Sermons Out of Rural Ministry

Today's reading from Matthew 11 is straight out of a police procedural. Do you wanna be the good cop or the bad cop? Jesus compares his way of proclaiming God's Word to John's, and gives us a disappointing conclusion. But also, a promise that he is with us and caring for us no matter our approach. Whoever we are, we are loved and called on to speak God's mercy into the world. M...

"With the Sparrows" In the midst of training his followers, Jesus makes a reference to sparrows. His people knew they were economically worthless, easily overlooked and easy to catch. They become a model of who we are to be as disciples, and who we are called to stand and walk with in this world. Who are the overlooked? Who is countless as worthless in our community?

"More Than Enough," our sermon reflecting on Holy Communion, is the final in our series on the Lutheran Small Catechism. The Table is where we are called by Christ to experience forgiveness and being whole. Jesus commands the disciples to come because on our own, we won't do it. The Table is also where we gather with people across time and geography, binding all God's faithful...

"Living the Apostles Creed" is a reflection on who we are, whose we are, and why we gather for worship. There are worldly powers all around that steal life, convince us we are weak, try to demonstrate that God has no place or presence. Christ reminds us that even the shadow of death, which hangs low over our cities and homes, is in the shadow of the cross. Christ brings light to shadows,...

"Having a Chat with God" seems both an obvious thing to do, and something most of us don't do very much. For all the reasons. Jesus is inviting us to speak to God, and if we can't find the words, breathing is enough. Images, ideas, vague colors and feelings are enough. Our infinite Creator is also always as close as our flesh and blood. God is listening, and gives us space to b...