This morning I preached the third message in a series based on Robert Schnase’s book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Today, we focused on the practice of passionate worship. Sermon My message, “Connecting with God” was based on Romans 12:1-2 and John 4:19-24. Passionate Worship The theme was evident well beyond the sermon as the congregation's Director of Worship and Music Ministries and choir returned after parental leave and a summer break. And, the Read More …
Discipleship
A More Spacious Christianity (#2154)
This morning the three day experience known as Faith & Justice's Fall Gathering: The Way of Justice for Today wrapped up at Open Book in Minneapolis. Author Debie Thomas' talk kicked off the morning. A Faith of Many Rooms Debie Thomas provided some of the story behind the story of her newest book: A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf Books, 2024 - rated here on So What Faith as 4.5/5). Importantly, her talk - much like the book - focused on her own Read More …
Visiting the George Floyd Memorial (#2153)
After a morning marked by rather traditional classroom based pedagogy, this afternoon Faith & Justice’s Fall Gathering: The Way of Jesus for Today moved to the streets. More specifically, the afternoon schedule included two hours at the George Floyd Memorial. Say Their Names As I exited an Uber and stepped out I was shocked to see a field of gravestones: the Say Their Names Cemetery. This initial experience set the tone for all that was ahead. Walking on Sacred Ground Our time Read More …
Reset Your Rhythm (#2152)
Have you ever gone through a season in life when you rhythm needed to be reset? Minneapolis Moment I arrived in Minneapolis earlier today to take part in Faith & Justice's Fall Gathering: The Way of Jesus for Today. While this event is open to the public, I'm here as a Preaching Justice Fellow (learn more by reading I’m a Preaching Justice Fellow!). After a general welcome and establishing ground rules, the weekend kicked off with a talk by Rev. Tyler Sit. For those reading this Read More …
God’s Work. Our Hands. Every Day. (#2151)
This morning most ELCA congregations, including Advent Lutheran Church, celebrated God's Work Our Hand's Sunday. In addition, we explored the fruitful practice of risk-taking mission and service as part of an sermon series based on Robert' Schnase's book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Sermon My message, “God's Work. Our Hands. Every Day.” was based on I Corinthians 12:1, 4-12, 25-27 and Matthew 25:31-40. Risk-Taking Mission and Service I preached from Read More …
Responding to God’s Welcome (#2149)
This morning I kicked off a new five week sermon series on the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations with a sermon on radical hospitality. This series is inspired by a revised and significantly updated version of a book bearing that name written by United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase. And it builds on the eight week series that we finished last week: The Jesus Priorities (see Known by Our Love). Sermon My message, “All Are Welcome” was based on Leviticus 19:33-34, Hebrews 13:1-3, Read More …
Known by Our Love (#2147)
Today I wrapped up an eight week long summer sermon series called The Jesus Priorities, which is inspired by a book with the same name by Christopher Maricle. Today’s priority was love. Sermon My message, “The Jesus Creed” was based on Mark 12:28-31. Love I preached loosely from this manuscript. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at 22:04 and the sermon begins at 23:06). Excerpt Harvey Cox's imaginative story shows us what outsiders Read More …
Be An Imitator aka Be Like Jesus (#2146)
This summer I'm preaching a sermon series called The Jesus Priorities, which is inspired by a book with the same name that was written by Christopher Maricle. Today's priority was humility. Sermon My message, “Be an Imitator” was based on Philippians 2:1-11 (The Message). Humility I preached from this manuscript and, for once, tried to stick to it. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Epistle lesson begins at 23:34 and the sermon begins at 26:02), but please note Read More …
Guided by Love (#2145)
Passage for Reflection: Ephesians 5:1-14 I’ve traveled enough to know when to ask for help. More than once if I had set out on my own, I would have walked and wandered, but been clueless about what I was seeing and unable to understand what I was hearing. With the help of a skilled guide, however, the sights and sounds of the world around me became clear and I was able to more fully experience another culture. While securing a guide to help me make the most of a trip makes sense to me, Read More …
Valuing Children & Youth (#2144)
Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, started anew today. We focused on the value and importance of ministry to, with, and for children and youth. This was part of an ongoing summer series exploring the Jesus Priorities (based on a book by Christopher Maricle) Blessing of the Backpacks The entire service focused on children and youth, including the blessing of the backpacks as many students head back to school tomorrow and others in the days and weeks ahead (begins at Read More …