Tag Archives: grace

Pentecost 2 C: God both Rough and Smooth

Posted on June 14, 2022 by John

The Readings for the Second Sunday after Pentecost are… Old Testament & Psalm, Option I Old Testament      1 Kings 19:1–4 (5–7) 8–15a Psalm                    Psalm 42, 43 or Old Testament & Psalm, Option II Old Testament      Isaiah 65:1–9 … Continue reading →

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Epiphany 4 C: Damnation is Not a Means of Grace

Posted on January 29, 2022 by John

The readings for the Forth Sunday after the Epiphany are: Old Testament       Jeremiah 1:4–10 Psalm                    Psalm 71:1–6 New Testament      1 Corinthians 13:1–13 Gospel                   Luke 4:21–30 “Damnation is not a means of grace.” That was one of … Continue reading →

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Trinity Sunday: Put Things (Back) in Order

Posted on June 2, 2020 by John

Things Fall Apart is the title of the powerful 1958 book by the late Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. It tells of the tragic life of a young man, trying to find respect for himself and his family by overcoming what he … Continue reading →

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Abbie’s Death Leaves a Hole in Our Hearts

Posted on December 6, 2019 by John

Yesterday we put down our beloved Abbie. It has left a big hole in our hearts!! Of course, if you are part of the human race, you have already flinched, because you have the pain stored in every cell of … Continue reading →

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The Woman at the Well

Posted on April 1, 2014 by John

The famous dialog between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is part of a series of beautifully crafted dialogs in the Fourth Gospel. Several themes appear repeatedly in this series.   Spiritual knowing or seeing is one theme. … Continue reading →

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Knowing and Not Knowing: The Holy Trinity

Posted on June 2, 2012 by John

Tomorrow is Holy Trinity Sunday. I believe the best thing about the doctrine of the Trinity is its nod to unknowing. The early church beat back several attempts to make the knowledge of God manageable. Gnostics wanted to  have a … Continue reading →

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Frederick W. Danker: Professor, Prophet, Provocateur?

Posted on May 19, 2012 by John

Doctor Frederick W. Danker died on February 2, 2012.                 I read the news in the alumni news magazine from Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, and it hit me hard. I read the news and was stunned. Then I … Continue reading →

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Do Our Pets Go To Heaven?

Posted on October 15, 2011 by John

At our first annual Blessing of the Animals service we shared stories. After Sharon told of the way her dog had (perhaps) saved her life when she was worn down with caring for her dying father and she began to … Continue reading →

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First Blessing of the Animals Goes Well

Posted on October 15, 2011 by John

On the afternoon of September 25 Heatherhope Farm hosted its first Blessing of the Animals—an event we hope to host annually. We purposely did not advertise this event too widely so that we could keep the numbers small and feel … Continue reading →

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Reflections on Lessons for Epiphany 6

Posted on February 11, 2011 by John

The lessons for Epiphany 6 A are explored. Continue reading →

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