Thanksgiving is a time of looking back and giving thanks to God. Advent is a time of looking forward and living into God's promised future. Below, I did a video on Advent and Thanksgiving in light of the recent shooting at an LGBTQ bar in Colorado Springs. https://youtu.be/pwnUqiZh-ic
Are We A Progressive Church?
Is First Christian a progressive congregation? The answer is complex.
Worship From Home: February 7, 2021
Here is the video and the sermon podcast for the February 7 worship service from First Christian St. Paul.
Worship From Home: January 31, 2021
Here is the video and the sermon podcast for the January 31 worship service from First Christian St. Paul.
2020, God and Flint, Michigan
2020 has been a rough year. But like my hometown of Flint, Michigan there is joy amidst the grief.
Was Jesus a Progressive Rabbi?
Before I say anything, take a look at this graphic. I've seen a few people on Facebook share this image from theologian Benjamin Corey and I have to say that it bothers me. Maybe Corey thinks he is sharing the gospel truth, but I don't think he's doing that. He is peddaling a Jesus in... Continue Reading →
The Pastor With Broken Wings
One of the things that any pastor of a congregation has to do is visit people where they live. First Christian has a number of folks who are either in nursing homes or assisted living. Some pastors love visiting with people. A number of congregations have what are called Visitation Pastors. These are usually retired... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “But We Had Hoped…”
Luke 24:13-35 Third Sunday of Easter May 4, 2014 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while the leader was describing the change which God works... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “The Healing Power of Collard Greens”
This is a sermon I preached on Easter evening in 2005. It is the text I will be preaching on this Sunday for the Third Sunday in Easter. Luke 24:13-35 April 10, 2005 Community of Grace Christian Church St. Paul, MN I love good food, and it probably shows. I consider myself lucky to be... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “Things Can Only Get Better”
“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 →