I have just returned from standing as an alley for the LGBT community on the 22 annual National Coming Out Day. I’m wearing a rainbow bracelet and ribbon affirming with pride the sexual diversity among us. Yet, in my heart I’m carrying profound sadness. Sadness that as much as I …
(* Reflection informed by Why Christian by Douglas John Hall and Simon and D.J. by Mark A. Olson) A couple of weeks ago I asked the question, “Why Christian?” . Many wonder if this is even relevant anymore. What was the cause for each of us to be Christian?  Were …
I just returned from a national gathering of campus pastors and student leaders with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. I experienced the national church at its best. Bishop Mark Hanson boldly proclaimed the gospel of God’s embracing grace for all the world. He encouraged us to speak boldly of …
“Do not be afraid. It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 12: 32 Don’t be afraid. I’m very aware that when we see “don’t be afraid” in the Bible, we probably better be afraid. In fact I often think, the realistic thing to do is …
I’m sitting at my computer refreshed from two weeks of vacation and now revisiting many tasks at hand that I put in a pile while I was away.  It’s curious isn’t it…time away doesn’t mean the work stops.  But this time away and intentional recreation does create space to gain …