Ephesians 6:10-20 Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost August 7, 2016 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN Listen to the sermon podcast. One of the earliest hymns I remember singing was “Onward Christian Soldiers.” And I have to admit that I liked the song. There is something peppy with the music, and yes, it has almost a martial... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Trouble In Lake Wobegon
“Trouble in Lake Wobegone” Luke 10:25-37 and Romans 14:1-18 Seventh Sunday After Pentecost July 10, 2016 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN Listen to the Sermon. It could have been me. That is what I thought early Thursday morning, as I groggily woke and checked Facebook. There were some news reports of a police shooting... Continue Reading →
Life in Black and Blue
Crime is increasing Trigger happy policing Panic is spreading God know where we're heading Oh, make me wanna holler They don't understand -Inner City Blues, Marvin Gaye For the second time in two days we have heard of another police shooting of an African American. Tuesday saw the killing of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge,... Continue Reading →
An Anxious Time
I've been wanting to write something about some problems my own denomination is facing, but I've never been able to focus on that. I think the reason is that my brain is stuffed with anxiety about several issues. One thing you have to understand about me is that anxiety has long been a part of... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Sanctuary
Romans 11:1-2 and 13-24 Fifth Sunday After Pentecost June 19, 2016 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN Listen to the sermon. I was in track in high school. We would have practice after school and I remember going into the locker room to change. Everytime I would pass by a training room that was for people... Continue Reading →
When Does Grace End?
Social media is abuzz in the recent trial that convicted former Stanford student Brock Turner of the rape of a young woman. What has everyone talking is the fact that the judge gave Turner a six month sentence and he might get out sooner for good behavior. To pour more gasoline on the fire, Turner's... Continue Reading →
The Faith Experience
When Prince died on April 21, I wrote a post on another blog about how Prince made it easier for black kids like me to be gay. Growing up with the machismo that was such a part of the culture I grew up in during the 70s and 80s, Prince was a godsend. Speaking of... Continue Reading →
Playing Checkers in a Chess World
Foiled again. A few weeks ago, I got a call from a local organization looking for someone like me to interview for an open position. I was quite excited and hopeful that I might get a new position to supplement my pastoral work and other part time job. They had talked about getting some... Continue Reading →
The Importance of Dandelions
As I've looked back over my work history, there has been one overwhelming feeling that comes up over and over again: shame. Since I entered the workforce in my 20s, my job history has been one of seemingly disappointing people. I never met people's expectations of me. It wasn't for lack of trying. If someone... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “In the Meantime”
Acts 1:1-14 Second Sunday of Easter April 3, 2016 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN Listen to the sermon. When I was about seven or eight I would start to think about the year 2000 and what life would be like then. I remember figuring out how old I and my parents would be when we... Continue Reading →