Entrusted with much, let us talents and tongues employ

I had the privilege of being with the good people of American Lutheran Church in Ashland, Nebraska today. I was invited by friend and pastor Steve Lindley to preach on stewardship, using this week’s appointed lessons especially Matthew 25:14-30 and Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18. What follows is the majority of the manuscript that I preached from.  Grace and peace from God in Christ who … Continue reading Entrusted with much, let us talents and tongues employ

Preaching on Stewardship- July 30, 2017

Every Monday I share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching. This week’s stewardship nuggets based on the appointed readings by the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary are as follows: Sunday July 30, 2017: Revised Common Lectionary- Time after Pentecost 8A Lectionary 17 First Lesson: 1 Kings 3:5-12 Psalm 119:129-136 Second Lesson: Romans 8:26-39 Gospel of Matthew … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- July 30, 2017

Gift

As part of my Lenten journey this year, I will be blogging daily using the themes or words created by the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin in partnership with other ELCA synods for “Lent Photo a Day.” The word for today, March 3rd, is “Gift.” I recently had a birthday, and I heard from many friends and family through cards, letters, phone calls, text messages, emails, … Continue reading Gift

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

Do You Know What I Have Done to You?

At the heart of Maundy Thursday, is Jesus’ commandment, “That you love one another, just as I have loved you.” I have written about that before. As I think about this holy day today though, I am struck by the question Jesus asks right after washing his disciples’ feet. Jesus asks, “Do you know what I have done to you?” No answer is given. It’s … Continue reading Do You Know What I Have Done to You?

Affirmation in Leadership

In my relatively young life I have been lucky enough to have many amazing mentors, leaders, supervisors, and collaborators. They have all been different, but one common trait that the best ones have had is that they are great at giving affirmation. This affirmation has looked different depending on the person, context, and experience. Some of the ways that I have seen and experienced it … Continue reading Affirmation in Leadership