Sermon for 12-24-12Text: Luke 2:1-20Let us pray: God Incarnate, God with us, enter into our lives this day and every day. May the Good News of Jesus Christ claim our hearts and give us hope in the midst of our everyday lives. Amen.I’m going to share something with all of you.I’m a bit of a …
Author: Jennifer
No One Could Blow Them Out
Before worship yesterday, I pondered what I would say about the horrific events in Connecticut. The children were leading worship so I wasn't preaching. I decided to light two candles on the altar in remembrance (thankfully realizing 28 lit candles wouldn't mix well with wiggly, excited kids) and say some brief words at the beginning …
8 Lessons I’ve Learned After 8 Years of (Mostly) Solo Ministry
I’m not a seasoned pastor by any means, but this list is full of what I’ve learned at the beginning of my career in ministry. The lessons, both painful and enlightening, are still fresh in my mind, so here they are, written as for a new pastor: 1. Network.Having a group of other pastors to …
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Links for the Weekend
Stewardship’s been on my mind, so here are some great links about finances, giving, and living a meaningful life:Do you want to give to the victims of Hurricane Sandy? ELCA Disaster Response is one option.I’ve been turning to The Simple Dollar for practical tips on finances and living a meaningful life.How charitable are our communities?Stressed …
Sermon for Sunday, November 11
This sermon was informed by the book Ministry and Money by Janet and Philip Jamieson--a wonderfully practical book for pastors.Text: Malachi 3:8-12Let us pray: Giving God, grow in us generous hearts. Help us to give, not out of guilt or only obedience, but out of joy and freedom, knowing you bless us with all we need. …
A Prayer for Election Day
Listen to me, God.I join in the chorus, loudly: I’m so tired of political ads. My 2-year-old picked up the phrase, “I’m sick of this,” from hearing me say it every time an ad fills the TV screen or blurts through the radio, the announcer sounding so serious, as if I’ll trigger the apocalypse if …
Be Proud
A couple of weeks ago, I sat having tea at the home a dear member of the congregation I serve. She talked to me about her husband of many years. She told me of his strong faith and dedication to the church, and then she said, looking me in the eye, “I’m very proud of …
But You Do See, Lord!
Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10:1A telemarketer called our home this week at the exact wrong time. I was cleaning up from a tragic attempt at making enchiladas (throwing most of them away) and finishing up a difficult evening with my kids. …
Sermon for September 23, 2012
Text: James 3:13-4:3,7-8a; Mark 9:30-37My favorite part of the gospel reading for this week is when Jesus asks his disciples to tell him what they were talking about as they walked to Capernaum—and the disciples are silent. They were arguing over who among them is the greatest, and when Jesus confronts them they immediately clam …
Restless
I’m prone to restlessness. It often lurks in the back corners of my mind, interrupting me throughout the day. My years in school, complete with multiple moves over a ten-year period, trained me to enjoy transition. Without the periodic anxiety and thrill of moving, I get restless, especially in the fall as I watch others …
Narrating Grace 