letting go – Jabbok Dawn

Let’s talk about death …

The texts for Sunday, November 2, 2014 (All Saints Sunday): Revelation 7:9–17; Psalm 34:1–10, 22; 1 John 3:1–3; and Matthew 5:1–12. Audio of Sermon: All Saints Sermon

The texts for Sunday, October 26, 2014 (Reformation Sunday): Jeremiah 31:31–34, Psalm 46, Romans 3:19–28 and John 8:31–36 I didn’t record the sermon this week, but I sang the gospel using Luther’s rules for the chanting of the Gospel. A practice run before worship is below. The sermon is roughly transcribed following. Audio of Gospel: Chanted GospelContinueContinue reading “The Challenge of New Things”

Believing

The texts for Sunday, September 14, 2014 (Holy Cross Day): Numbers 21:4b–9; Psalm 98:1–4; 1 Corinthians 1:18–24; and John 3:13–17 . “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” – John 3:16 What does belief mean? I think that we, inContinueContinue reading “Believing”

What does it mean to be a person of faith?

The confirmation project for our last year confirmation student(s) is to work with a mentor to answer and present their own personal answer to one of several proposed questions as they and the mentor talk about life and faith and being church together. In a series of newsletter articles, I’m inviting the congregation to also consider the questionsContinueContinue reading “What does it mean to be a person of faith?”

Every Common Bush

Text for this reflection (second in an Advent series called “Revive”): Exodus 3:1-12 “Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God, But only he who sees takes off his shoes; The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.” – Elizabeth Barrett Browning What does it take to see the presence of God inContinueContinue reading “Every Common Bush”

Catching Bubbles

The texts Sunday, August 4, 2013: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12–14; 2:18–23; Psalm 49:1–12; Colossians 3:1–11; and Luke 12:13–21 “And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.'”- Luke 12:15 I am not preaching this week. It feels kind of strange, actually,ContinueContinue reading “Catching Bubbles”

Learning to let go

The texts for Sunday, February 10, 2013 (Transfiguration Sunday): Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; and Luke 9:28-36 “Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’–not knowing whatContinueContinue reading “Learning to let go”

Saved from Death

The texts for Sunday, March 25, 2012: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; Hebrews 5:5-10; and John 12:20-33 “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” – Hebrews 5:7ContinueContinue reading “Saved from Death”

Working with our nothing

The texts for Sunday, March 4, 2012: Genesis 17:1–7, 15–16; Psalm 22:23–31; Romans 4:13–25; Mark 8:31–38. … How often in the church do we look for ways that we can be better? Better outreach programs Better ministry programs Better web presence Better use of technology Better teaching programs and classes And yet, we forget thatContinueContinue reading “Working with our nothing”

Moving on—Tears allowed

The texts for Sunday, February 19, 2012: 2 Kings 2:1–12, Psalm 50:1–6, 2 Corinthians 4:3–6, Mark 9:2–9 “But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.” – 2 Kings 2:12b So, the story goes that Elisha was plowing his field and the prophet Elijah came along and threw hisContinueContinue reading “Moving on—Tears allowed”