Exodus 1 For as long as I have been a pastor, I have been a “lectionary” preacher. For the most part that has seemed to be a faithful and effective way of guiding and grounding our shared worship. Even in an ever changing world, somehow there has always been something in the assigned texts which …
Living as Children of Light in Unprecedented Times
Ephesians 5:8-14 In these last days it has occurred to me that you and I are living in unprecedented times. At least this is so in my memory in this part of the world. I know without a doubt that the sort of uncertainty, anxiety, and yes, fear that has been expressed in my community …
Bridging What Divides…
John 4: 5-42 I have been living in the light of this week’s remarkable story of Jesus and the woman of Samaria and this is how it has come alive for me. Indeed, it is such a rich story before us now that you and I can quickly find any number of entry points. I, …
The End of the Road, the Start of the Journey: Abram and Sarai
Genesis 12:1-4a ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing…’ It seems you cannot get the full import of …
Forty Days and Forty Nights… First Thoughts
Matthew 4:1-11 There is a great deal that can be said about our Gospel reading this First Sunday in Lent — about this so familiar story which ‘launches’ Lent for us every year in one version or another. Indeed, in many seasons I have gone deep into one or another of the ways Jesus is …
“Get Up and Don’t Be Afraid… Revisited”
It has been one of those weeks here in DeKalb. Indeed, the press of ministry this week simply has not allowed me the time to adequately process all these days have held, much less try to tie them to the wonder of the story before us now. It may be that some quiet will be …
God Gives the Growth
1 Corinthians 3:1-9 It is a small moment I offer now. It comes to mind because of this: last Sunday we offered a blessing to a young man as he headed off to serve in the Air Force. He was in 8th grade. We were short an acolyte that Sunday and Logan — no doubt …
You Are the Light of the World…
Isaiah 58:1-12 Matthew 5:13-20 I heard a few days back that we just finished one of the cloudiest Januaries on record here in Northern Illinois. I didn’t need a weather forecaster to tell me that, though. I have sensed it in my very being as the atmosphere seems to weigh us all down as these …
The Pilgrims’ Way…
Psalm 84 Luke 2:22-40 “Happy are the people whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on the pilgrims’ way…” Psalm 84:5 I forgot my prop for my children’s lesson last Sunday. I got to church and could still picture it sitting on the kitchen counter where it would be when I arrived …
Answering the Call
Matthew 4:12-23 “Immediately they left their nets and followed him…” (Matthew 4:20) I got the call to do a funeral last week. I said, ‘Yes,’ for I always try to do what I can for such as this when possible. It turns out, the one who had suddenly died was 47 years old. He was …