The Weaving: Windows to Heaven 8 October 2025 Dedicated! So many of you are passionately DEDICATED to Jesus’ mission in the world. As complementary inspiration, I’m thrilled that last Saturday, in a special ceremony, we dedicated a stunning weaving as the latest feature in our Sanctuary Renewal Process. Commissioned by an anonymous donor in honor of a loved family member, …
Let the Ideas Fly, But Keep the Fists Down 1 October 2025 Ugghh. In Michigan Sunday night, congregational worshipers went to bed not humming beautiful hymns from the morning’s worship–but removing their bloodied and smoke-saturated clothing after the latest troubled American unleashed violence and terror. (Note: On behalf of COS, on Monday morning, I connected with five different leaders of …
Wow – What a Celebration! 24 September 2025 Wow! What a fantastic Golden Celebration of 50 years of Christian ministry for Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church this past Sunday! Music from different decades, including a commissioned choir anthem written and arranged by Bill Pasch. A “cold open” ala Saturday Night Live from 4 of our 5 pastors over 50 years. …
Tunes of 1975 September 17, 2025 The auspicious day is almost here! It’s not every day that you’re privileged to celebrate a golden anniversary. That’s exactly what we’re blessed to do this Sunday–give thanks and praise to the Lord for launching, loving, and leveraging Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church for the purposes of our Triune God for five marvelous decades. …
Barnabas Encouragement September 10, 2025 Friends in Faith, Usually, my Sunday sermon and Wednesday email explore different territory. But today, I really want to emphasize my challenge to all of us to be Barnabas-like encouragers each day. Since we live in a world that knocks us down, lifting others up is an essential duty for ones Jesus commissions to be …
Working at Waffle House 3 September 2025 Dear Friends in Faith, Waffle House. The beloved Southern classic eatery might not make the Top 10 list of best family reunion spots. But on the morning of Labor Day, it was the perfect choice. Morgan was driving to the airport after a wedding in Athens, and Luke was hitting the road after …
Roses 27 August 2025 Can you spot the 8 rose petals in the picture? On my day off last Thursday morning, I was hiking with my dog Breezy through Line Creek Nature Area, one of the special treasures of Fayette Country. As we came upon the shoals, I spotted a brilliant red petal. Such color was unique for that area, …
Weep with Those Who Weep 20 August 2025 Dear Faith Friends, Can I share a story about 3 groups of people? You’ve got your own version about these 3 groups, but here’s mine. The first group are European Jews. Over the years, on our faith trips to Germany, we’ve walked through the gates of three concentration camps: Dachau, Sachsenhausen, and …
Jaws & COS, Both 50 13 August 2025 In the summer of 1975, two very different forces were unleashed. One was a movie. The other was a church. Both center around water. The blockbuster movie Jaws featured a New England beach community’s offer to enjoy the s-u-n-shine by the ocean. Christ Our Shepherd called folks to gather around their baptismal …
ELCA Bishop Update: A Longer Table 6 August 2025 Thomas Edison – first successful electric light bulb. Neil Armstrong– first man on the moon. Marie Curie – first person (and still the only woman) to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. Amelia Earhart—first transatlantic solo flight by a woman. First non-white, second-career Presiding Bishop of the ELCA… Bishop …
