Building on the Foundations- The 2018 Nebraska Synod Assembly

Delegates from across the Nebraska Synod gathered in Kearney, Nebraska last week, Thursday May 31st-Saturday June 2, 2018. The assembly’s theme for worship, business, and plenary sessions was, “Building on the Foundations.” To this end, congregations from across the synod were invited to decorate small blocks of wood like bricks, that together made a cross during closing worship. Important Business at Hand In terms of … Continue reading Building on the Foundations- The 2018 Nebraska Synod Assembly

Embracing Stewardship- across all seasons and generations

It’s hard to believe, but I have been serving in this call as the Director for Stewardship of the Nebraska Synod for two years now. Where has all the time gone? To put it simply, this is a dream call– one where I serve alongside congregations and others wanting to go deeper in their sense of stewardship, in helping explore the many ways we are … Continue reading Embracing Stewardship- across all seasons and generations

‘What does this mean? And what might God be up to?’ – A stewardship sermon for Pentecost.

It was a joy to be with the good people of Salem Lutheran Church in Dakota City, Nebraska today to celebrate Pentecost Sunday. As part of my visit, talking about stewardship and engaging in conversations about big questions and dreams, I had the honor of being invited to preach by friend Pastor Sandra Braasch. What follows is the majority of the prepared manuscript that I … Continue reading ‘What does this mean? And what might God be up to?’ – A stewardship sermon for Pentecost.

God’s Story, Our Stories, and God’s On-Going Story for Us

It was a great joy to be invited to preach today (March 11, 2018) at Salem Lutheran in Fontanelle, by my wife and the congregation’s pastor, Allison. What follows is the majority of the manuscript I preached from, based on the revised common lectionary’s appointed gospel, John 3:14-21, and epistle, Ephesians 2:1-10 for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (Lent 4B). Grace and peace from God … Continue reading God’s Story, Our Stories, and God’s On-Going Story for Us

Preaching on Stewardship- March 11, 2018

Happy Monday! 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 March 11, 2018: Revised Common Lectionary- The Fourth Sunday in Lent First Lesson: Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 Second Lesson: Ephesians 2:1-10 Gospel of … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- March 11, 2018

Why I Started Wearing a Stole

One of the joys of my call as Nebraska Synod Director for Stewardship is to be out in the 245 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations across the state. I do this simultaneously with my consecrated and rostered ministry as a Deacon in the Church, one called to “Word and Service” ministry. I love this call, and I love this ministry. Being able to: … Continue reading Why I Started Wearing a Stole

“The Time is Fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God has Come Near.”

I was privileged to be invited by friend and pastor Donna Fonner to be with the good people of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Plainview, Nebraska today. It was a joy to visit with the congregation, and I was honored to preach on stewardship and share some words of gratitude for the congregation’s partnership and stewardship. What follows is the majority of the manuscript I … Continue reading “The Time is Fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God has Come Near.”

Ashes and Dust- Time, Love and New Life

Confession time. This isn’t going to be a post with anything profound theologically. This isn’t going to be some great stewardship piece. No, this is purely a personal reflection of the jumbled thoughts that are in my head, the smorgasbord of feelings on my heart, and an attempt today to try and make some sense out of it all.  “Remember that you are dust, and … Continue reading Ashes and Dust- Time, Love and New Life

Simon’s Mother-in-Law: a Joyful Life of Diakonia and Stewardship

I had the pleasure of being with the good people of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Pender, Nebraska this morning. Thanks to Nebraska Synod Sttewardship Table member, and friend and colleague, Pastor Kathy Montira for the invitation to visit and preach. I preached on the appointed gospel from the revised common lectionary, Mark 1:29-39, and the majority of the manuscript that I preached from is … Continue reading Simon’s Mother-in-Law: a Joyful Life of Diakonia and Stewardship

Preaching on Stewardship- Sunday January 28, 2018

Happy Monday! 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 January 28, 2018: Revised Common Lectionary- The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (Year B) First Lesson: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Psalm 111 Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- Sunday January 28, 2018