Category Archives: Uncategorized

Sermon: “Hungry for God” (August 5, 2012)

They’d witnessed the miracle of Jesus feeding 5,000….and had eaten the evidence.  Not long afterward—maybe when they got hungry again?—they went back to the scene of the dine, looking for Jesus.  He wasn’t there…so they went searching.  When they find … Continue reading

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Sermon: How are We Going to Feed These People? (July 29, 2012)

            They’d been following him since just before that wedding in Cana.  It wasn’t uncommon in those days to follow a teacher you liked.  And this guy, Jesus?  There was something about him, something that drew them in.  He said, … Continue reading

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Sermon: Pentecost (May 27, 2012)

There are lots of sensational things in the story of the first Pentecost, aren’t there?  The rush of a mighty wind, tongues of flame, a general feeling of happiness… Perhaps the most sensational part of the scene is this thing … Continue reading

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Communion Jazz (May 20, 2012)

A key characteristic of Jazz music is improvisation.  Usually, a theme is introduced, it’s played by the band as a group, then one by one, each instrumentalist takes the theme and does his or her own riff on it. Often, … Continue reading

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Jazz Sunday (May 20, 2012)

As an instrumentalist, I’ve always loved Psalm 150.  “Praise God with trumpet, harp, lyre, strings and pipe, clashing cymbals.”  Or as my college roommates wrote in icing on the cake for my recital reception:  “Praise God with flutes!” The psalmist … Continue reading

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Sermon: “Surprise Lessons, Surprise Teachers” (May 13, 2012)

We’ve spent a lot of time in recent years providing educational opportunities for people of all ages here at Pilgrimage.  As Patrick, Ryan, and Sam will learn, when it comes to faith, the learning doesn’t end with Confirmation.  Adult Christian … Continue reading

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Sermon: The Good Sheep (4/29/2012)

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “good shepherd?”  A pastel painting of a man in flowing robes holding a long pole with a hook on the end in the midst of several, fluffy white sheep?  Or maybe … Continue reading

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Sermon: “Resurrection Is Real” (April 22, 2012)

They were grieving…terrified…paralyzed.  After three years of learning from Jesus, watching him heal people, witnessing his courageous stands against injustice…after three years of experiencing God through their brother and rabbi, he’d been executed.  Crucified.  Like a common criminal.  What was … Continue reading

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Sioux City Journal Gets It Right

I met with four families today who might be interested in joining our church.  Three of those families have young children.  All six parents said they want to raise their children in a church that teaches them that all people have … Continue reading

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Sermon: How Can We Believe in the Resurrection? (4/8/2012)

            Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  It’s Easter–the holiest day of the church year.  This is the part of the Christian story everybody knows.  As it says in the Apostles’ Creed, “He was crucified, died and was buried … Continue reading

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