I crafted this gathering rite for a worship service intended to lift up the role and ministry of Deacons. Gospel text for the day was Luke 6:17-26. Service organized and led by/at Martin Luther University College. Introduction:Our gospel reading today begins with Jesus coming down to a level place with… Continue reading
I wrote this blog in April but didn’t post it until September…#covid. I had the rare opportunity to be with my parents on my birthday this year. That hasn’t happened for several years. As is their custom, dinner included some reflection questions. Because the chances for these kinds of conversations… Continue reading
Reflection on Psalm 90, given at the National Worship Conference 2021 (ELCIC/Anglican Church in Canada) In our liturgical tradition, each year we cycle through themes of anticipation, celebration, discovery, lament, grief, renewal and growth. Each year we are guided again by the orbit of a divine narrative that pulls us in,… Continue reading
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge; by professing it some have missed the mark as regards the faith. Grace be with you. (1 Tim. 6:20-21) These last few chapters of 1 Timothy do sound a bit… Continue reading
And again, one in human form touched me and strengthened me. He said, “Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my Lord speak, for you have strengthened me. (Daniel 10:18-19) These chapters in Daniel… Continue reading
a reflection on moving during a pandemicWaitingFor the new thing to start.For friendshipsThat smell like fresh coffee and pastries,For living into a new jobThat feels like steppingFrom a rocking boat onto solid ground—Legs shaking from the memory of rocky waves,But heart calm knowing the ground is once again solid. WaitingFor… Continue reading
A memory from childhood As soon as the bell rang for recess, the line formed. But before that bell, I was watching the clock on the wall of the 4th grade classroom as the seconds ticked towards the top of the hour. That was when the 6th graders would ring… Continue reading
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
Recently when I went on my run (okay…jog) after work, for some reason the voice coach on my running app wasn’t working. Usually it tells me how I’m doing and how far I’ve come. It will give me an update on my pace and distance, which gives me just enough… Continue reading
I have recently been reviewing old blog posts, and I came across a reflection I wrote following Ash Wednesday when I worked as a preschool teacher at a Lutheran preschool. I did my internship at that preschool, where my focus was intentionally creating and reflecting on the connections between faith… Continue reading