I have a friend named Dennis who lives with a medical condition that his doctors call “Sudden Death Syndrome.” It is a congenital, degenerative heart condition, and at any given moment, his heart could stop. You’ve heard the occasional story of the athlete whose heart just stops while he runs on the basketball court, and … More Whose You Are
I can remember the exact moment when my relationship with my Dad changed. It was at my college graduation. The ceremony took place on the football field at Gustavus Adolphus College. At the end of the long, long, long ceremony, it was chaos on the field. Friends were hugging, students were shaking hands with their … More Bonded, Blessed & Sent
Grace and peace to you from God our Creator, and from Jesus, the Son of God, who is the light of the world! Amen. Let me be the first today to say “congratulations” to all of you on this chance to affirm your baptismal vows. For most of you, baptism happened somewhere around 15, or … More If You Could See What God Sees: A Sermon for Confirmation
One of my responsibilities this morning was to sign all of the certificates for Trinity’s 10th graders. On Sunday afternoon, 44 of them will affirm the promises made on their behalf, in the waters of baptism. God made promises to each of these amazing young people as well: The promise of eternal life The promise of … More Signatures and Prayers
Grace and peace to you from God our Creator, and from Jesus, the Son of God who fills our hearts! Amen. Ivan the Great was the tsar of Russia during the Fifteenth Century. A brilliant military strategist, he united Russia and drove out their enemies. He was however, so consumed by his military campaigns that … More Our Need to Give
“Child of God” Mark 8: 27-38 Pastor Todd Buegler September 12-13, 2015 (Rally Weekend) Trinity Lutheran Church My deep gratitude to Jessica Dant for singing the musical interlude that is woven through today’s sermon. Grace and peace to you from God our Creator, and from Jesus, the Son of God and Savior of the … More Child of God
As a pastor, this past weekend was one of my favorite ones of the whole church year. I love, love, love watching young people affirm their baptismal vows in what is commonly referred to as “Confirmation.” It’s so cool. First, let me explain what confirmation (Affirmation of Baptism) is not. Confirmation is not a sacrament. … More Yes
Test Driving Theology 