-
Formation Under God’s Hand
When the Spirit-Driven Task Force at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church met on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, the members discussed Christian Education. This was a reflection shared during the devotions. In the second creation story in Genesis, we hear that “the LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
Sing to the Lord
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 twenty-fourth…
-
A Heart for Service
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 twenty-third…
-
Remington’s Birth Sesquicentennial
As an “Artist of the West,” Frederic Sackrider Remington received posthumous notice when his work appeared on the U.S. Post Office Department’s “first multicolored portrayal of a piece of fine art on an American postage stamp” (Commemorative Stamp Ceremony Program). The Oct. 4, 1961, 4¢ issue marked the centennial of the artist’s birth in Canton,…
-
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…
-
“Beyond the Status Quo”
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 twenty-second…
-
Everything Comes from God
This is the eighth 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. King David’s life contains much that speaks to us as a caution to avoid, rather than a cause to embrace. And…
-
Remembering 9/11
Since the day that Cain raised his hand against Abel, his brother, the people God made in his image have turned to violence to express their hate for one another. We know that St. Paul admonishes the Church in Romans 12:17, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in…