Is First Christian a progressive congregation? The answer is complex.
Are We A Progressive Church?
Why We Need and “Anxious Faith”
In this video, I talk about the anxious times we live in and how we need to have an "anxious faith."
Finding God in the Drive-Thru Lane
Churches are shrinking, budgets are tightening, people are leaving...we spend time at conferences wondering what we can do to help our congregation grow. We should be asking what God is up to.
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 →
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 →
Sermon: “Same As It Ever Was”
“Same As It Ever Was” I Kings 19:1-15 All Saints Sunday November 3, 2013 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN You may ask yourself, where is that large automobile? You may tell yourself, this is not my beautiful house You may tell yourself, this is not my beautiful wife Letting the days go by, let the... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “Oh Lord, It’s Hard to Be Humble…”
Luke 18:9-14 October 27, 2013 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN This parable reminds me of General Akbar from Star Wars. He’s the fish like guy from the Return of the Jedi who realizes the Rebel forces are in danger. He utters a line that most science fiction geeks know by heart: “It’s a trap!” The... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “He May Not Come When You Want To…”
Luke 18:1-8 Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost October 20, 2013 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN I’ve learned a lot about growing old from my parents...and my 15-year old cat, Felix. Maybe the most important thing I have learned is that growing old isn’t for weaklings. Now growing old is not all negative, but there are things... Continue Reading →
Come Sunday: Not for the Faint of Heart (October 20, 2013)
Here's this week's lectionary reflection. Growing old is not for the weak. This past summer, my partner and I were busy shuttling between Minnesota and Michigan to move my parents from their house of over 40 years to a senior housing apartment complex on the other side. It was getting difficult for my octogenerian parents... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “On the Verge of a Miracle”
“On the Verge of a Miracle” Luke 17:11-19 Twenty-First Sunday of Pentecost October 13, 2013 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN I grew up in very unusual area. My home town of Flint is about an hour West and South of Canada. Yes, you heard me correctly, South to Canada. Detroit is the only place in... Continue Reading →
The Clockwork Pastor 