New Life in Christ & Our Response as Stewards

On Sunday January 14, 2018, I was honored to be with the good people of Lord of Love Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska. As part of my visit, Pastor Becky Sells and the congregation’s stewardship team invited me to preach on stewardship at both services and also present during the Adult Forum time. The congregation observed Baptism of Our Lord Sunday on this date, as … Continue reading New Life in Christ & Our Response as Stewards

It’s All About that Grace- Called, Claimed, Baptized, Charged & Sent

I had the pleasure and privilege of being with the good people of American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg, Nebraska this weekend. As part of this, I participated in their joint Epiphany celebration with Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday January 6, 2018; and then I preached in worship for Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, helping kick off American Lutheran’s stewardship theme, “It’s All About that Grace,” … Continue reading It’s All About that Grace- Called, Claimed, Baptized, Charged & Sent

The Bells of Christmas- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 1, 2018

During the Twelve Days of Christmas, just as in the 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 … Continue reading The Bells of Christmas- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 1, 2018

Cold December Flies Away- a Christmas devotional for Dec. 31, 2017

During the Twelve Days of Christmas, just as in the 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 … Continue reading Cold December Flies Away- a Christmas devotional for Dec. 31, 2017

Preaching on Stewardship- December 31, 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 December 31, 2017: Revised Common Lectionary- First Sunday of Christmas (Year B) First Lesson: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148 Second Lesson: Galatians 4:4-7 Gospel of Luke 2:22-40 … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- December 31, 2017

I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve- an Advent devotional for Dec. 23, 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 I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve- an Advent devotional for Dec. 23, 2017

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing- an Advent devotional for Dec. 22, 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 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing- an Advent devotional for Dec. 22, 2017

It Came upon the Midnight Clear- an Advent devotional for Dec. 19, 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 It Came upon the Midnight Clear- an Advent devotional for Dec. 19, 2017

This Week’s Links

Tuesdays on the blog mean that I have the pleasure of sharing some links to things that I have found interesting and thought provoking over the previous week with all of you. To help make sense of all that I have read, I have grouped these links by the following categories: Church and Ministry Thought & Practice; Cross-Sector Collaboration; Leadership Thought & Practice; Millennials; Neighbor … Continue reading This Week’s Links

This Week’s Links

Tuesdays on the blog mean that I have the pleasure of sharing some links to things that I have found interesting and thought provoking over the previous week with all of you. To help make sense of all that I have read, I have grouped these links by the following categories: Church and Ministry Thought & Practice; Cross-Sector Collaboration; Leadership Thought & Practice; Neighbor Love; … Continue reading This Week’s Links