This Week’s Links

Tuesdays on the blog means that it is time to share some links to things that I have read and found interesting over the past week. To help make sense of the links, I have grouped them in the following categories: Church and Ministry Thought & Practice; Cross-Sector Collaboration; Leadership Thought & Practice; Millennials; Neighbor Love; Stewardship; Vocation; and Miscellaneous. I hope you enjoy this … Continue reading This Week’s Links

Preaching on Stewardship on Pentecost- June 4, 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 Pentecost Sunday. Sunday June 4, 2017: Revised Common Lectionary Pentecost A First Lesson: Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 Gospel of John 20:19-23 With … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship on Pentecost- June 4, 2017

This Week’s Links

This Week’s Links used to be a staple on the blog, and it is my hope that they return to their usual Tuesday rhythm as we enter the summer. They are slimmer, but hopefully just as helpful. To make sense of some of the things that I have read and found interesting, I have grouped them in the following categories: Church and Ministry Thought & … Continue reading This Week’s Links

Preaching on Stewardship- May 28, 2017

Hello friends, and welcome to my blog if it’s the first time you have visited, or if this is the return to it after awhile. Today marks a new rhythm for this space. Beginning today, and hopefully on every Monday that follows, I will share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching this week based on the appointed … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- May 28, 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

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?

Reflect, think, pray, and be

On this week that we move from the shouts and songs of Hosannas, to an Upper Room and a garden, to a sham of a trial and shouts of “Crucify Him,” to the cross, the tomb, and then another garden around the tomb… Allison and I took a little time yesterday afternoon to revisit a beautiful place that is special to us. With my mother-in-law … Continue reading Reflect, think, pray, and be

Responding to a God who sees us and helps us see- A sermon on Luke 18:31-19:10

On Sunday April 2, 2017, I was invited to visit, preach, and meet with the council at First Lutheran Church in Wilber, Nebraska by Pastor Travis Panning. I had a wonderful morning with the congregation. Worship included parts of Marty Haugen’s “Now the Feast and Celebration” liturgy originally dedicated for the University Congregation at my alma mater, Pacific Lutheran University, which on a slightly drizzly … Continue reading Responding to a God who sees us and helps us see- A sermon on Luke 18:31-19:10

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?

Faith Like Abraham- Stewarding God’s Promises, Seen and Not Seen

On Wednesday March 15th, I was invited to lead worship and preach at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Valley, Nebraska. For their mid-week Lenten series, they are reflecting about people of faith, and the focus for the evening was on Abraham. I was invited to preach on Hebrews 11:1, 8-22, and to share thoughts about stewardship. What follows is the majority of the manuscript that … Continue reading Faith Like Abraham- Stewarding God’s Promises, Seen and Not Seen