Today I preached and presided as the supply pastor for Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas for Feast of the Baptism of our Lord.
Central was one of the 13 founding congregations that established White Rock Center of Hope in 1988. As Hope’s CEO, I am grateful for all they have done to support Hope over the years and the many ways they continue to do so today.
Sermon
My message, “Will You Be A Witness” is based on Acts 10:34-43 and Matthew 3:13-17.
You can watch on Facebook (sermon begins at 19:29) or read the manuscript.
Note: today’s worship service was relocated to the Fellowship Hall due to HVAC issues in the sanctuary
Excerpt
Siblings in Christ, much has happened since I was last here with you some six weeks ago for the first Sunday of Advent.
A quick review of news stories over that time period shows much has unfolded and yet much remains unresolved. Most recently, in just the first few days of 2026, headlines focused on Venezuela and Nicolás Maduro before transitioning to ICE and Renee Nicole Good.
Church life has been a little more predictable yet also notably atypical. Central has joined other Christians traveling through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. You, however, have taken that journey while in a larger and longer season of transition.
This morning, we started at the font. Today we celebrate the baptism of our Lord. Before I explore baptism, let me back up.
Last Sunday we celebrated the second Sunday of Christmas. Epiphany arrived a couple of days later.
For the last several years I’ve adopted the spiritual practice of star words. Just as the magi were guided by a star to find toddler Jesus, so also modern-day folks can be guided by a star. Rather than being up in the sky these stars can be held in our hands.
Each person chooses one star that contains their star word for the year. That word lights our path and guides us as we journey further and further into 2026.
After giving out star words at White Rock Center of Hope and to my weekly bible study group, I shared my star word on social media. I concluded my Facebook post by inviting others to share their star words.
The first person to respond had chosen the word “witness.”
Prior Visits
I am on Central’s campus on a regular basis since they provide space for White Rock Center of Hope’s administrative offices. In 2025 I visited twice: to share a Hope ministry update on August 17 then to preach and preside on November 30 for the first Sunday of Advent (see Now is the Time). I also was present to preach and preside in 2024 (see Preaching God is Still Speaking) and to preach in 2023 (see Preaching Abundant Life).