God’s Invitation to Restoration

In the response to criticism about who he’s spending time with, [Jesus] begins by telling stories about people who deeply value that which is in their care.  He begins with relationship that has nothing to do with the achievement the thing that gets found. Lent 4C (Luke 15:11b-32) I read a… Continue reading

Witnessing the Return of the Prodigal

A creative writing engagement with the parable of the lost son The day started like most days—I got up earlier than others in my household to get the water boiling. Boiling water. It seemed like I was constantly boiling water. Water for the kids to bathe. Water to wash clothes…. Continue reading

Feel Deeply at Home

A sermon for Salem Lutheran Church, Pass Lake, ON on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary. John 15:1-16 Feel deeply at home in me, Jesus is saying, just as I feel deeply at home in my Father.  It’s the difference between being in a house where rules and regulations keep everyone on… Continue reading

The Interruptions ARE the Ministry

Sermon prepared for the ELCIC 2024 Summer Sermon Series–July 21, 2024 Sometimes we can get so caught up in doing the work we think Jesus has tasked us with, that we miss the invitation to step away, take a break, and witness the new thing that God is up to… Continue reading

More Than a Face In the Crowd

Jesus hears her truth and calls her “Daughter”.  Jairus seeks Jesus out because his little daughter is near death, and an unnamed woman who is near death is seen by Jesus and named Daughter.  This woman’s identity is no longer tied to her chronic condition.  Her identity is now tied to relationship—daughter. Sermon—Mark… Continue reading

A Poem About Patience

In 2009 I created a series of lessons and reflections about the Fruit of the Spirit for the preschool where I was teaching. My class got to help teach about patience during the weekly chapel time. I wrote the following poem, and then took pictures of them in different staged… Continue reading