Based on 1 Timothy 1:12-17 The Narrative Lectionary moves us to 1 and 2 Timothy.  The first thing to talk about is who wrote this.  The letters are attributed to the Apostle Paul historically.  But scholars debate whether Paul actually wrote the letters or someone who was learning under Paul wrote them.  Some...

In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with author Mel Brennan on his new book “Saving Soccer.” We talk about world soccer, FIFA, corruption, normalization, institutions, and how change is possible....

(I preached at Christ Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, PA this past Sunday. The sermon was based on Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, 29-32. You can also listen to the audio of the sermon at this link.) I want to start by naming something true about today. This is a hard...

I wonder what you might consider the greatest act of resistance to be. I think about this topic as we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The document is an act of resistance in a very public way. But I don’t think it...

Based on Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, 29-32 The Narrative Lectionary gives us a quick stroll through the book of Esther.  The lectionary schedule has often fascinated me in how the readings match up so well with whatever is happening in our modern context.  On this occasion. We have the 250th Anniversary of Independence...

According to Pew Research, 62% of American adults identify as Christian. About 40% claim to be some variation of Protestant and 22% claim Roman Catholic. 29% are religiously unaffiliated. And then you get the mixture of everything else that makes up the remainder of the population. Identifying as a...

Based on Ruth 4:1-22 This Sunday will close out the book of Ruth and her story.  For as difficult as the start of the book was, there is a happy ending for Ruth.  Ruth’s story is a story of much of humanity – a story filled with hardship and joy.  A story...

(I preached this sermon at Derry Presbyterian Church on Sunday June 14, 2026 as part of an opportunity to share an update on the Christ Lutheran Health Ministries with Derry) I want to tell you about a man who came into our free dental clinic not long ago. He...

Often when I see conversations about the decline of the church, there’s a lot of finger pointing. Back and forth. Left and right. Conservative and progressive. We hear arguments about social policies, worship styles, age, theological fights, etc. All those things are important to talk about. And yet, something...

(I preached this sermon at Christ Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, PA on June 7, 2026. I was in response to Ruth 2:1-23. You can find the audio version at this link.) Last week we met Ruth and Naomi on the road. Two women with nothing. Naomi had buried her...