Date Night is what happens when two tired parents attempt romance and accidentally trigger a crime spree. Steve Carell and Tina Fey play a couple whose most daring activity used to be falling asleep during a movie until a stolen reservation lands them in a whirlwind of gangsters, car chases, and mistaken identity. It’s marriage therapy … Continue reading Day 5: Date Night
faith
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
Day 1: Send Off
Today is the first day of my sabbatical, and naturally, I am celebrating by… waiting for the doctor to call. Not on a beach. Not reading a book. Not doing anything remotely sabbatical-ish. Just sitting here, aggressively sipping tea and trying to swallow like it’s an Olympic sport. Nothing major—just strep throat that has decided … Continue reading Day 1: Send Off
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
Post Christmas Sermon
I don't usually write my sermons down, but for I did for this Christmas Eve 2025. Mostly for myself, so I can remember my words. If you like to read sermons, may this one encourage you this Christmas season. Grace and peace to you from the Christ - child that brought love into the world … Continue reading Post Christmas Sermon
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
Parenting is a Calling
Parenting is a calling. It's a fact. But I could also add parentheses in front of that statement because families come in all shapes and sizes. The parentheses can be (co)parenting, (grand)parenting, or (foster)parenting, and those are callings, too. So when I use the term "Parenting is a calling," please insert a parentheses as necessary. … Continue reading Parenting is a Calling
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
Children’s Ministry Offerings 2024-2025
As Family Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Twin Cities, I am always cultivating new programming or revising it. We have traditions like 3rd Grade Bibles or First Communion classes, but I also like to try new things to see what works. We are a multisite church, and ministry does not look the same at … Continue reading Children’s Ministry Offerings 2024-2025
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