I was not radical. I was not passionate. I was not convicted. I wanted so badly to be inspired by women whose stories would then form and inform mine. I just want to say, Anne, that yours has been one of those stories. from “Diaconal Ministry: Anne Keffer,” an interview… Continue reading
I believe to the core of my soul that God loves and calls children and youth and that the Holy Spirit dwells in them. Let’s be honest—I’m not a great youth minister. I don’t remember the fun games. I don’t have a bunch of treats and prizes in my back pocket. I forget… Continue reading
I went Christmas carolling recently. Instead of only singing verses 1 and 2 of carols, the leader passed out song books and we sang all the verses of each carol. The combination of memories, connections, references, and experiences that wove together in my heart and mind as we walked the… Continue reading
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
In November 2018 I was invited to lead the Bible study at the Florida-Bahamas Synodical Women’s Fall Gathering at Lake Yale Conference Center in Leesburg, FL. The text for the weekend was 1 John 4:7-21. The theme was “It’s all about love.”
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
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
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
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
We cannot say we value rest when those who are bound by disease, prejudice, oppression, inequality or our ignorance are excluded from experiencing rest. It is exactly our conviction about the sabbath—holistic, restorative rest–that motivates our work for healing, release and justice. We cannot say we value rest when some among us are excluded from experiencing that rest because of something that is limiting their wholeness. Continue reading