Christ’s Invitation to Rest, Abundant Life, and our Response

Today I had the privilege to be invited to preach and lead worship, as well as a Bible Study on part 3 of the five gifts of discipleship, by my friends and colleagues Pastors Rebecca and Rich Sheridan at Bethel Lutheran Church in Omaha. Thank you for the invitation friends! What follows is the majority of the manuscript that I preached from. It is based … Continue reading Christ’s Invitation to Rest, Abundant Life, and our Response

Responding to a God who sees us and helps us see- A sermon on Luke 18:31-19:10

On Sunday April 2, 2017, I was invited to visit, preach, and meet with the council at First Lutheran Church in Wilber, Nebraska by Pastor Travis Panning. I had a wonderful morning with the congregation. Worship included parts of Marty Haugen’s “Now the Feast and Celebration” liturgy originally dedicated for the University Congregation at my alma mater, Pacific Lutheran University, which on a slightly drizzly … Continue reading Responding to a God who sees us and helps us see- A sermon on Luke 18:31-19:10

David- Legacy, and Gratitude within and because of God’s Promises

This past weekend I was invited to preach at Calvary Lutheran Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Calvary is served by pastors Sheryl and Chris Kester Beyer. I preached on 2 Samuel 7:1-17, the focus text for the Narrative Lectionary for the day, and as part of the congregation’s stewardship focus and Consecration Sunday. If you prefer to listen, the congregation shares their sermons via podcast here, otherwise what … Continue reading David- Legacy, and Gratitude within and because of God’s Promises

Passion, Heartbreak, and Hope – The Start of Holy Week

With the procession of palms, Christians around the globe start the celebration of Holy Week. For the western church, Palm Sunday (or Sunday of the Passion) is tomorrow, marking the beginning of the week that ends with the resurrection on Easter. We remember Christ’s passion, beginning with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We remember and join with the chorus of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who … Continue reading Passion, Heartbreak, and Hope – The Start of Holy Week

Hands

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for today is “Hands.” Hands. Most people are born with two of them. Some are born with less. Most have five fingers each, though some people are born … Continue reading Hands