“Salvation Has Come Near” – Let us Join in with Simeon and Anna

I was invited to preach by my wife, the Rev. Allison Siburg, on the First Sunday of Christmas at Salem Lutheran in Fontanelle. What follows is the majority of the manuscript that I preached from, based especially on the readings appointed for Christmas 1B, and particularly Luke 2:22-40. If you would rather listen to or watch the sermon, you can find it in the video … Continue reading “Salvation Has Come Near” – Let us Join in with Simeon and Anna

“Come and See…” – a #Stewardship Sermon for the Second Sunday after Epiphany

It was a joy to be with the good people of Salem Lutheran and St. Timothy Lutheran in Fremont, Nebraska. Thank you to Pastor Shari Schwedhelm for the invitation, and to both congregations for the warm welcome. I was invited to preach on stewardship and lead worship for both congregations. What follows is the majority of the manuscript that I preached from based on the … Continue reading “Come and See…” – a #Stewardship Sermon for the Second Sunday after Epiphany

God’s Promises- Forming & Reforming Us Always as God’s People- a Stewardship Sermon for Reformation Sunday

It was a joy to be home with my family at Salem Lutheran Church in Fontanelle, Nebraska. Thank you to my wife, and the congregation’s Pastor Allison Siburg for sharing the pulpit and inviting me to preach on Reformation Sunday as part of the congregation’s stewardship emphasis. What follows is the manuscript I largely preached from based on the Reformation texts: John 8:31-36; Romans 3:19-28; … Continue reading God’s Promises- Forming & Reforming Us Always as God’s People- a Stewardship Sermon for Reformation Sunday

Praising God, for God’s Work of New Life through Healing & Saving- a Stewardship Sermon for Lectionary 28C

It was a joy to be with the good people of Salem Lutheran Church in Ponca, Nebraska. Thank you Pastor Kimberly Belken for the invitation and to the whole congregation for their warm welcome and engagement. Our morning together started with an hour of cross+generational stewardship and Generosity Project activities for all ages which was fantastic! I was also grateful to share the message and … Continue reading Praising God, for God’s Work of New Life through Healing & Saving- a Stewardship Sermon for Lectionary 28C

‘What does this mean? And what might God be up to?’ – A stewardship sermon for Pentecost.

It was a joy to be with the good people of Salem Lutheran Church in Dakota City, Nebraska today to celebrate Pentecost Sunday. As part of my visit, talking about stewardship and engaging in conversations about big questions and dreams, I had the honor of being invited to preach by friend Pastor Sandra Braasch. What follows is the majority of the prepared manuscript that I … Continue reading ‘What does this mean? And what might God be up to?’ – A stewardship sermon for Pentecost.

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

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

Jesus, What a Wonderful Child- a Christmas devotional for Dec. 30, 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 Jesus, What a Wonderful Child- a Christmas devotional for Dec. 30, 2017

O Come, All Ye Faithful- a Christmas devotional for Dec. 26, 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 O Come, All Ye Faithful- a Christmas devotional for Dec. 26, 2017

Go Tell it on the Mountain- a Christmas devotional for Dec. 25, 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 Go Tell it on the Mountain- a Christmas devotional for Dec. 25, 2017