1 Thessalonians 4:13-18                                 Saints Triumphant                               11-15-20   Dear friends in Christ, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that 2020 has been a difficult year.  Consider the evidence.  A record number of hurricanes have already made landfall in the gulf region.  Think of the shattered lives, the destroyed property and loss of hopes and dreams […]

Matthew 9:35-38                                Equipping Christian Witnesses                                    10-25-20   Dear friends in Christ, “so what’s the plan?”  That is the question that came to my mind as I chatted with the chairman of our church property committee.  It was early summer.  After worship we walked outside to look at the landscaping.  Right around the front door weeds […]

Sermon for October 11, 2020 Ruth 3   Dear friends in Christ, I think you will agree with me when I say that we hear about some pretty amazing marriage proposals now-a-days. There are stories about engagement rings hidden in cupcakes; banners asking “Will you marry me” towed behind a low flying plane; the same […]

Dear friends in Christ, just last week my daughter-in-law mentioned that her aunt asked her to keep the family Bible. Being a life-long Lutheran, I asked her “What does this mean?”  It meant that she would be charged with the task of tracing the family lineage.  Who married whom?  Were there any children?  When were […]

Sermon for September 6, 2020 1 Corinthians 12:27   Dear friends in Christ, this weekend Americans pause to celebrate Labor Day.  As you may know, Labor Day is a federal holiday with a rich tradition.  It all goes back to the late 1800s.  That was the height of the American industrial revolution.  History tells us […]

Psalm 103:1-4, 8-13 August 23, 2020   Dear friends in Christ, what moves you to say praise the Lord? Stop for a moment and think of the last time outside these church walls that you said “praise the Lord.” Perhaps, it was when the results of a medical test came back negative.  Or maybe it […]

Sermon for August 2, 2020 Text: 1 John 3:1-3   Dear friends in Christ, I know that folks have not enjoyed many vacations this year.  However, think back to a previous year.  Remember a time when you visited some amazing place.  Perhaps it was a trip to the Grand Cannon.  Or maybe you drive out […]

Matthew 11:25-30 Sermon for 7-19-20 Dear friends in Christ, “You are invited.”  Have you received many cards, letters or digital messages proclaiming those words?  I know I have.  Yes, even during this time of physical distancing, I have discovered any number of invitations in my mailbox.  You see this month I turn 65.  Those of […]