This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). we continued our Meeting Jesus Again series. Sermon My message, “Answering the Call” is based on the narrative lectionary passage:: Luke 5:1-11. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Most of us lead rather ordinary lives. On any given day our schedule is filled with familiar commitments and considerable consistency. However, all of us have had one of those days when the ordinary suddenly became Read More …
Advent Lutheran Church
2025 is God’s Year to Act (#2192)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). we continued our Meeting Jesus Again series. Sermon My message, “Gods Year to Act” is based on the narrative lectionary passage: Luke 4:1-14-30 You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt When I think about modern day good news for the poor, especially on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, I think of the Poor People’s Campaign. Nearly everyone knows that Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights pioneer Read More …
Star Words: Clarity, Faith, Believe (#2191)
This Epiphany I introduced Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) to star words. In doing so I learned that this was the first time words were received in worship and that the entire concept was new to many people. Overview For those just learning about star words, I encourage you to google around and learn more. In brief this new Epiphany practice invites people to choose a star. Only after choosing do they turn it over to learn the word it contains. That word - a star word - is then intended as Read More …
Remember Your Baptism (#2190)
This morning we celebrated the Baptism of our Lord. at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). Sermon My message, “Living Wet” is based on Luke 3:1-22. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Getting back to Martin Luther . . . There are so many stories about him and baptism, including the one I shared during the children’s message. You have to wonder if there is something to the legend of him with a large sign in his room that read “when you wash Read More …
Epiphany: Chalk, Stars, and Journeying Anew (#2188)
This morning we celebrated Epiphany. at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). Sermon My message, “Starry Wisdom," is based on Matthew 2:1-12. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Happy New Year! Since we last gathered for worship, we have welcomed a new year. 2025 is here! I’m wondering how you celebrated this year’s arrival. Perhaps we could divide the sanctuary into those who stayed up until midnight and those who did not. Or Read More …
Missing Jesus (#2185)
On this the final Sunday in 2024, I preached about the one biblical account of Jesus as a boy. Sermon This morning's message, "Missing Jesus" is based on Luke 2:-41-52. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Over the last 25 years I have led more than my fair share of youth group retreats, mission trips, and outings of all sorts that involve travel with tweens and young teens. And before I offer a confession, I want you to know that the Read More …
Merry Christmas! Merry Wordmas! (#2184)
Merry Christmas from Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Arlington, Texas. Sermon My Christmas message, “Merry Wordmas” is based on John 1:1-14. Given the more informal nature of the Christmas Day service, the sermon was not recorded. You can, however, read the manuscript. Excerpt If you are like most people when you think of the Christmas story you remember it a lot like the children presented it in this morning’s video.[1] This version of the story is set in Read More …
Newsflash! A Savior is Born (#2183)
Merry Christmas Eve from Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Arlington, Texas. Sermon My message, “Newsflash! A Savior is Born” is based on Isaiah 9:2-7 and Luke 2:1-20. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt In Luke’s birth narrative he shifts quickly, telling us in one verse about Jesus being born before shifting in the next to deliver a birth announcement. And this is where the angels and shepherds appear.[1] Let’s travel there now. Read More …
Is This On Your Christmas Playlist? (#2182)
This morning we continued the: Advent at Advent – Waiting and Wondering series. at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). Sermon My message, “An Unexpected Song" is based on Luke 1:39-55. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt The last two Sundays, we’ve talked a lot about God choosing John. John the less than qualified. John the Prophet. John the eccentric wilderness preacher. And, now we find God has chosen Mary. Mary the young woman, likely a Read More …
Joy! Do What?!?!? (#2180)
This morning we continued the: Advent at Advent – Waiting and Wondering series. at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) Sermon My message, “Do What?!?!? is based on Philippians 4:4-7 and Luke 3:7-18. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript Excerpt John’s message begins with a fiery introduction but is carried along by questions. Those in the audience interrupt him again and again with the ancient equivalent of the modern day “do what?!?” This questioning Read More …