Preaching on Stewardship- January 12, 2020- Baptism of Our Lord

Happy Epiphany! With the second half of Advent and the Christmas season being a time to focus on the story of God with us, I figured you didn’t need much more help with stewardship preaching that that. So this is the first weekly post in about month.  Here we are, in a new year, and off to the races with Baptism of Our Lord Sunday! … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- January 12, 2020- Baptism of Our Lord

The Gift of Gold- Finances & Possessions- a Stewardship Sermon for the Second Sunday of Advent

It was a joy to be with the good people of St. John’s Lutheran in Columbus, Nebraska. Thank you to Pastor Dave Hall for the invitation, and to the whole congregation for the warm welcome. I was invited to share in their three-week series on stewardship and the Gifts of the Magi, with my focus being on the stewardship of finances and possessions. The readings … Continue reading The Gift of Gold- Finances & Possessions- a Stewardship Sermon for the Second Sunday of Advent

Preaching on Stewardship- December 8, 2019- Second Sunday of Advent

Each week on the blog I share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching. This week’s nuggets based on the appointed readings from the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary for the Second Sunday of Advent are as follows: Sunday December 8, 2019: Revised Common Lectionary- Second Sunday of Advent (Year A) First Lesson: Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- December 8, 2019- Second Sunday of Advent

What does it mean, to me, to be a Deacon today?

Three years ago, I said “yes” to God, and the church said “yes” to me in affirming my call toward Word and Service ministry. Three years ago today, I was formally consecrated as a minister of Word and Service, a Deacon in our church. Set apart for formal ministry. And now, three years later in the eyes of a church, I am seen as ordained … Continue reading What does it mean, to me, to be a Deacon today?

On Our Way Rejoicing, Telling the Story of What God Has Done for Us- a stewardship sermon for Lectionary 12C

It was a joy to be with the good people of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Pilger, Nebraska today (Sunday June 23, 2019). I am grateful for the invitation of Parish Ministry Associate, Deb Hammer and for the congregation’s warm welcome. I was invited to preach on stewardship, and share some about the ministry we are all part of as the Nebraska Synod together. What … Continue reading On Our Way Rejoicing, Telling the Story of What God Has Done for Us- a stewardship sermon for Lectionary 12C

All Things New – a Stewardship sermon for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

It was a joy to be with the good people of First Lutheran Church in Allen, Nebraska and Concordia Lutheran Church in Concord, Nebraska this morning (Sunday May 19, 2019). Thank you so much Pastor Chris Hjelmstad for the invitation to come and visit the congregations and preach on stewardship, and to thanks to both congregations for the warm welcome. What follows is the majority … Continue reading All Things New – a Stewardship sermon for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

We Have Seen the Lord! – a Stewardship sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter

I had the privilege to be with the good people of Zion Lutheran Church in Benedict, Nebraska and Calvary Lutheran Church in Swede Home (outside of Stromsburg), Nebraska today (April 28, 2019) thanks to the invitation from Pastor Kimberly Belken. I was invited to visit the congregations and preach. What follows is the majority of the manuscript that I preached from, based on the appointed … Continue reading We Have Seen the Lord! – a Stewardship sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter

Life, Death, and Resurrection

Full confession. Those of us in ministry talk a great deal about life, death, resurrection, and new life. It’s a good thing. It’s pretty much core to who we are, and why we do what we do. But what you may not know, is that facing the questions of life and death are no easier for those of us in ministry. Even though we talk … Continue reading Life, Death, and Resurrection

It is Finished.

From a meal with friends, to an act of service of washing another’s feet. To prayers in the garden on the mountain, and the handing over of the One who gave himself for us. To the sham of a trial, and the jeers of the crowd. To the procession of the cross, and the crucifixion. From the adoration of the cross, and to the tomb. … Continue reading It is Finished.

Ash Wednesday – #Pray

As part of my Lenten journey and spiritual practices this year, like in previous years, I am sharing a photo and short reflection each day as outlined by Lent Photo a Day on Facebook. For this Ash Wednesday and first day of Lent, the appointed word is Pray. I was going through my phone pictures this morning and came across this most recent photo. It … Continue reading Ash Wednesday – #Pray