“Things Can Only Get Better” Isaiah 11:1-10 Second Sunday of Advent December 8, 2013 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN When I Daniel and I moved to our house in North Minneapolis back in 2007, there was a large Silver Maple tree in the backyard. This tree was quite fruitful, because we were always getting rid... Continue Reading →
Odds and Ends
A few things on my mind: I'm about to declare a war on the war on the war on Christmas. Progressive and Evangelical Christians lob attacks at each other. Ummm...guys, remember we're supposed to be focusing on that Jesus guy? David Brooks, who is back to his writing gig at the New York Times after... Continue Reading →
A Few Thoughts on Dave Ramsey and Poverty
I don't follow financial guru Dave Ramsey much. I've heard him a few times on NPR, and I know he's about offering folks some practical advice on debt and basically how to live financially. I also know that he blends his faith into his talks on economics. I think he does a good job with... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “What the World Needs Now”
“What the World Needs Now” Isaiah 2:1-5 First Sunday of Advent December 1, 2013 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN The thing about being from Flint, MI is that the minute you say where you are from the next words that comes out a person’s mouth is something related to “Roger and Me.” As most of... Continue Reading →
Some Thoughts on the Frank Schaefer Case
I haven't followed the news about Methodist minister Frank Schaefer as closely as I should have. For those who know even less, Frank Schaefer faced a church trail for going against the Book of Discipline by marrying two men (one of who happened to be his son). What I do know about the affair has... Continue Reading →
Sunday Sermon: “Unsafe At Any Speed”
A sermon for the First Sunday of Advent from 2010. “Unsafe at Any Speed” Matthew 24:36-44; Isaiah 2:1-5 November 28, 2010 Advent 1 First Christian Church Minneapolis, MN In the Spring of 1990, I was a junior at Michigan State University. For Spring Break that year, I went on a trip to retreat center... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “One of These Things Is Not Like the Others”
It had to happen sometime: I used a Sesame Street reference as a sermon title. “One of These Things Is Not Like the Other” Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Luke 23:33-43 Christ the King Sunday November 24, 2013 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN If you are interested in politics, this was a week to remember. On Wednesday,... Continue Reading →
Beyond the Bitchy Queen?
There are people in your life who've come and gone They let you down and hurt your pride Better put it all behind you; life goes on You keep carrin' that anger, it'll eat you inside -Don Henley, The Heart of the Matter I've come to the conclusion that I have to be the oddest... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “Fit for A King”
The following is a sermon I preached on Christ the King Sunday in 2004. The gospel text for that Sunday is the one that will be used this coming Sunday. “Fit for a King” Luke 23:33-43 November 21, 2004 (Christ the King Sunday) Community of Grace Christian Church St. Paul, MN Today is... Continue Reading →
On Controlling My Tasmanian Devil
Aspergers is an interesting thing. Having an autism spectrum disorder means that you have communication issues. Because it can be hard to communicate with others and because you kind of live in your own little world, it's hard to know when you might be acting out. In my time as a pastor, I've sometimes acted... Continue Reading →
The Clockwork Pastor 