Today I wrapped up a six week sermon series inspired by Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on belonging. Sermon My message, “Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity” was based on John 14:1-14. Belonging You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt In fact, this morning’s modern reading was an excerpt from the book’s introduction. A Faith of Many Rooms begins with Read More …
ELCA
My First Year as an Ordained UCC Minister (#2166)
One year ago today I was ordained to ministry in the United Church of Christ and installed as the CEO of White Rock Center of Hope through a four way covenant (for more on that experience from my experiences as a Member in Discernment to the ordination service see My Ordination and Installation). On the occasion of the first anniversary of my ordination, I decided to reflect on some of what this first year included. White Rock Center of Hope I serve as CEO of White Read More …
Beyond Simple Answers (#2165)
This morning, on All Saints' Sunday, I preached the fourth message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on paradox. Sermon My message, “Beyond Simple Answers” was based on Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, and John 11:32-44. Story You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Presbyterian Pastor Richard Hansen captured how widespread paradox really is Read More …
Living the Stories (#2163)
This morning, on Reformation Sunday, I preached the third message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024).Today, we focused on story. Sermon My message, “Living the Story” was based on Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, and John 8:31-36. Story You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I know many of you came to church this morning expecting me to say something Read More …
Struggling with S Words (Sin & Salvation) (#2161)
This morning I preached the second message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024).Today, we focused on sin and salvation. Sermon My message, “Struggling with S Words” was based on Romans 6:1-14 and Mark 2:13-17. Sin and Salvation You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Let me begin with a big philosophical question: What problem does religion solve? Notice I said Read More …
Doing Life Together (#2158)
This morning I preached the fifth and final message in a series based on Robert Schnase’s book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Today, we focused on the practice of intentional faith development. Sermon My message, “Doing Life Together” was based on Acts 2:42. Intentional Faith Development I preached from this manuscript. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Scripture lesson begins at 16:22 and the sermon begins at 17:30). Excerpt Maybe Read More …
Going All In – Responding with Extravagant Generosity (#2157)
This morning I preached the fourth message in a series based on Robert Schnase’s book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Today, we focused on the practice of extravagant generosity. Sermon My message, “Going All In” was based on Mark 12:41-44. Extravagant Generosity I preached from this manuscript. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at 23:58 and the sermon begins at 25:00). Excerpt Given our cultural tendency to love Read More …
Worship – Connecting with God (#2155)
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 …
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 …
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 …