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Two Birth Days
Introduction This is a homily I preached on Aug. 11, 2009, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., for the funeral of a charter member. Readings Job 19:23-27a Psalm 121 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 11:21-27 Message One of the curious traditions in the history of the Church is to recall to memory our forbearers in…
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Second Birth
Introduction This is a funeral homily I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009. Readings Job 19:23-27a Psalm 121 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 11:21-27 Message One of the curious traditions in the history of the Church is to recall to memory our forbearers in the faith on the day…
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Strength Forever
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26, NRSV)
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Living Bread, Eternal Life
Introduction This is the homily I prepared for Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, based upon the Gospel. Readings 1 Kings 19:4-8 Psalm 34:1-8 Ephesians 4:25-5:2 John 6:35-51 Prayer Let us pray… “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation[s] of [our] heart[s] be acceptable to you, O LORD,…
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The Story of Yarn
Introduction This is a funeral homily I preached on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at a graveside service in Beatrice, Neb. Readings Psalm 121 Philippians 3:20-21 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 Psalm 23 Message Alice’s family likes to tell stories, stories about Alice, stories that show their love for her and her love for them and for the…
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Word and Works
“For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted.” (Psalm 33:4, LH)
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Solid Footing
“I keep my foot from every evil path, that I may keep your word, O Lord.” (Psalm 119:101, LH)
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Taking Courage
“Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24, LH)
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Finding Joy
“I find my joy in the Lord.” (Psalm 104:34b, LH)
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The Catechetical Use of Hymnody in the Christian’s Daily Formation
Introduction In the spring term in 1987, I took took a class called “Luther Seminar: Education and Worship,”, lead by Prof. Eric W. Gritsch. I wrote this paper as my final project in the class. Paper Martin Luther conceived the Christian life as a continual, daily return to one’s baptismal waters, reaffirming God’s action which…