Iowa City
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, […]
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, […]
A Meal Fit for a King
How do we react to our own fears of inadequacy? Do we sit in the corner, hoping other people will make fools of themselves? Or can we do something that diminishes our own fears while lifting others up? Preached September 1, 2013 at the Congregational Church UCC in Iowa City. Sermon Text Luke 14:1, 7-14.
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.
The Race in Front of Us
The race is in front of us, and not behind us. Preached August 18, 2013 at the Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Iowa City. Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:29-12:2.