Prescribed Prairie Burns
The last day of April brings the end of National Poetry Month, so I want to share a poem with you today. These words, and the accompanying image, emerged from a recent walk at the Decorah Community Prairie. I couldn’t……
Creating Rainbows
“I hope I don’t step on a snake.” This intrusive thought wrangles its way into my mind as I climb the steep ditch toward the field. The tall grass, laid low, crunches under my feet. I’m not wearing the right……
Who Is Jesus?
This sermon was preached at St. James Lutheran Church in Johnston, Iowa. It’s based on Matthew 14:22-33. If you’d like to view the worship service, you can find it here: https://fb.watch/mp121NCUH2/ Matthew 14:22-33 22[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat……
The Season of Commencement
A sermon for the 7th Sunday of Easter First Reading: Acts 1:6-14 6When [the apostles] had come together, they asked [Jesus], “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7He replied, “It is not for……
An Update on Advent 2022
Dear friends, I cannot believe today is the first day of Advent. Since 2018, I’ve been offering daily reflections during the season of Advent. This year, I’m attempting something new. If you’re still interested in hearing from me daily during……
All Things Hold Together
This sermon was preached at Ossian Lutheran Church on November 20, 2022, using the assigned texts for Christ the King Sunday. Jeremiah 23:1-6 Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore……
Give Us a Blessing!
This sermon was preached at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Decorah, Iowa on October 16, 2022. It’s based on the assigned readings for this day: Genesis 32:22-31 The same night [Jacob] got up and took his two wives, his two maids,……
Blessed Are We
This sermon for Holy Trinity Sunday was inspired by a beautiful blessing in Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie and draws on the following lectionary texts for this day: Proverbs 8:1-4,……
It All Adds Up
Dear friends, It is a strange thing–after 18 years of parish ministry–to not be leading a community through Holy Week this year. I did, however, have the opportunity to preach during chapel at Wartburg Seminary yesterday. I offered what was……