This week, we continue with more (seemingly) dismal scripture texts. The gospel text for Mathew, for example, ends—like many of Jesus’ parables told in Matthew—with “weeping and gnashing of teeth”. (Matthew 25:14-30) But, there is indeed some good news and encouragement here. In the parable of the talents, we see servants being given large sums …READ MORE

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. (1 John 3:1) 2 Then [Jesus] began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, …READ MORE

As we prepare to have one of our youth affirm his baptismal promises, one brief line from our Gospel reading for this week (John 8:31-36) is rolling around in my head. That line is: “continue in my word”, where we find Jesus speaking to a group of Jewish people who had come to believe in …READ MORE

Early this past week, I got to attend the SD Synod’s Fall Theological Conference for rostered leaders. It was a great couple of days, and much of what we learned and discussed centered on narrative. Personal narratives, the stories or narratives behind things in the various forms of media, and biblical narrative, and what our …READ MORE

This is one of those weeks where a pastor has to admit to feeling a bit of heaviness in her heart. Many are hurting, grieving, struggling with illness or the illness of a loved one. All of that pain, like this morning’s weather, can feel dark, dreary, and heavy. It can weigh on a person, …READ MORE