As my time at American Lutheran Church comes to a close, I find myself very appreciative of the great staff that I got to work with “for a season” (two actually). They are a passionate, committed, “get-er-done” crew and it was a privilege to accompany them at this time. My prayers will continue to be… Continue reading

Christmas Eve at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bergen… this was a bitter-sweet moment for me as folks started coming in for the Christmas Eve service. I deliberately arranged it so that this would be my last service in the Windom area. I was wonderful to worship with this small group of caring, devoted, christ-followers. They… Continue reading

I was so grateful to receive this gift of a “Senior Living” communion set. All I asked was for Laverne to “drill some holes in a board to hold the cups, like I had in my last congregation”. Laverne did a little more than that. ;o) Continue reading

My last sermon note to “grade” (really – just sharing words of clarification or encouragement to the confirmation kids) I really had a wonderful time teaching confirmation this year. It was a great bunch of 8th graders (all 18 of them), we had lots of fun – learned lots about the Old Testament and the… Continue reading

Laverne is a master woodworker who lives in Windom, Minnesota. One of the blessings of being a pastor is that you get invited into peoples homes and people’s lives. Such was the case in my last week at American Lutheran and Bethany Lutheran in the Windom area. I was blown away by Laverne’s mastery of… Continue reading

No, the picture above is not a recent one. It was taken circa 1995 in my first year in the pulpit. The sermon below IS a recent one. It was originally delivered in front of a congregation, but has been re-recorded here for better sound quality, and to provide a better, more intimate, experience. Readings… Continue reading

A stunning scene from southern Minnesota. Continue reading

Babe & Kathy hosted the Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study out at their house this week. As I took the picture I told the guys that I’d never had a “standing room only” bible study. (We found them chairs and had a delightful discussion of Jesus cooking breakfast on the shore for the disciples.) Continue reading

Vacation Bible School is one of my favorite “seasons” in the church programming year. The church is a vibrant place to be – in the middle of a normally quiet and calm summer season. I am so blessed whenever I get to hang out with fun and energetic kids. It reminds me of the 8… Continue reading

Some time ago – I invited the congregation to center themselves by watching a series of one minute videos that contained various nature scenes. It was a spiritual exercise for me – to go out and record them. A spiritual exercise that I miss – and think I’ll begin again….so, here goes….join with me, and… Continue reading

A number of years ago – at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter, MN – my former congregation we wrote a confirmation promo song and recorded a video. Lots of fun was had in the creation, and it was a great way to kick-start our fall confirmation program. This year – in the middle… Continue reading

Lately, I’ve been working on a system to bake “Bread of Rye” (Stretching a bit too far for the double entendre I fear.) You can sample some if you stop by. ;o) Continue reading

Suzanne Granquist Rye and I officially joined First Lutheran Church in Brainerd today. What a warm and welcoming community. They have a fantastic children’s choir (even with six kids missing) and we got 12 invitations to join the choir !! I‘m still in the process of seeking a call at another congregation (TBD) – but… Continue reading

For my sermon writing colleagues – here’s a suggestion from the sidelines: A series on Outrage Fatigue. Finding Rest in a Restless World “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 I think the only way through this all is from a place of… Continue reading

I have been a member on the “Hope Housing Board” here in my community of Brainerd/Baxter for the better part of a decade. This board exercises oversight over a grant that Lutheran Social Services administers to address homelessness within our community. I can speak first-hand to the utmost care that is taken to steward those… Continue reading