I preached this sermon, based on Luke 13:1-9, on the Third Sunday in Lent. Jesus’s teaching is interrupted by questions from the crowd regarding recent tragedies and whether they could be considered as the judgment of God. Through the telling of a parable, Jesus invites us to think about God in terms of mercy.
Our Mother God Gathering Us In
I preached this sermon, based on Luke 13:31-35, on the Second Sunday in Lent. In the face of recent acts of violence and hatred, like the massacre in the mosque in New Zealand, God offers us an alternative to meeting violence with violence or running away. Jesus invites us along the path of love - the path of a Mothering God.
Starting Anew
I preached this sermon, based on Luke 4, on the First Sunday in Lent. In it, I hold up look at the foundation of God’s love and our identity as a Child of God as critical resources in the midst of life’s challenges.
Marked with Love
I preached this sermon, based on Matthew 6, on Ash Wednesday. In it, I hold up the dual reality of being both broken and beloved. Lent is a wonderful opportunity to grow in our awareness of God’s love and grace.
Mountain Glories in Deep Valleys
This sermon, based on Luke 9: 28-37 , I preached on Transfiguration Sunday. In it, I explore the amazing presence of God’s love in both the high and low points of life and our call as followers of Jesus to re-present God’s grace in all that we do.
The Harder Kind of Love
In this sermon, based on Luke 6:27-38, I look at the first of Jesus’s ethical teachings in the Sermon on the Plain - love your enemies. In a world that is filled with reciprocity and revenge - which deteriorate into violence - it seems a strange command.
In light, however, of the kingdom of God, it reflects the Agape of God.
Choose Kind
In this sermon, based on Luke 6:17-26, I look at Jesus teaching of blessings and woe, set in the context of a world where things are broken. By the grace of God we are blessed, loved, and forgiven. We encounter woe as we turn away from God’s path of love and kindness.
I preached this sermon on the occasion of my 10th Anniversary at St. James Lutheran Church.
Loving Beyond the Doors
In this sermon, based on Luke 4:11-30, I look at Jesus’ call to move beyond tribal affiliations and love. This love is radical in nature and goes beyond our inclinations as it extends to even our enemies.
Pray Always - Week Three - Pray For Your Church
Pastor Walt preaches a three-part series on prayer.
Week three, based on Luke 4:14-21 (the start of Jesus’ public ministry in Luke’s gospel), looks at the need for prayer for the sake of the church and its ministry.
Week two, based on John 2:1-11 (the wedding feast at Cana), looks at praying during times of need for ourselves and others.
Week one, based on Luke 3:21-22, looks at the role that prayer can play in the life of the Baptized.
Pray Always - A Three Week Series on Prayer - Week Two - Unending Feast
Pastor Walt preaches a three-part series on prayer.
Week two, based on John 2:1-11 (the wedding feast at Cana), looks at praying during times of need for ourselves and others.
Week one, based on Luke 3:21-22, looks at the role that prayer can play in the life of the Baptized.
Pray Always - A Three Week Series on Prayer - Week One - Wet with Promise
Pastor Walt preaches a three-part series on prayer.
Week one, based on Luke 3:21-22, looks at the role that prayer can play in the life of the Baptized.
The Day of Epiphany - January 6 - A Blessed House
I preached this sermon on Epiphany. It is based on Matthew 2 and the story of the magi. Seeking God, engaging scripture, worship, and giving - these practices are all good for us as Christians as we enter a new year.
Christmas 2018 - Keep the Light On
I preached this sermon on Christmas Eve. It is based on Luke 2 and celebrates the light of Christ. In the darkness of our world and lives, God shines light. As Christians, we are called keep this light burning bright.
WEEK THREE: Threshold Advent Sermon Series
“Threshold” is a three-week, Advent sermon series based on Isaiah. Called the “fifth” gospel by some prominent early Christians, the book of Isaiah is a perennial favorite during the season of Advent. It’s poetic prophesies help us to understand and anticipate the Christ who comes to us. The inspiration for this series comes from a trip to Chaco Canyon that I took some years ago. This remote world heritage site in northwestern New Mexico is home to ruins of an ancient civilization that thrived over seven hundred years before European settlement on the continent.
week three: Leaving the Threshold
This sermon is based on Isaiah 52: 7-10. In it, I describe the light of Christ that shines ahead of us and brings us the promise of renewal and hope. unsettling and disorienting nature of going through a transition time. Isaiah envisions that God will bring about new life and renewal. As Christians, we are inspired by glimpses of God’s action to lean with our living in the direction of peace.
week two: Going Through the Threshold
This sermon is based on Isaiah 35: 1-10. In it, I describe the unsettling and disorienting nature of going through a transition time. Isaiah offers hope and promise that God will bring about new life and renewal. As Christians, we are invited to travel in the path of Jesus - following Christ’s teachings as we navigate our thresholds.
week one: Approaching the Threshold
This sermon is based on Isaiah 11:1-9. I identify “Threshold Moments” as times of transition in life where our spirits are tested. Knowing that God is with us as we approach and enter thresholds we have hope.
WEEK TWO: Threshold Advent Sermon Series
“Threshold” is a four-week, Advent sermon series based on Isaiah. Called the “fifth” gospel by some prominent early Christians, the book of Isaiah is a perennial favorite during the season of Advent. It’s poetic prophesies help us to understand and anticipate the Christ who comes to us. The inspiration for this series comes from a trip to Chaco Canyon that I took some years ago. This remote world heritage site in northwestern New Mexico is home to ruins of an ancient civilization that thrived over seven hundred years before European settlement on the continent.
week two: Going Through the Threshold
This sermon is based on Isaiah 35: 1-10. In it, I describe the unsettling and disorienting nature of going through a transition time. Isaiah offers hope and promise that God will bring about new life and renewal. As Christians, we are invited to travel in the path of Jesus - following Christ’s teachings as we navigate our thresholds.
week one: Approaching the Threshold
This sermon is based on Isaiah 11:1-9. I identify “Threshold Moments” as times of transition in life where our spirits are tested. Knowing that God is with us as we approach and enter thresholds we have hope.
Week ONE: Threshold Advent Sermon Series
“Threshold” is a four-week, Advent sermon series based on Isaiah. Called the “fifth” gospel by some prominent early Christians, the book of Isaiah is a perennial favorite during the season of Advent. It’s poetic prophesies help us to understand and anticipate the Christ who comes to us. The inspiration for this series comes from a trip to Chaco Canyon that I took some years ago. This remote world heritage site in northwestern New Mexico is home to ruins of an ancient civilization that thrived over seven hundred years before European settlement on the continent.
week one: Approaching the Threshold
This sermon is based on Isaiah 11:1-9. I identify “Threshold Moments” as times of transition in life where our spirits are tested. Knowing that God is with us as we approach and enter thresholds we have hope.
Who Rules Your Roost?
In this sermon, based on John 18:27-33, I raise the question of authority. Who, or what, commands and directs our lives? Jesus reminds us of God’s sovereignty and rule. As a church and individuals, we would do well to repeat and turn to God as we live out our lives.
What Large Stones!
In this sermon, based on Mark 13:1-8, I look at Jesus’ teaching about God’s presence in the midst of trouble and our call to live out our baptismal calling. I mention a local elementary school and how local teachers (some who are from St. James) are making a difference as they work with parents and a passionate principal.
Walking In Step with God
In this sermon, based on Mark 12:38-44, I look at Jesus’ teaching about aligning our steps with God’s Word. Putting faith into tangible action is important in our spiritual journey.
In this sermon, I mention the ELCA Regional Bishop’s statement on the 80th Anniversary of Kristalnacht. To read the entire text: https://www.spas-elca.org/solidarity-jewish-community/ The Bishops’ stand in solidarity with the Jewish Community and condemn actions which perpetuate hatred and anti-Semitism.
Beyond What's Printed on the Box
In this sermon, based on Mark 10:35-45, I reflect upon Jesus’ teaching on social ranking, worth, and service. Jesus invites his followers to serve others and to locate their worth in God’s expansive love for them.