Staff Trax

I want to share about the Good Faith Network and the impact it has had on my faith journey.

Many of you know, but for those who don’t, the Good Faith Network is in interfaith organization in Johnson County comprised of almost 30 faith communities across three faith traditions — Christian, Jewish, and Muslim. We advocate for justice around the most pressing issues in Johnson County. We…

The Creation Care Team is a collection of people from Salem Lutheran Church, Overland Park Lutheran Church, and Overland Park Presbyterian Church that meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. by Zoom to discuss issues and to schedule events related to God’s creation — the natural environment. Next up is a retreat sponsored by the Creation Care Team from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on…

Salem’s Welcome Statement: We, the members of Salem Lutheran Church, affirm the belief that we are all created in God’s image and are called to love one another as God loves us. We are a community that welcomes people of all ages, cultures, economic statuses, ethnic backgrounds, family blends, gender identities, physical and mental abilities, races, and sexual orientations. We seek to…

Dear Partners in Ministry,

When facing a daunting challenge or entering an uncertain time of transition I am reminded of the phrase, “Every long journey begins with a single step.”

After four years of serving as your pastor, I am amazed at the steps that we have taken together. And now, as I say goodbye, my heart overflows with gratitude. Your generosity in the face of uncertainty…

This Sunday we will celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord. I did a quick Google search on the topic, and AI told me all I needed to know about Transfiguration. See the results below.

The Transfiguration in the Bible is when Jesus' appearance changed to reveal his heavenly glory. The word "transfiguration" comes from the Latin words trans- ("across") and figura ("form, shape").

I have lifelong experience with change. I grew up moving a lot with my Army family, have lived all over the country, and spent several years in Europe. Moving was an adventure for me; I was always excited to be able to start new, meet new friends, and explore new places. I’ve been taught by 13 different piano teachers. My hometown is Leavenworth, KS — I lived there the longest (5 years) and…

Jesus’ directive to Simon Peter in Luke 5:4 to “put out into the deep water and let down your nets” may have hit a nerve this week, especially in light of the news that my time serving as your pastor is ending.

“Really, Jesus?” some may ask. “You want us to do this … AGAIN?”

During my ministry, I have learned an important truth. Ministry is not, nor should it be about,…

This past Sunday was Groundhog Day. As you may know, the official groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter. But don’t despair; his prediction is usually more wrong than right. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says between 2014 and 2023, Phil was right only 30% of the time.

Do you ever feel like you are repeating the same day…

We are in one of my favorite seasons in the church year — Epiphany, where we relive the moments when Jesus is revealed to us as the Son of God. In last week’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus reads Isaiah’s prophecy in his home synagogue. He tells them that He is the one anointed to proclaim good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the prisoners, recover sight for the blind, and set the oppressed…

In Luke’s account of the start of Jesus’ teaching and preaching ministry, the tradition of the Hebrew prophets looms large. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus returns to his hometown (Nazareth), attends worship in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and reads from the scroll of Isaiah proclaiming good news to the poor, liberation for captives, sight for the blind, and freedom for the…