Monthly Archives: October 2016

In the 16th century Christians adapted an age-old festival held on October 31, calling it “All Hallows Eve” or “All Saints Eve”.    They set this time aside to remember the dead, not in a spooky or scary fashion, but in … Continue reading →

Before moving to Ocala and joining Joy Lutheran Church, Paulette and I were members of Bethabara Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, NC.  There are many connections between Moravians and Lutherans, both historical and contemporary (the ELCA and the Moravians have agreed … Continue reading →

“At last meditating day and night, by the mercy of God, I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that through which the righteous live by a gift of God, namely by faith. Here I felt as if … Continue reading →

I sometimes hear people speak about “not being worthy.” They think that God doesn’t like them or would be offended by them. I also hear people put down others as if those people are not worthy because they are not … Continue reading →

Another of my mentors, Pastor Frank Senn, has just published a new book, Embodied Liturgy: Lessons in Christian Ritual. It explores the place of the body in liturgy and sacraments. The body plays a central role in worship. We stand, … Continue reading →

My wife and I left Ocala on Wednesday to journey to Minnesota for my class reunion. Before we left we prayed that we would be a blessing to others and let our faith show through. On the first flight we … Continue reading →

In I Corinthians, Paul tells us that the Spirit gives each person gifts which are to use to help the community of God and God’s kingdom.  Paul says they are worth nothing without love. Paul explains that while the gifts … Continue reading →

The fortress is armed. The swords and shields are ready for battle. A mighty foe awaits. The devil with all his wiles stands ready to attack. Sounds pretty harsh and frightening to me, but this was the language Martin Luther … Continue reading →

Tradition says that there are as many commandments in the Bible as there are seeds in a Pomegranate – 613. Most of us are familiar with ten of them, the Ten Commandments, which are given in slightly different forms in … Continue reading →

I love learning new things, especially when it can shed light on Scripture.  In one of my small groups in class, Bruce Jacobson shared some information I found particularly interesting.  He gave me permission to share it with all of … Continue reading →