Happy New Year’s, and Merry Eighth Day of Christmas! As I sit down to write this evening, I keep thinking about the words in my head, “Be a Cheerleader.” I am not one for New Year’s Resolutions. They just never tend to resonate well for me. Focusing on a particular mission or vision, or an idea like we might see as an Epiphany “Star Word” … Continue reading Be a Cheerleader
I know what you are probably thinking. Here it is. Another one of those blatant, commercialistic “Christmas in July” gimmicks. Well, not so. But I made you look, didn’t I? I am thinking about our Christmas Village today though. You know the one that you might have in your home in someway too, each Advent, Christmas, and/or winter season. In mine, it’s right up front … Continue reading Thinking about a Christmas Village in July- an ode to Great Aunt Dorothea
This post first appeared on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020 on the Nebraska Synod Blog. Merry Christmas, People of God!!! What joy it is to think about God’s presence with me and with all of you on this most holy of days. Admittedly it’s been a hard year. It’s been a weird year. It has not been one that anyone could have dreamed of, imagined, … Continue reading Seeing Emmanuel- Our God who has come into the world and is with us!
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 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost are as follows: Sunday October 13, 2019: Revised Common Lectionary- The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Lectionary 28 (Year C) First Lesson: … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- October 13, 2019- The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
It was a joy to be with the good people of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska today (July 28, 2019) thanks to the invitation of Pastor Carm Aderman. I was invited to come and preach, and to also speak about Deacons and the Ministry of Word and Service. What follows is the majority of the manuscript from which I preached or at least … Continue reading Walking with God & Doing God’s Work Together through Prayer- a sermon for Lectionary 17C/Pentecost 7C
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
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
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.
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
Yesterday our daughter Caroline was sealed with the Holy Spirit, and marked with the cross of Christ forever. It was a wonderful day with the whole people of God, the wonderful congregation of Salem Lutheran of whom I am happy and grateful to be a part of, and a fantastic day of gathering with family and friends. All of this has me breathing a deep … Continue reading Dear Child of God- a new father’s reflection on their child’s baptism
Timothy Siburg 