Preaching on Stewardship- June 18, 2017

Every Monday I share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching this week based on the appointed readings by the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary. Here are some stewardship nuggets for this coming weekend. Sunday June 18, 2017: Revised Common Lectionary- Time after Pentecost Lectionary 11A First Lesson: Exodus 19:2-8a Psalm 100 Second Lesson: Romans 5:1-8 Gospel … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- June 18, 2017

Beyond Grateful

The month of May marks one year of serving in my current call. As I think about this, there are two words that surmise how I am feeling a year in. Beyond grateful. Serving as the Nebraska Synod Director for Stewardship is a blessing. Each day is new and exciting. Each day brings new experiences, new learning, new conversations, new ideas, and new stories. Serving … Continue reading Beyond Grateful

Eyes Opened- A Stewardship Sermon on the Road to Emmaus

This past weekend I had the privilege to preach at Edensburg Lutheran Church in Malmo and Alma Lutheran Church in Mead, Nebraska. Thank you to Pastor Andrew Dietzel for the invitation, and to both congregations for the warm welcome. I was invited to preach on the appointed gospel passage according to the revised common lectionary for the Third Sunday of Easter, Luke 24:13-35, or the … Continue reading Eyes Opened- A Stewardship Sermon on the Road to Emmaus

What’s in a Name?

When you log into Facebook, and it reminds you that today is your Baptismal birthday, I have to admit, that’s kind of cool. It’s little strange, given that Facebook wasn’t around then, but still, it’s kind of cool.  This has me thinking today about the importance of names and the idea of being claimed. Those of you who know me well, know that I prefer … Continue reading What’s in a Name?

He is Risen… Now What?

The tomb has been opened. “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,” has been sung. The lilies have bloomed, the Easter jokes have been told… all of this is good news. Now what? Easter is a 50-day season of joy, but I am not talking about the liturgical “now what” question. I am wondering on a deeper level, God in Christ has done the work for us, … Continue reading He is Risen… Now What?

Can you Believe what you just Saw?

On Sunday March 26, 2017, I had the privilege of being invited to preach and lead worship at Salem Lutheran Church in Superior, Nebraska. This congregation is part of the Heartland Shared Ministries, and in the afternoon I led a stewardship seminar for the combined partner congregations and the surrounding cluster. It was a joy to be with the congregation, and I look forward to … Continue reading Can you Believe what you just Saw?

Let’s be a John 3:17 People! – A stewardship sermon

This weekend (March 11th & 12th), I had the joy of visiting First Lutheran Church in Kearney, Nebraska. Pastor Sylvia Karlsson invited me to come, preach, and visit, as part of the congregation’s stewardship season of focus during Lent. Over the course of the weekend, I preached the following sermon, visited with many different people, and also had a fun evening of a barbecue stewardship dinner … Continue reading Let’s be a John 3:17 People! – A stewardship sermon

How might we show the #Fruit of the Spirit?

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 7th, is “Fruit.” Did you grow up hearing the adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” I’m not sure I ever believed … Continue reading How might we show the #Fruit of the Spirit?

The Joy of a #Child

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

Overcoming Joyless Busyness – #TheStruggleisReal

This past Sunday, February 26, 2017, I had the privilege to visit and preach at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska. Not only was it Transfiguration Sunday, it was also the fourth and final week of a series in worship at the congregation called, #TheStruggleisReal. The premise of the series was, “We live in an age of distraction, temptation, and joyless busy-ness. But … Continue reading Overcoming Joyless Busyness – #TheStruggleisReal