Day 2 of Lent – #Fear

As part of my Lenten journey and spiritual practices this year, like in previous years, I am sharing a photo and short reflection each day as outlined by Lent Photo a Day on Facebook. For this second day of Lent, the appointed word is Fear. As a pianist (and now organist) often on Sundays, there is nothing that strikes more fear in my mind than music and … Continue reading Day 2 of Lent – #Fear

Preaching on Stewardship- February 3, 2019- The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Every Monday I share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching. This week’s nuggets based on the appointed readings from the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany are as follows: Sunday February 3, 2019: Revised Common Lectionary- The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (Year C) First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-6 Second Lesson: … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- February 3, 2019- The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

“What Will You Do with Your One Wild and Precious Life?” – a Stewardship Sermon for the Second Sunday after Epiphany (Year C).

I had the privilege to be with the good people of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Broken Bow, Nebraska on Sunday January 20, 2019, thanks to the invitation from Parish Ministry Associate Kathy Salts. It was a fun morning gathered with a vibrant congregation in worship, conversation, and then a great potluck lunch after worship too. It was a joy to be with the congregation, … Continue reading “What Will You Do with Your One Wild and Precious Life?” – a Stewardship Sermon for the Second Sunday after Epiphany (Year C).

“You Are Bearers of Hope and the Kingdom”

It was a joy to be with the good people of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Nebraska on Saturday December 1, 2018. I was scheduled to be with them for Sunday (December 2) too, but because of a winter storm, the congregation cancelled worship for Sunday morning. I am grateful for the opportunity to be with them, and the welcome and invitation from Pastor Paul … Continue reading “You Are Bearers of Hope and the Kingdom”

Generosity- a counter-cultural life as a disciple & steward in a world full of fear & worry

It was my privilege to be with the good people of St. John Lutheran in Beatrice, Nebraska this morning (August 19th, 2018). Pastor Greg Gabriel invited me to preach in worship on generosity and stewardship, share and facilitate an adult forum on stewardship and gratitude between worship services, and then meet with the congregation’s stewardship team afterward. It was a wonderful day- that included the … Continue reading Generosity- a counter-cultural life as a disciple & steward in a world full of fear & worry

Preaching on Stewardship- August 5, 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 August 5, 2018: Revised Common Lectionary- The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Time after Pentecost- Lectionary 18) First Lesson: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 Psalm 78:23-29 Second … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- August 5, 2018

Reflections on my first Father’s Day- Love and gratitude, calling out evil, and our need to change.

To all dads, fathers, grandpas, and anyone who has shown or shows fatherly love and care, Happy Father’s Day! If you read this blog at all, you know that I am a relatively new parent. So new, that this is my first Father’s Day as a dad actually. I am deeply in love with our darling daughter Caroline. I couldn’t be more blessed and grateful … Continue reading Reflections on my first Father’s Day- Love and gratitude, calling out evil, and our need to change.

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

Angels We Have Heard on High- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 4, 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 Angels We Have Heard on High- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 4, 2018