Last week I found myself second in line at a stoplight behind a blue Prius with a bumper sticker that reads. " Do you follow Jesus this closely?" Of course, I snapped a picture and quickly shared it on social media. I posted it on numerous platforms with a version of the following remark: Today's question comes in the form of a bumper sticker: Do you follow Jesus this closely? So What? I wonder how you would answer. Feel free to reply to share your thoughts. Personally, I Read More …
Discipleship
My Visit to St. Paul’s Lutheran in Oklahoma City (#2246)
This morning I worshipped for the third time this year and seventh time overall in Oklahoma. My prior experiences include: About St. Paul's Lutheran St. Paul's Lutheran Church (ELCA) has been part of the Oklahoma City community since its founding in 1945. The congregation moved to its current location in 1978 and has expanded this campus through multiple building campaigns. St. Paul's currently offers a single weekly worship service on Sunday at 9:30am. Welcome My wife and I Read More …
Jesus in Disguise (#2244)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued a summer sermon series: Stories That Shape Us: How Jesus’ Parables Transform the Way We See God, Ourselves, and the World. Sermon My message, “Jesus in Disguise,” is based on Matthew 25:31-46. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Y’all know I’m a Texan through and through. I was born and raised here. I lived here my whole life until I moved to Florida in 2007. After spending so Read More …
God Doesn’t Play It Safe (#2242)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued a summer sermon series: Stories That Shape Us: How Jesus’ Parables Transform the Way We See God, Ourselves, and the World. Sermon My message, “God Doesn't Play It Safe” is based on Matthew 13:1-23. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Newsflash #1: Christianity is declining. Over the past sixty years, we've seen a steady and significant decline in Christianity across this country. Read More …
Courageous Stewardship (#2240)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued a summer sermon series: Stories That Shape Us: How Jesus’ Parables Transform the Way We See God, Ourselves, and the World. Sermon My message, “Courageous Stewardship" is based on Matthew 25:14-30 You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Happy New Year! Since we last gathered for worship, Advent Lutheran Church has started a new year of mission and ministry. It is a joy to begin again Read More …
Build Wisely (#2238)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued a summer sermon series: Stories That Shape Us: How Jesus’ Parables Transform the Way We See God, Ourselves, and the World. Sermon My message, ““Build Wisely is based on Matthew 7:24-27. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Let me introduce you to someone I learned a great deal about this week: Claudette. At age 59, she’s finding her way in life and doing so in a denomination in full communion Read More …
Start Small (#2236)
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 …
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 …