The Word

Learning Opportunities

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ – It is the time of year for graduations.  Keynote speakers are lining up at college graduations, while preschoolers are practicing lining up for their graduations.  Valedictorians are practicing their words of wit, while seminary students are thrilled to hear the words, “You graduated,”… Read More»

Share the Gospel!

I sat to the side of the sanctuary.  I arrived early, and not only did I observe the pews fill up with well-dressed people, but I could feel the excitement in the air.  It was palpable.  As the organ bellowed notes, the men and women present belted out the hymn.… Read More»

Jesus, Our Present Hope

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! Two-thousand years ago, Jesus changed the world. He changed the world for the better. Far better. When Jesus became Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and made man, the world was in need of a savior. Some people… Read More»

Fighting Temptation

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: Tonight I watched the Disneyland 60th Anniversary television special. I remember that as a teenager I watched the Disneyland 25th Anniversary special. I had been to Walt Disney World several times in my life by then, but I could not imagine going to Disneyland.… Read More»

Ashes Show Our Need for Jesus

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Ashes show our need for Jesus. Ash Wednesday falls on February 10th this year and that day marks the beginning of the season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, Christians receive ashes upon their forehead to serve as a symbol of our repentance and of… Read More»

O come, O come, Emmanuel!

O come, O come, Emmanuel! We are now entering the Advent season, which is the beginning of the Christian church year. During Advent, Christians wait and sing with joy and anticipation of Emmanuel’s (“God with us”) second coming as judge of the world on the Last Day. Throughout the Advent… Read More»

Good Stewardship Begins with Thanksgiving

What is the first task of the Christian steward? It is this time of year that I preach a three-part sermon series on Stewardship. Every year I emphasize that stewardship is time, talent, and treasure, but what is the first task of Christian stewardship? Could it be to give thanks?… Read More»

Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord!

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ! Thanks be to God for such a great month at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church! Thank you to the congregation for being a part of my learning journey! Thank you for the wide array of gifts upon our arrival! Thank you to the congregation for… Read More»

An Old African Proverb

An Old African Proverb says, “If you want to go fast, walk alone. If you want to go far, walk with others.” Which means you must move slowly. In 2012 we embarked on the Vision 20/20 journey. Committees for zones or regions of our church property were formed. Due to… Read More»