Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus- an Advent devotional for Dec. 9, 2017

This Advent season I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might be more of one or another. I invite you … Continue reading Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus- an Advent devotional for Dec. 9, 2017

God’s Economic Delivery System- Open Handed, Generous, & For Us

I had the joy to be with the good people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska today, thanks to the invitation of Pastor Russell McDowell. I was invited to share today’s message as part of the congregation’s Stewardship Celebration Sunday, the Sunday they received financial commitments for the year ahead. The theme for their stewardship focus has been “Live Generously,” with today’s focus … Continue reading God’s Economic Delivery System- Open Handed, Generous, & For Us

Preaching on Stewardship- November 12, 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 November 12, 2017: Revised Common Lectionary- 23rd Sunday after Pentecost First Lesson: Amos 5:18-24 Psalm 70 Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Gospel of Matthew 25:1-13 After … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- November 12, 2017

Take Heart, it is I, Do not be Afraid

Today I had the joy of filling in for my friend, Pastor Andrew Dietzel, leading worship and preaching at the congregations he serves- Edensburg Lutheran Church in Malmo, Nebraska and Alma Lutheran Church in Mead, Nebraska. The sermon for today was based on the gospel reading for Lectionary 19A, Matthew 14:22-33. The majority of the manuscript I preached from is below.  Grace and peace from … Continue reading Take Heart, it is I, Do not be Afraid