Those Who Hear and Do Who is God’s family? Where is God’s home? In the church we often speak of our home parish as a family. Many of us grew up thinking of the church building as God’s house. But the readings for this day call us to anticipate that...

Give Witness and Rejoice The third Sunday of Advent—also known as Gaudete (rejoice)—is one in which the church has rejoiced as the advent of the Messiah draws nearer. Whether or not you mark this Sunday with a pink candle on the wreath, the texts for the day echo this rejoicing,...

Prophecy, Patience, and Promise Advent is a season of expectation, the word itself meaning “coming.” Many families spend these four weeks waiting for children to come home from college, or for grandparents to come for Christmas dinner. For young children, these days of waiting can seem like a thousand years....

This is a special musical performance of Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain by the Chancel Choir of Faith Lutheran Church in Okemos, Michigan.

This is a special musical performance of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel with the Joyful Noise, Tone Chimes and Gwynne Kadrofske on flute.

Old Problems and New Beginnings By now the last of the leaves have likely fallen from trees in northern climes, and any still holding on look dry and dead. Snow has arrived, and its thick blanket shows the stains of city filth and grime, reminding us of the waste we...

This is a special violin performance by Rachael Ngasala at Faith Lutheran Church in Okemos, Michigan.

 This is a special musical presentation of Alleluia! Sing to Jesus by the Chancel Choir of Faith Lutheran Church in Okemos, Michigan.

Over the years, I have participated in a few hundred weddings.  For most of them I served as the musician.  And, since I have been ordained, I have officiated for several weddings.  Through this plethora of wedding experiences, there is one thing I have learned:  a wedding is one of...

We Embody the Presence of Christ It is possible that the biggest barrier to accepting this as our lifelong vocation is not a lack of faith but a lack of imagination. On this final Sunday of the liturgical year, we receive a parable from Jesus challenging and inspiring our imaginations...