Some thoughts on the Grace of God. I was asked to offer a reflection on God's grace for an interment of one the true gems of our congregation, Kim. Below is my attempt to offer something meaningful. ------------------ Think of a gift you’ve received. But not just any gift. Think of something that you were given … Continue reading Goodness Gracious
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on March 15, 2015 * Text: Matthew 25:1-13 *************** Let's pray: Wake us up, O God, To the redeeming and reconciling work you are bringing about in all the world. Amen. *************** So, bridesmaids, how are we doing this morning? Still asleep from losing that hour from … Continue reading Always A Bridesmaid…
It takes a lot of effort to be concerned all the time. Seriously. And it's heavy. It quite literally weighs on you. I've been struggling in recent weeks (months) with what it means to do this kind of work. See, for the past six months I've been on Internship. What that means is that I've … Continue reading What is Mine and What is Not — Or, Why I Want to Smile More
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on March 1, 2015 * Text: Matthew 20:1-16 *************** Let's pray: Make us humble, Holy One, That we might receive your mercy as a gift, Whether we are last, or first, or somewhere in between. Amen. *************** When I was in college, in my last semester, I … Continue reading Worst. Pyramid Scheme. Ever.
* a sermon given at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on December 24, 2015 * Text: Luke 1:1-20 *************** Merry Christmas, y’all! Please pray with me, as we ponder this mysterious gift we’ve been given: Holy God, you’ve given us a tremendous gift, you’ve given us yourself. As the Light shatters the darkness, break into our lives once again. Amen. … Continue reading Gift-Giving
* a homily given at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on February 18, 2015 * Text: Matthew 18:1-9 *************** A prayer: Mortality stares us in the face, O God. Hold us, and comfort us. Amen. *************** When I was a young boy, I was fascinated by things I didn’t understand. I’m not sure where this sensibility came from, but I … Continue reading Stardust
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on February 15, 2015 * Text: Matthew 16:24-17:8 *************** Please pray with me: Holy God, Transform us. Give us hearts that shine like the sun. Amen. *************** Quick poll, show of hands: Who can tell me what season we’re in? Winter, Time after Epiphany, Basketball season, Less than … Continue reading Wardrobe Malfunction
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on January 25, 2015 * Text: Matthew 5:13-14 *************** Let us pray: Living God, Sometimes vital signs are faint, And we can’t see seedlings beginning to sprout. Give us your creative vision for the world, That we may participate in its restoration. Amen. *************** I have a … Continue reading Signs of Life
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on January 18, 2015 * Text: Matthew 4:1-17 ------ Please pray with me: Holy God, Temptations of all kinds swirl around us. Give us discerning hearts and minds, that we might know what is needful for life, and on whom we rely. Amen. ********** This past Wednesday, 25 … Continue reading The End of Our Wits
Couldn't we all endeavor to be more respectful to each other? Couldn't we be willing to respect that some people hold some things as sacred, and as such, not aim to offend them with such sharp provocations? Just because speech is lawful, doesn't mean that it should be said.
the narrow way 