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And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Mark 1:11
Some faith traditions baptize infants…some don’t. All baptize older children and adults. Some fully immerse…some sprinkle. Regardless of where you were baptized, how old you were, whether you were fully immersed or just sprinkled…You received what Jesus received when he was baptized…God’s blessing . . . read more
Happy New Year! As I look ahead into the New Year with all of you saints, I am excited about the possibilities! Especially because I think we can build upon what we were focusing on during Advent and Christmas…exploring how God can and does change the world for good. . . read more
I love Christmas! The birth of Jesus. Special worship and music. Trees and wreaths. Lights and decorations. Carols and cookies. Classic movies. Excited children. Time with friends and family. Wonderful memories. Peace on Earth and goodwill to all. (Sigh) ….Christmas. . . . read more
This month, we celebrate Thanksgiving…a time to count our blessings and give thanks to God for all that we have been blessed with. And as I look at my life, WOW! Am I blessed! . . . read more
Few sermons have evoked as much response as several I recently preached about forgiveness. Most of the comments are related to how difficult it can be to really forgive as God has forgiven us (especially forgiving our enemies). And that is so true. But in order for us to be healed from the brokenness of hurts caused by others, it is essential that we forgive. It’s really for our own good. Because until we forgive, unforgiveness acts like an acid that slowly eats away at our soul, and can have a negative effect on our health and our other relationships . . . read more
I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; … for your steadfast love and your faithfulness;… On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul. Psalm 138:1‐3
Thank you all for your prayers and cards during August as I went through treatment following my heart attack. On that Tuesday afternoon of the heart attack, I put my life in God’s hands and trusted God to take care of me, and my family, in the midst of all this. And, even though I was experiencing crushing chest pain at the time, I felt remarkably at peace…confident that God would send just the right doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to help me. And God did . . . read more
So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. Matthew 13:26
l truly enjoy working outside around the house in the summer. Tending the lawn and flower beds is almost therapeutic for me. And this summer, having moved into a "new" home that was suffering from a number of years of neglect, I'm getting a lot of "yard work therapy" much of which seems to involve pulling and spraying weeds . . . read more
In the short time I have been here, I have experienced All Saints as one of the friendliest, most joy-filled congregations I have ever encountered. And I believe it's the joy that makes All Saints so special. And it's the joy of salvation by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ that makes Lutheran Christianity so special. . . . read more
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19‐20
Jesus said this to his followers right before he ascended into heaven. It’s called the Great Commission, where Jesus invites all who follow to help carry on his mission in the world. And we, his 21st century followers, are still invited into the same mission; the mission of GOING and MAKING DISCIPLES of Jesus Christ! . . . read more
Grace and peace to you, new friends, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Thank you so much for the wonderful welcome! The installation service took my breath away! I feel so blessed to be called to be your pastor. Praise God! One of the first things I feel is important for us to get off to a good start is to get to know one another better. So I thought this might be a good opportunity to share some of my core beliefs about faith and life . . .read more
I have been truly -- extremely, honestly, and humbly -- blessed to have had the privilege of serving this congregation once again. I do love you all so much! But our time as pastor and congregation are about to end. . . .read more
Soon you will be welcoming a new Pastor into this Body of Christ. The following was emailed to me just this week and I thought it timely for the transition. May God give you ears to hear and eyes to see. . . .read more |
