Sunday, March 29, click here. It would be easy to keep
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This Week at New Spirit – March 24, 2026

This Week at New Spirit Lutheran Church | March 24, 2026 This coming Saturday, people across the country will gather to raise their voices—and I know some from New Spirit will be among them as part of our commitment to public witness. The timing, on the eve of Palm/Passion Sunday, is hard to ignore. When
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Put Down the Stones (John 8:2-11)

Put Down the Stones (John 8:2-11) In a world that seems more and more divided into us vs. them, we are confronted with John 8:2-11) The full worship service that this Sermon Reflection comes from is available here. How often do we walk around with stones in our pockets? That question sits right in the
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This Week at New Spirit – March 17, 2026

This Week at New Spirit Lutheran Church | March 17, 2026 This is the first “This Week at New Spirit” post we are putting online. This weekly email will replace the monthly newsletter. In these posts you will find a brief weekly reflection from me, a quote or summary from the previous Sunday’s sermon, upcoming
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Jesus Welcomes the Vulnerable | Matthew 19 Reflection

Jesus Welcomes the Vulnerable (Matthew 19) (The full livestream of the worship service this sermon reflection comes from is available here.) In a world that often measures worth by power, success, or status, Jesus tells a very different story about who matters in the kingdom of God. Jesus welcomes the vulnerable. In Matthew 19:13–15, Jesus
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Where Is God When the World Is Suffering?

Where Is God When the World Is Suffering? Rev. Greg Hartman | New Spirit Lutheran Church | Second Sunday in Lent Excerpt: When the world feels heavy and suffering seems everywhere, Jesus doesn’t give us an explanation — he gives us a location. In Matthew 25, Christ tells us exactly where God can be found.
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The Kingdom of God is Like a Weed

The Kingdom of God Is Like a Weed: What Jesus’ Mustard Seed Really Means Sermon Date: February 23, 2026 Here at New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson, this past Sunday we explored one of Jesus’ most surprising parables — the mustard seed. At first glance, it sounds small and sentimental. But when we look closer,
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