During the final two weeks of June, I am celebrating three significant milestones: Birthday The only time I previously blogged about my birthday was when I turned 40 (see My Milestone Birthday Experience). Year after year, I continue to celebrate my birthday each year with friends and family. This year my celebrations stretched across an entire week and included special events in multiple states. I'm truly grateful to everyone who reached out to offer birthday wishes and also for Read More …
Advent Lutheran Church
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 …
Interim Ministry: Then and Now (#2235)
Then This morning when I opened my Facebook feed I saw a number of "on this day" memories, including one from 11 years ago. On June 18, 2014, I highlighted the conclusion of my interim ministry role in Southwest Florida, "Final meeting with the Board of Trustees at United Church of Marco Island earlier this evening. It has been a blessing to serve as the Interim Senior Minister for the last 10 months." Now I am currently 11 days away from completing my first year as the Interim 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 …
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 …