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

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

Jesus Got Up From the Table

Maundy Thursday Sermon April 17, 2014 John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Last summer I had the chance to spend a week at the Taize Community in France.  Taize is an ecumenical monastery that draws people from all over the world together to spend a week in prayer, service, study and fellowship.  Each… Continue reading

Redemptive Violence and 24

A few weeks ago I listened to a Robcast about the “lie of redemptive violence.”  In this podcast, Rob Bell explains how this idea of redemptive violence–that violence in retaliation for wrong-doing can be justified–is deep in our society…and even in our theology.  But it’s really a myth, and he goes… Continue reading

The rhythm of faith and life

One of the things I love about being part of a liturgical church is that the rhythm of the church year teaches me new stuff about the ongoing life of faith.  In the context of writing a sermon recently, I was reflecting on it again.  This is the bit that… Continue reading