This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we kicked off a summer sermon series: Stories That Shape Us: How Jesus’ Parables Transform the Way We See God, Ourselves, and the World. Sermon My message, "“Start Small” is based on Matthew 13:31-35. You can read the manuscript. (Video isn't available for this service due to technical difficulties.) Excerpt To begin this series, I figured we should start small. And according to today’s Gospel lesson you can’t get any smaller Read More …
Discipleship
Celebrating Pride at Cathedral of Hope (UCC)! (#2234)
This morning I attended the 10:00 am worship service at Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ. As a long-term member of CoH (for more on my experiences in this vibrant. inclusive, and progressive community over the last eight years check out Long-Term Church Membership) and as a LGBTQ+ ally it was important to me to be present for Pride Sunday. 55 Years of Faithful Ministry Cathedral of Hope will soon celebrate its 55th anniversary. From humble beginnings as a small Read More …
Returning to Naples United Church of Christ: Where My UCC Journey Began (#2233)
Greetings from sunny Naples, Florida where I'm currently vacationing! Earlier today I visited the church that introduced me to the United Church of Christ: Naples United Church of Christ. Toward the UCC I've written extensively about my journey of faith, including my denominational transitions Initial Experience Prior to visiting Naples UCC I had not visited many churches on Sunday morning as an adult because I had spent my entire adult life to that point serving in full-time Read More …
Spiritual Forecast: Sustained Winds (#2232)
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 …
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 …