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 6th, is “Help.” The psalms are filled with cries for help and songs of pleading for deliverance. Here are just four examples, three from … Continue reading From Where Shall My #Help Come
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 4th, is “Child.” Do you remember what it was like to be a child? What games did you play? What toys were your favorites? … Continue reading The Joy of a #Child
It’s already late February. My birthday has come and gone, a big one actually this year in terms of milestones. (Yay for a new decade… I think.) Where has the year gone? I haven’t blogged as often as I like. I have been still figuring out what life is like in a new place, Nebraska, and in a new capacity, as the Nebraska Synod Director … Continue reading Honest Reflections of the Heart
The following is the manuscript of the sermon I shared Sunday October 2nd at Messiah Lutheran in Aurora, Nebraska. The sermon was grounded in the appointed gospel lesson from the revised common lectionary, Luke 17:5-10; and included some reflection on the congregation’s stewardship theme, “Live Simply” based on 1 Timothy 6:18-19; as well as words of welcome and introduction in my role as Director for Stewardship … Continue reading Faith, Abundant Life, and Living Simply
The following is the majority of the sermon that I preached at Messiah Lutheran Church this weekend based on the readings for Easter 4C, “Good Shepherd Sunday.” The readings included: Psalm 23, Revelation 7:9-17, and John 10:22-30. I did something I don’t usually do when preaching, breaking into a couple short Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and/or camp songs. Special thanks goes to Allison for … Continue reading Sheep, the Good Shepherd, and Promises
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
As I have done in previous Lents and Advents, I intend to share a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline this year. I will be using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. In addition to reflecting on the day’s word, this year, I am going to add the unique piece of pondering what this means for me … Continue reading Ash Wednesday #Ash #lent2016 #ELCAlent2016
During Advent this year, I will be reflecting daily using this Advent Photo Devotional. The word designated for December 5th was #Greet. Yesterday morning pastors, staff, and other ministry professionals from the southern portion of the Southwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gathered for an Advent Eucharist service with the bishop at the church I am serving. One of the … Continue reading Greet- Day 7 of Advent
Timothy Siburg 