Monthly Archives: June 2017

In the song, “it was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play …” but in fact it’s been 50 years since the album, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” came out. (My apologies in advance to … Continue reading →

“The Bible is the foundation of Christianity. In it we learn about the human condition, our need for salvation, God’s plan through Christ, the everlasting joy that awaits those who trust in Jesus, and more.”[1] In the first semester at … Continue reading →

Last Fall I was privileged to speak at the Joy choir retreat. This week and next I’ll share a part of my talk.   In Thee is gladness amid all sadness, Jesus, sunshine of my heart! By Thee are given … Continue reading →

Have you ever tried to describe a close friend to someone who has never met them?  It’s hard!  How do you put into words what’s special to you about them, who they are?  Perhaps you can’t, but you try anyway. … Continue reading →

Graduations are over. I attended two high school graduations in recent weeks; both nieces, daughters of my brothers-in-law. The first one was from my alma mater, which was a surreal feeling. The second one, in Key West, was tempered by … Continue reading →

On my last trip north, my youngest grandson was anxious to show me his latest Lego project, the Millennium Falcon. (Ok, I didn’t know what that was either, but it’s Hans Solo’s starship from Star Wars.) With 1300 pieces, I … Continue reading →

 Many of us have little secular rituals. In my case I have a morning routine: I turn on the coffee maker, go out for the paper, eat my cereal with berries while I read the paper, shave, check my emails, … Continue reading →

It is such a blessing to be partnered with someone who has so many direct experiences of God’s presence that they naturally and simply express that presence themselves. The other day, Annie and I were walking Mozey, our miniature poodle, … Continue reading →

I met Becky when I began working at St. John Lutheran Church as a young adult. I’d moved there from across the country and didn’t know anyone nearby. Becky was the first person (other than the pastor) who made me … Continue reading →

Monday was the 40th anniversary of my ordination at Ascension Lutheran Church in Chicago. During the service we sang the 1200-year-old hymn traditionally used at ordinations:   Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire and lighten with celestial fire; thou the … Continue reading →