Last week, my family announced publicly our plans for some big transitions. Ben has accepted a new position at a seminary in Austin, Texas and we'll be moving away from our home for the past 13+ years this coming summer of 2023. I know that, in due time, I'll have plenty to say about this…
I’m a loser: a sermon
Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaSeptember 11, 2022: Thankful Celebrates! SundayYear C, Proper 19 Listen to this sermon here. Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28Psalm 141 Timothy 1:12-17Luke 15:1-10 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. I’m a loser. That’s the title of an essay by author Nardi Reeder Campion, but…
Worthy: a sermon
Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaAugust 28, 2022Year C, 12 Pentecost, Proper 17 Jeremiah 2:4-13Psalm 81:1, 10-16Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16Luke 14:1, 7-14 click here to listen to this sermon In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. As many of you know, my family and I recently returned from a…
An Ancient Promise for Modern Times: a sermon
Thankful Memorial Church, ChattanoogaJuly 24, 2022Year C, 7 Pentecost Hosea 1:2-10Psalm 85Colossians 2:6-15Luke 11:1-13 Listen to this sermon here In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. These days it feels as if every time I approach our sacred texts, I feel desperation at the disjunction…
On Covid-Shots and the End of Roe
Toby finally got his first covid shot today! And Fred and Bea got their boosters. These vaccines have been a loooooooooooong time coming and we're finally on our way to being able to join the world of "normal." Over the past months, my kids have watched as other families eat at restaurants indoors and their…
Faith in the Face of Fear: a sermon
Thankful Memorial Church, ChattanoogaJune 19, 2022Year C, 2 Pentecost: Dedication of Ed Johnson Capstone Memorial 1 Kings 19:1-15aPsalm 42Galatians 3:23-29Luke 8:26-39 Listen here to this sermon In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. “[The people] found the man […] sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed…
Interpreters: a sermon
Thankful Memorial Church, ChattanoogaJune 5, 2022Year C, Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-21Psalm 104:25-35, 37Romans 8:14-17John 14:8-17, 25-27 listen here to this sermon In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. My seminary required that all students take a class called “Meaning Making.” The class was a small…
Eavesdropping on God: a sermon
Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaMay 29, 2022Year C, Easter 7: The Sunday after the Ascension Acts 16:16-34Psalm 97Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21John 17:20-26 listen here to this sermon In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. There is a rather peculiar pleasure that one gets from eavesdropping. If you’ve ever had…
The Choice to Belong: a sermon
Thankful Memorial, ChattanoogaMay 8, 2022Year C, Easter 4: Good Shepherd Sunday Acts 9:36-43Psalm 23Revelation 7:9-17John 10:22-30 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. In addition to being Mother’s Day, today is Good Shepherd Sunday. Every year, on the fourth Sunday of Easter, our lectionary texts invite…
An Idle Tale?: a sermon
Thankful Memorial, Chattanooga, April 17, 2022 Year C, Easter Day Isaiah 65:17-25Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24Acts 10:34-43Luke 24:1-12 Listen to this sermon preached here In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Have you ever noticed that in many of the gospel accounts of Easter Day, that first morning…
The Thankful Priest 