“Yes, and…” – a sermon for Lectionary 16B

I had the pleasure of joining Pastor Ricardo Riqueza at the congregations he serves alongside, on Sunday July 18, 2021. Here are some pictures of my visit and the majority of the manuscript that I preached from when visiting Trinity Lutheran Church in Polk, Nebraska and St. John’s Lutheran in Kronberg/Marquette, Nebraska. The sermon was based on the appointed readings for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Lectionary 16B), especially Mark 6:30-34, 53-56. Continue reading “Yes, and…” – a sermon for Lectionary 16B

Preaching on Stewardship- Sunday June 21, 2020- The Third Sunday after Pentecost

This week’s stewardship and discipleship nuggets based on the appointed readings from the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary for The Third Sunday after Pentecost are as follows: Sunday June 21, 2020: Revised Common Lectionary- The Third Sunday after Pentecost (Lectionary 12- Year A)First Lesson: Jeremiah 20:7-13Psalm 69:7-10, [11-15], 16-18Second Lesson: Romans 6:1b-11Gospel of Matthew 10:24-39 One of the realities about stewardship and discipleship, is that … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- Sunday June 21, 2020- The Third Sunday after Pentecost

What Does This Mean? – a Stewardship Sermon for Pentecost

I had the privilege of being with the good people of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hooper, Nebraska this morning (June 9, 2019), thanks to the invitation of Pastor Judy Johnson. It was a joy to be with the congregation celebrating Pentecost Sunday, as well as the congregation’s confirmation jubilee gathering. I preached on the appointed readings for Pentecost from the Narrative Lectionary (Year 1), … Continue reading What Does This Mean? – a Stewardship Sermon for Pentecost

Preaching on Stewardship- October 28, 2018

Usually every Monday I share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching. Because of schedule demands, this week is a bit different. Realizing it’s Thursday and many of you preachers are already working on your sermon, this is probably more late than useful. But if useful, I am going to offer just a few short stewardship nuggets based … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- October 28, 2018

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

Life as a Disciple, is Life as a Steward- a joyful one, but not always easy!

I was invited to lead worship and preach today at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah, Nebraska by Pastor Tyler Gubsch. Thank you Pastor Tyler for the invitation, and to the whole congregation for the warm welcome. I shared some words of gratitude about mission share and greetings within the announcements earlier in worship, and therefore, omitted them in the sermon that follows. The message was … Continue reading Life as a Disciple, is Life as a Steward- a joyful one, but not always easy!

Joy

The following is a reflection that I shared in worship on Wednesday December 14th at Salem Lutheran Church in Fontanelle, Nebraska as part of the congregation’s mid-week Advent worship series on “Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.” The focus passage for the evening was Luke 1:47-55.  The beautiful words of Mary’s Magnificat ring in our ears. Perhaps the song we’ve been singing on Sundays during offering … Continue reading Joy

My Family- Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my Dad’s birthday. I have already had a great phone call conversation wishing him a happy day today, and last week we got to celebrate a week early in person with a wonderful steak dinner out in Nebraska. But today, in honor of my Dad’s birthday, I want to share some personal reflections about my family. As I look proudly and gratefully at … Continue reading My Family- Happy Birthday Dad!

Why I Stayed

About a year ago, there were a series of posts and articles written about Millennials and the church. Many times they were titled, ‘Why I Stayed.” Though this post might be related to that conversation, this isn’t my focus.  A few months ago I was asked a simple but profound question by another ministry leader. He knew of my story and the patience needed to … Continue reading Why I Stayed