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“Are We Able to Drink the Cup?”
Introduction St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church, Lincoln, Neb., celebrates the Holy Eucharist on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. The parish’s rector, Father Jerry Thompson, asked me to lead worship on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. The liturgy features the feast of St. James, Apostle (c. A.D. 42), transferred from July 25. Readings Jeremiah 45:1–5 Psalm…
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“… We stand here as free, under God’s sky ….”
Introduction St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church, Lincoln, Neb., celebrates the Holy Eucharist on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. The parish’s rector, Father Jerry Thompson, asked me to lead worship on Tuesday, July 3, 2012. The liturgy features the memorial of Harriet Beecher Stowe, Writer and Prophetic Witness. Readings Isaiah 26:7–13 Psalm 94:16–23 1 Peter…
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Bearing the Yoke of Christ
SCRIPTURE “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28–30, New American…
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Giving and Proclaiming
Introduction Emmanuel Lutheran Church, east of Beatrice, Nebraska, invited me to preach and preside at worship on Oct. 16, 2011, the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Readings Isaiah 45:1–7 Psalm 96:1–13, antiphon v. 7 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 Matthew 22:15–22 Homily Let us pray …. May the words of my mouth and the meditations in our hearts…
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Where Is Our Treasure?
This is the ninth in a series of reflections offered as part of my service with the Stewardship Ministry at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., where Anne and I are members. The black walnut trees north of our house have shed their leaves. Only a few walnuts still cling to their branches,…
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Fruits of the Kingdom
Introduction Emmanuel Lutheran Church, east of Beatrice, Nebraska, invited me to preach and preside at worship on Oct. 2, 2011, the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Readings Isaiah 5:1–7 Psalm 80:7–15, antiphon vv.14–15 Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33–46 Homily Let us pray …. May the words of my mouth and the meditations in our hearts be acceptable…
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The Desire of Our Hearts
Introduction The people of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., have organized a Spirit-Driven Task Force, bringing together almost forty members who have committed to a year of study, prayer, reflection, and deliberation to discern how God is calling the congregation to renewal for the sake of his mission. This is the fourteenth…
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Well Done, Steward
This is the fourth in a series of reflections offered as part of my service with the Stewardship Ministry at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., where Anne and I are members. Thirty-five years ago this June, I was confirmed by Dr. Wallace E. Fisher at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster, Pa.…
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Listen to the Angel of the Lord
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., celebrated the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 19, 2010. This is my last Sunday serving as the congregation’s interim pastor. + + + Readings Isaiah 7:10–16 Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19 Romans 1:1–7 Matthew 1:18–25 + + + Prayer Come, Lord Jesus, and dwell with us. Ask your Father to stir…
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We Wait with Patience
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., celebrated the Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 12, 2010. + + + Readings Isaiah 35:1–10 Luke 1:46b–55 (antiphon v. 47) James 5:7–10 Matthew 11:2–11 + + + Prayer Lord God, from your servant, Mary, we learn how to wait and to watch and listen with patience and faith for…