One of the best weeks of the year is Vacation Bible School (VBS). What's not to love? There are songs that get stuck in your head for weeks, energetic games that somehow involve pool noodles, and enough glitter to remain in the church carpet until Jesus returns. Since his retirement, one of our snack leaders … Continue reading VBS: More Than A Kid’s Program
christianity
Casper the Friendly Ghost and the Holy Spirit
I am halfway through my sabbatical, and it is all going so fast! I have enjoyed writing on the Gospel text and connecting it to some of my favorite cartoons: Scooby Doo, The Jetsons, Bluey, and now, Casper the Friendly Ghost. Enjoy! Let’s be honest—Casper the Friendly Ghost is probably not the first image that comes … Continue reading Casper the Friendly Ghost and the Holy Spirit
If Jesus and Bluey Met in an Episode
If Jesus and Bluey met in an episode.... I am increasingly convinced that if the Gospel of John were written today, it would include at least one animated episode starring a blue Australian cattle dog. Specifically, the moment in John 14 when Jesus looks at his worried disciples and says, “Do not let your hearts … Continue reading If Jesus and Bluey Met in an Episode
A Drum Circle, The Jetsons, and The Good Shepherd
Right now I’m on sabbatical, which means—plot twist—writing has stopped feeling like a chore and started feeling like recess. I’m wandering into whimsical territory, writing about things I normally wouldn’t dare put on paper (or at least not without snacks). Each Sunday in the Easter season, I’m playing with the RCL gospel texts in fun, … Continue reading A Drum Circle, The Jetsons, and The Good Shepherd
Scooby Doo on the Emmaus Road
One of my favorite cartoons growing up was Scooby-Doo—a group of friends, a mystery to solve, and the strangest villains you could imagine. I often find myself comparing the stories of Jesus to an episode of Scooby-Doo. Take Gerasene Demoniac—it’s practically a perfect setup for Scooby and the gang. And the story of Jesus on the road … Continue reading Scooby Doo on the Emmaus Road
Day 3: Faith Formation
In the fall of 2025, my role transitioned from Pastor of Family Ministry—a position I have served in for many years—to Pastor of Faith Formation. As I prepare to return from sabbatical and step fully into this new role, it is important to begin with a clear framework and strategic direction. It's all feet in! … Continue reading Day 3: Faith Formation
Sabbatical Starts March 22
I was a weird kid—in the best way. Every Sunday after church, I’d rush home and play church with my stuffed animals. I directed an imaginary choir, wrote my own sermons about loving people (remember, this was the South in the 1970s), and served Holy Communion to the dog using bread and Kool-Aid. Reverent and … Continue reading Sabbatical Starts March 22
What Makes My Church Special to Kids
Today I wrote a letter to the families at Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Twin Cities, who attend the Minneapolis campus. While we can't meet the needs of every family, I think we do a good job on providing opportunities for kids in worship. Below is what I wrote: What Makes Bethlehem Special for Kids – … Continue reading What Makes My Church Special to Kids
VBS – The Generosity Project
If you are looking for a fun stewardship event to host this fall, check out the Generosity Project here. It is curriculum designed for congregations to talk about money, value, and faith intergenerationally. As a contributing writer to the Generosity Project, the CYF team at Bethlehem and I decided to create a Vacation Bible School … Continue reading VBS – The Generosity Project
Unexpected Death
Another death happened today. My friend's dad died. Not by cancer, not by old age, not by overdose. Just life happened, and death is a part of life. But what is so hard about death is that it comes when you are not expecting it. Death can sneak up out of nowhere. Now, I am … Continue reading Unexpected Death
StoryBoard 