Happy 42nd Anniversary, Mom & Dad!

She was 16 years old, and for some reason attending a dance at the Technical College in her hometown. He was about 20, and for some reason flirting with a high school girl. (It was the 70s after all – people did a lot of “iffy” things.) He asked her to dance. She said yes….

God’s Masterpiece

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10). If I were called to the hospital bedside of a person who just attempted but failed to take their own life, I think I would bring this…

Bono & the Psalms

I’m going to see U2’s 30th Anniversary Joshua Tree Tour concert at U.S. Bank Stadium in a few weeks. My only other U2 concert was their Popmart Tour 20 years ago at the Metro Dome (a horrible echo-chamber for concerts). Needless to say, it’s about time. I’m pumped. I’m a long time fan of U2 and an…

‘Love Your Neighbor as Your Dog’

Strangely enough, it started with the popularity of our local Westonka “Dog Days” celebration. Everywhere I drove around our small community I saw red yard signs in proud pet owners’ lawns making it clear to all residents and visitors of our city: “We love our dogs!” The event, now in its 7th year, is a…

Acts 2:42-47 Rewritten for Today

I’ve been reflecting again on the community life of the first Christians described in Acts 2:42-47. We now stand 2,000 years removed from this first glimpse into the radical social experiment called ‘church’, and we marvel at the quality of their koinonia, or life together. I wonder what Christians 2,000 years in the future (if…

Churches Unite For ‘Sunday 2 Serve’

Sunday 2 Serve – July 30, 2017 Last summer, on Sunday, July 31st, seven local area churches spent their regular worship time going out to serve local communities together. This joint initiative, called Sunday 2 Serve, was a roaring success in its first ever year of joining many churches together across many communities. In just…

Back to School: A Rabbi & His 12

“Daddy, why are you going to Chicago again?” my 6 year old asked as I tried to explain why this would be our last “story and snuggle time” for an entire week. The conversation continued as follows: “Peter, you know how Jesus was a great teacher, right?” I asked. “Yes.” “And how he had 12…

‘Sweat Evangelism’ in Post-Christian America

I was on a bike ride a while back and I saw something that has become a cultural movement. In the center of town on the public lawn of the Transit Station/Parking Ramp was an outdoor fitness bootcamp happening. Now everyone knows that fitness is an American obsession these days. Gym memberships and fitness classes…