Sunday, December 16, 2012

Resources

My sermon this morning focused on the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut that shook our country just two days ago. As I said in my sermon, this tragedy affected me deeply, perhaps because I became aware of it while holding my own son in my arms. I have collected the following links I've found helpful in dealing with this awfulness. They may speak to you as well. If you have found other resources helpful, please leave them in the comments. Thanks.


A powerful reflection on mental illness: I Am Adam Lanza's Mother

A reflection on the Advent 3C lectionary texts in light of the tragedy: How can we rejoice? Thanks to Sarah Friesen-Carper for this link.

Sermon Audio 12/16/2012

Luke 3:7-18

Third Sunday of Advent, Lectionary Year C

Two days ago, our nation experienced the tragedy of the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. How can our Advent lessons, from John the Baptist to all the rejoicing in Zephaniah and Philippians, speak to the emptiness we feel after this?

Monday, December 10, 2012

Monday Links

I haven't been writing as much as I'd like lately, especially since I became a dad. At least this blog has been useful of late in linking to my new sermon podcast, but I'd like to get back to actual writing at some point. Today I just want to link to a few articles / stories / resources about which I'd like to say more, but don't have the time to dive in as much as I'd like.


Sunday, December 9, 2012

Sermon Audio 12/9/2012

Luke 3.1-6

Second Sunday of Advent, Lectionary Year C

John the Baptist and the politics of forgiveness

Sunday, December 2, 2012

December 2012 Newsletter Article



Furrows, be glad.
Though earth is bare,
one more seed is planted there.
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
that in course the flow’r may flourish.
People, look east, and sing today
Love, the Rose, is on the way
-          Eleanor Farjeon , “People, Look East,” ELW 248

Advent is my favorite season of the church year. It has the best hymns, lectionary readings full of challenge and hope, opportunities for prayer and reflection, and leads up to Christmas. Of course, not everything about Advent is fun or easy. Advent is a season of waiting, and waiting can be tricky business.

Sermon Audio 12/2/12

Luke 21:25-36

First Sunday of Advent, Lectionary Year C

Lots of scary-sounding apocalyptic imagery in today's Gospel lesson. Something, indeed, is coming.