Challenging Expectations

Sermon–Christ the King, Year C Luke 23:33-43Zion Lutheran Church, Beausejour, Manitoba Today’s gospel is all about challenging expectations and holding on to a bigger picture.  In that sense, it’s a particularly appropriate reading for the end of the year.  As we flip our calendars from October to November, and pretty soon to… Continue reading

Sarah’s Laugh of Doubt

This reflection was prepared for Trinity Lutheran Church in Pembroke Pines, FL, in October, 2020. A creative rendering of what the biblical character Sarah might have written in her journal, or as an email to a friend. Sarah reflects on how to support a vision she couldn’t see, and the… Continue reading

Today (and every day) is about Re-formation

Sermon—Oct. 30, 2022 (Epiphany Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba)John 8:31-36; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 3:19-28 Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus.  Amen. When was the last time you got to answer the question “how did you get here?”  If you’ve moved to a new city, house or country, you… Continue reading

It’s Just What God Does

Sermon—Oct. 16, 2022 (Sherwood Park Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba) Luke 18:1-18 The last time I was here we were shifting from the season of Easter to “Ordinary time,” or the season after Pentecost.  Now, through our readings, we’re winding our way through the last few weeks of the season after Pentecost,… Continue reading

Share the Light

Sermon—March 11, 2018 Numbers 21:4-9Ephesians 2:1-10John 3:14-21 Today’s gospel reading begins with a reference to an obscure story from Numbers that is probably not in many children’s Bibles, and doesn’t have a fun chorus with cheesy hand-motions that go with it.  It’s just…odd.  The Israelites are in the wilderness on… Continue reading

Lessons in Hindsight

Sermon for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Dunedin, FLMay 28, 2017John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14 Our readings today speak to the transition from the season of Easter to the season of Pentecost.  For the last 6 weeks, we have been basking in the light of the resurrected Christ, celebrating the truth that… Continue reading

Not Another School Cafeteria Scene

Pentecost 12cAug. 28, 2022 Luke 14:1, 7-14 Prepared for Family Camp weekend at Luther Village. It’s a common feature in coming of age movies–the school cafeteria. A new kid walks in and doesn’t know where to sit. An ‘unpopular kid is sitting at a table and a group of ‘popular’… Continue reading

When Words Fail Us

One of the most meaningful things about my dad has always been his deep heart for others and his passion for his faith.  He shared both his heart and his faith through writing letters, teaching, answering phone calls, chatting over countless cups of chai, and selflessly showing up for people… Continue reading