We Stand United
As Jesus began his ministry, the people didn’t know exactly what to make of him. He was interesting enough that he would draw crowds around him. So much so that it was even hard to find room and time to eat. Some thought that he should be restrained because it seemed...
Holy Trinity Sunday
This Sunday is Holy Trinity Sunday. We give our attention to God's self-revelation as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - one God in three persons, blessed Trinity. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity can quickly outstrip our understanding, but notice where in the church...
Connecting With Christ
14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one.—John 17.14-15 My grandma...
Peace Amidst New Transitions
As summer approaches, our congregation continues to face new transitions. I can’t even begin to tell you how exciting it is to see people returning to worship. It’s also humbling to hear and see individuals reaction after being able to worship in person for the first...
Easter Eulogy
I could imagine giving a Good Friday eulogy on the occasion of Jesus’ death. It would seem far stranger to give a eulogy for Jesus during this seven week season of Easter. He has risen indeed, put aside the funeral rites! What if I were to tell you that “eu-logy” is...
Confirmation
Today is the 34th anniversary of my confirmation. I don’t remember too many of the specifics from that day. I remember getting all dressed up and I remember that we had our pictures taken when it was all over. This was a milestone that at the time seemed way more...
Perpetual Pregnancy? | Children of God
With the baby boy's expected arrival two weeks away, you can imagine our family is pregnant with anticipation. Just yesterday, the oldest boys moved to the previously unused back row of the van, making way for a carseat in the middle row. Judah thinks he and Ezra sit...
Jesus As Our Shepherd
I know only a little about being a shepherd to sheep. My neighbor, at the first congregation I served, had sheep and once in a while, I would have to corral a sheep or two that figured out how to get out of the fence. One year she had two lambs and they were escape...
In Christ’s Strength We Can Do All Things.
My seven year old, Judah, asks me for the weather forecast each morning before he picks out his clothes. The funny thing is, he will wear shorts and a t-shirt year round. Jude doesn't feel cold, we say. Now and then he might be convinced to pack a jacket and on rare...
How Long, O Lord?
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me for ever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long? Psalm 13:1-2a Another eight people have been killed in our nation because of hate. The violence...
Easter is a Punchline
“Christ is risen, Bethesda. Christ is risen indeed, Alleluia!” The resurrection of our Lord is a joke at the expense of sin, death, and the devil. A chuckle that rises up to turn aside tears. A sudden burst of laughter that can’t believe its own good fortune. A...
How God Loves You
“The cross wasn't God's response to humanity's sin. It was humanity's response to God's love.”—David Henson I saw the above quote last week on Twitter. I like things that make me stop and look at what is being said. There are lots of theories lifted up about why Jesus...