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

The Clothing of Our Context

If the renewing story of Christ is going to be given the clothing of its context, the values of accompaniment need to take the place of values like power, privilege and survival.  The values of accompaniment look like mutuality, vulnerability, inclusivity, empowerment and sustainability. Sermon for ELCIC Global Mission Sunday, Feb…. Continue reading

A Lofty Vision

The question about how to “love your neighbour” is not about itemizing and classifying who qualifies as worthy of love.  Loving our neighbour is as much about reflecting on our own biases, prejudices and priorities that show up when we are faced with someone who is suffering. Sermon preached during the… Continue reading

Origin Stories

Maybe [Jesus] felt the pressure of his mom’s faith. Maybe he struggled to trust his dad’s love for him. Maybe he was burdened by the expectation that he was supposed to be the one to bring a word of hope to those who were suffering. Maybe some days he just… Continue reading

THIS Ground…

I am coming to a different kind of appreciation about the importance of identifying the ground on which you live and work.  It’s about identity.  It’s about tradition.  It’s about community.  It’s about justice and reconciliation.  It’s about holding the past and the present together. This reflection was shared at the 2023 Florida/Bahamas Synod Synodical… Continue reading

The Truths that are Still True

But Jesus still calls.  Jesus still heals. Jesus still teaches.  Jesus still restores people to wholeness and community.  Our human limitations do not limit God and the impact of the Gospel. Pentecost 17a–Matthew 20:1-6 (The Church of St. Stephen & St. Bede, Winnipeg, on the last worship service in their location) Grace and… Continue reading