Luke 2:1-20 Christmas Eve December 24, 2015 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN On December 9, 1965 something special happened. On that day 50 years ago, CBS first broadcast The Charlie Brown Christmas Special. I’ve done some reading on the special and it was unique for a lot of reason. First off, is the soundtrack.... 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: “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: “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 →
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 →
Come Sunday: “Let’s Get Liminal” (October 13, 2013)
Borders are interesting things. I grew up in Michigan only an hour in two directions to the US/Canadian border. When driving accross a border, you stop at a booth where someone from Customs asks why you are coming to their fair nation and what are your intentions. After looking at our passports, the officer waves... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “Well I’ll Be Damned?”
Luke 16:19-31 Eighteenth Sunday of Pentecost September 29, 2012 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN The first time I ever really saw a panhandler was when I lived in Washington, DC. I lived in the nation’s capital from 1992 to 1996 doing various jobs at nonprofits. I haven’t been to DC in years, so things might... Continue Reading →
Sunday Sermon: “Big Time”
Today's sermon is based off a song from recording artist Peter Gabriel from 1987. You can watch the video below. “Big Time” Luke 12:13-21 Eleventh Sunday of Pentecost August 4, 2013 First Christian Church Minneapolis, MN People in my generation are familiar with the artist Peter Gabriel. He was the lead singer for the British... Continue Reading →