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
This 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 be more of one or another. I invite you … Continue reading Comfort, Comfort Now My People- an Advent devotional for Dec. 7, 2017
Today I had the joy of filling in for my friend, Pastor Andrew Dietzel, leading worship and preaching at the congregations he serves- Edensburg Lutheran Church in Malmo, Nebraska and Alma Lutheran Church in Mead, Nebraska. The sermon for today was based on the gospel reading for Lectionary 19A, Matthew 14:22-33. The majority of the manuscript I preached from is below. Grace and peace from … Continue reading Take Heart, it is I, Do not be Afraid
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 2nd, is “Called.” On this second day of Lent, now that the ashes have been washed from our foreheads, I am thinking about what … Continue reading How are you #Called?
The following is the majority of the sermon I preached at American Lutheran Church in Filley, Nebraska on Sunday February 12, 2017. The passages appointed for the day by the revised common lectionary (Epiphany 6A) included Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, and Matthew 5:21-37. Grace and peace to you this day, and greetings from your 100,000 sisters and brothers across the Nebraska Synod. I know … Continue reading Choosing Life and Living Abundantly
For three years while in college at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), I enjoyed one of the greatest gifts of this world- being a part of a fantastic choir and family of friends, musicians, and servants. This past weekend, members of the choir from its 90 years gathered for a reunion and beautiful concert. I unfortunately was unable to attend in person because of recently moving … Continue reading Choir of the West- 90th Reunion
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
At the heart of Maundy Thursday, is Jesus’ commandment, “That you love one another, just as I have loved you.” I have written about that before. As I think about this holy day today though, I am struck by the question Jesus asks right after washing his disciples’ feet. Jesus asks, “Do you know what I have done to you?” No answer is given. It’s … Continue reading Do You Know What I Have Done to You?
As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for today is “Hands.” Hands. Most people are born with two of them. Some are born with less. Most have five fingers each, though some people are born … Continue reading Hands
During Advent this year, I will be reflecting daily using this Advent Photo Devotional. The word designated for December 7th was #Eternal. Admittedly, I am a few days behind, but I am trying to catch up on the series. One of my grandpa’s served in the navy during World War II, and after the war he would serve as an English teacher, dean of students, … Continue reading Eternal- Day 9 of Advent
Timothy Siburg 