This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we celebrated Pentecost and Confirmation. Sermon My message, “Forecast: Sustained Winds” is based on Acts 2:1-21, 41. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt The Life-Giving Wind is always blowing – sometimes as a breeze and sometimes at gale force. Wherever the Life-Giving Wind blows, the church is about renewal not repetition. Churches that do the same thing over and over again often see Read More …
Discipleship
United in Jesus (#2230)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we concluded the Easter Hope series and welcomed new members. Sermon My message, “One in Jesus” is based on the narrative lectionary passage: Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt In Christ, we are all equal. We are all united in Jesus. For most of us it is probably pretty easy to look around our sanctuary this morning and agree that we are one in Jesus. It takes a bit Read More …
Living by Faith (#2228)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued the Easter Hope series. Sermon My message, “Living by Faith” is based on the narrative lectionary reading: Galatians 1:13-17, 2:11-21. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I've always lived in places where people primarily get around by car, rather than walking or using public transportation. Here in the Dallas – Arlington – Forth Worth area we rely heavily on personal vehicles, so Read More …
Welcoming Everyone (#2226)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued the Easter Hope series and celebrated Youth Sunday. Sermon My message, “Welcoming Everyone” is based on the narrative lectionary reading: Acts 15:1-18. You can watch below or read the manuscript. (Note: My message is shorter than usual as it served as an introduction to the message shared by the congregation's three soon-to-be high school graduates.) Excerpt When I taught religion to undergrad Read More …
My Visit to First Christian Church in Edmond, Oklahoma (#2224)
This morning I worshipped for the first time in Edmond, Oklahoma and just the sixth time in Oklahoma. My prior experiences include: About FCC Edmond First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Edmond, Oklahoma has been serving their community since 1899. Currently, this community of faith invites others to "join us . . . to experience open tables, spacious faith, and love in action for all people." FCC offers two worship services on Sundays Since 2002, they have been led Read More …
Growing for the Future (#2222)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued the Easter Hope series and celebrated Stewardship Sunday. Sermon My message, “Growing for the Future” is based on the stewardship theme passage: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15, You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I’ve been blessed to learn from many mentors in and beyond the church. This morning I’m especially thankful for the Rev. Dr. Robert Bohl. Pastor Bob held many titles over Read More …
Living with Eyes Wide Open (#2220)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued the Easter Hope series. Sermon My message, “Opening Our Eyes” is based on the narrative lectionary passage: Luke 24:13-35. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt The walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus wasn’t a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. This was a 7-mile-long road trip. So, even if their uninvited companion joined them a mile in, the trio would have walked together for 6 miles. Read More …
Easter Expectations (#2218)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we kicked off the Easter Hope series, which will run until Penetecost. Sermon My message, "Easter Expectations" is based on the narrative lectionary passage: Luke 24:1-12. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I wonder about your Easter expectations. Throughout the season of Lent as we drew closer to this day, what were you preparing for? Did you have specific expectations for spending time with family or Read More …
Lenten Challenges: Choosing Jesus (#2216)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we concluded the Lenten Challenges series. Sermon My message, Choosing Jesus” is based on the narrative lectionary passage: Luke 19:28044. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Marcus Borg and Dominic Crossan put this in perspective: “Pilate’s procession embodied the power, glory and violence of the empire that ruled the world. Jesus’ procession embodied an alternative vision, the kingdom of Read More …
Lenten Challenge: Beginning Today (#2213)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued the Lenten Challenges series. Sermon My message, “Beginning Today” is based on the narrative lectionary passage: Luke 19:1-10. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt April has arrived. And, it always begins with a light hearted holiday: April Fool’s Day. A day many of us appreciated more than usual this year. And, now we are getting ready for another holiday that comes later this Read More …