A new church year, a new lectionary cycle, Advent 1 of Year A, and I start my call in my new church, Ankeny UCC. Here we listen to the words of Isaiah 2:1-5 that reminds us we have the opportunity to walk in the Light. But what does that mean in the church life? It… Continue reading Come, Let us Walk in the Light of the Lord
Tag: sermons
What Are You Waiting For?
This was, again, a bit different. We were off the lectionary for the day as I collaborated with an old friend and mentor, Pete Knapp. Pete had been my confirmation mentor, and had an amazing career doing research into Agricultural safety issues that led to much safer working conditions all over the world. In retirement,… Continue reading What Are You Waiting For?
The Return of the Lost Sheep
A bit of a different sermon from my for September 15; I delivered this as my candidate sermon at Ankeny United Church of Christ. And so it is much more about me, and about what kind of a church we can be together, than it is about anything in particular in the scripture. Sermon Text… Continue reading The Return of the Lost Sheep
A Slave to Love
The central facts of Philemon cannot be avoided: Paul is returning a runaway slave. But within those facts lie myriad choices facing Paul, Onesimus, and Philemon. Each of those choices tests what it means to be a Christian and feel the love of Jesus Christ. Each one carries the very real risk of hurt, pain,… Continue reading A Slave to Love
Dreaming on the Sabbath
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place 50 years ago this week. A sermon offering scripture-based reflections on what history looks like while it’s being made.