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 →
Yet Another Post on Church Planting
It's been a bittersweet time for me. On the one hand, I am excited of being pastor at First Christian. There are a lot of challenges; the church is down a faithful few and we are starting to find ways to grow numerically and spiritually as well. Most churches that are down to a handful... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “The Tale of the Lady and the Prayer Shawl”
John 10:1-10 and Acts 2:42-47 Fourth Sunday of Easter May 11, 2014 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN It’s Springtime and that means that it’s time for the spring pledge drive on public radio. Now, I love listening to Minnesota Public Radio and I’ve been a supporter for about a decade. I get that public... Continue Reading →
The Culture Wars and the Mind of the Modern Christian
I was at an ecumenical LGBT meeting several years back. What we were talking about, I can't remember, but I remember saying something about the Great Commission found in Matthew 28. Accross the room from me was a middle aged man from Canada. I could see him mouth the words "Great Commission" and he had... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “The Interactive Church”
I preached this on the Fourth Sunday of Easter in 2008, which is also called Good Shepherd Sunday. Acts 2:42-47, John 10:1-10 April 13, 2008 (Good Shepherd Sunday) Lake Harriet Christian Church Minneapolis, MN I'll admit it; I'm a geek. Some of you know I wrote the main article in this month's church newsletter. It's... 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 →
Marching Orders- May 4, 2014
I put together a Bible Study for the folks at church each week. I usually include a relfection on the lectionary verse as well. I've been meaning to put these online; and here they are on my lectionary blog, Come Sunday. Click on the link below to read the reflection for this Sunday. via... 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 →
Via Media Disciples?
I've noticed a blog called Via Media Methodists which is trying to get out of the left-right box the American church finds itself in. That leaves me wondering: are there a group of Disciples who want to elevate the discourse in our tradition? This is how Via Media Methodists describe themselves: Via media, Latin for... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Be Prophetic, Part Three
It was two years ago, that I wondered aloud what it meant to be prophetic. I've heard that phrase a lot in many of the progressive circles I've been in, but I've always wondered if what is called prophetic is nothing more than espousing your ideology and wrapping it up in God-language. What does it... Continue Reading →