Sermon: Let Jesus Be Jesus

Matthew 16:13-20 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time August 24, 2014 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN I’ve always had an interest in superheroes.  Which is kind of odd, because I tend not to buy comic books or as they are now called, graphic novels.  I know friends that have boxes of comics from years past, but that’s... Continue Reading →

Sermon: Things Fall Apart

Genesis 45:1-15 and Matthew 15:10-28 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time August 17, 2014 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN   How is your heart today?   You could answer that in two ways.  The first way is probably literal.  How are you doing healthwise?  Are you eating right?  Are you getting enough sleep?   As a... Continue Reading →

The Prosperity Gospel in Black and White

Last winter, I wrote a somewhat contrarian blog post on the Prosperity Gospel.  I never did endorse it, but I was trying to talk about the fact that for those on the lower economic margins that happen to think about money, they are more willing to talk about finances and how this relates to their... Continue Reading →

What’s Missing?

For the last few months, I've been following a blog called Via Media Methodists.  The purpose of VMM is: 1."To offer an alternative beyond the current polarization in The United Methodist Church; 2. To raise the level of discourse within The United Methodist Church; and 3. To practice what we preach."  After a few bit... Continue Reading →

Repost: Beyond George Zimmerman (the Ferguson Edition)

I do have something to say about Michael Brown, the police and Ferguson, MO.  But while I'm thinking about what to write, I wanted to share a post I wrote in the days following the verdict acquitting George Zimmerman in the murder of Trayvon Martin.  Funny how only the names have been changed. Ever since... Continue Reading →

Salvation Will Not Come from Indianapolis

The 2014 Yearbook of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) came out this week and I guess the numbers aren't good at all.  Two Disciples, Beau Underwood and Derek Penwell gave what I thought were some of the best takes on mainline decline: honest and hopeful.  Things aren't great in our small family, but we... Continue Reading →

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