Staff Trax

Much like Advent, Lent is also one of my favorite seasons within the church year. Advent and Lent both have similar themes: waiting (Advent, waiting for a baby and Lent, waiting for a trial, execution, and resurrection); journey (Advent, the journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth and then the journey to the manger, and Lent the journey to the cross); and power (Advent, the “fight” for power between…

Last Wednesday, Jan. 14, I joined almost 700 other people in Topeka for a day of protest, advocacy, and the sharing of a unified message of “human needs are human rights.” The day was sponsored by many different organizations, including Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA). I had never been to the Kansas state capital before, and I was proud to represent those of you who live in Kansas. It was a…

It’s that time of year again. Many struggled through the holidays and now there is a demand that we enter the new year by doing everything better. As if the pressure wasn’t already enough. I honestly hate New Year’s resolutions. Last year, I did make one but promised I wouldn’t beat myself up if I didn’t accomplish it. My goal was to read 52 books in a year (one a week) and I thought this…

This Sunday, our choir will tell the story of Jesus’ birth through beautiful music and lyrics. My gratitude goes toward the choir members and Heather Lewis for making this happen!

I once was at a preaching conference and a lecturer said, “If you have nothing to preach on, open the hymnal. Each hymn is a sermon.” I love that idea.

If you have been in church recently, you have…

You may know that this Sunday we will celebrate the feast day of Christ the King. This is the end of our liturgical year as we transition into Advent. But did you know that Christ the King, as a feast day, is still young? Pope Pius XI declared it become a feast day in 1925. Yes, it turns 100 this year! I wanted to give you a little bit of history behind this feast day, as it is still relevant today.

So many weeks, one of us reflects on the readings, the season of the church year, or the ongoings of the church. This week, I want to share something about me that I’ve shared with some of you but want all of you that read to know: I’m an alcoholic. I am not ashamed of this status in my life. It is part of my story but it doesn’t define me.

Almost 6 years ago, I was preparing to have…

Most of you know I spent last week in Austin doing some continuing education. Earlier this year, I got chosen to be part of this cohort that is mostly funded by a Lilly grant. Part of the grant was the retreat that took place. The goal over the next six months (or so) is for those in my cohort to learn, participate, and practice something called dialogical preaching.

At its core, dialogical…

Have I mentioned that I am a church nerd of sorts? You haven’t even seen the worst of it yet. Wait until Advent and Lent. So, as it is, my heart is overflowing with joy as I prepare to attend and participate in two different installation services for new synodical bishops this weekend. My friend, Rev. Scott Dalen, will be installed as the bishop of the Western Iowa Synod, and our own Rev. Dr.…

It’s early Tuesday morning and I’m sitting at my kitchen table writing this, but my mind is already on Sunday. This isn’t necessarily abnormal for my line of work. But I am especially excited about Sunday as we get to kick off our Sunday school programming! When I started in ministry, I had no idea how much joy working with kids, teens, and young adults would bring me. It is one of the best…

My family and I spent a short few days on vacation in late July in Minnesota. We chose to make the Mall of America our main destination. When you have a 12-year-old, that seems like a logical decision. The mall has an amusement park at its center. We promised EJ that we would spend some time there. She decided she wanted mom and dad to accompany her on one ride apiece. Chris lucked out and…