The Salt Shaker
flavoring the world with justice and love
2023 Pastoral Leadership Update
Nearly eight years ago, I was called to Saint Michael as the “Senior Pastor”, which is interesting because I’ve been the only called pastor during that time. I have however, crossed into the “55 and older” category, so maybe there is a discount on church supplies I’ve...
Raising up leaders, developing disciples, and equipping people to be engaged
After much prayer and conversation at a recent retreat, the church council arrived at a consensus to seek someone to help SMLC raise up leaders, develop disciples, and equip people to be engaged with youth, their families and others in the congregation. In other...
Homecoming
“Homecoming” is a word you will be hearing a lot in the coming weeks. Not only is it the season of pep rallies, parades, and football games at area schools, but “Homecoming” is also the theme of the Fall Stewardship Appeal at SMLC. Homecoming events are grounded in...
“The Sermon on the Mount” and debt
As part of what we traditionally call “The Sermon on the Mount”, Jesus teaches the disciples the Lord’s Prayer using these words: "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” ~Matthew 6:12 Not sinners. Not trespassers. We are to forgive debtors....
The journey of discovery
My dog embarks on a new journey of discovery every day, even though we walk almost the same path. She is in very familiar surroundings and yet around each corner (and especially at every signpost), there are new discoveries to be made. Scents I cannot detect....
Thoughts on the recent Supreme Court ruling
The recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned the 1973 decision of Roe vs. Wade has reignited the debate over abortion in our society and within the church. Listening to friends and colleagues, it’s clear we don’t all think alike on this deeply personal and...
It’s easier to fix the fence than chase the cows.
Throughout the past two years of uncertainty and disruption, the people of Saint Michael have generously contributed to support all the ways God calls us to serve one another and our neighbors in need. We maintained all of our staff and adapted the activities and...
A Call to Serve
Discernment is always a process. Sometimes it is short. Sometimes it takes years. Sometimes it means listening to voices that are not your own. Sometimes it means ignoring those voices. A path can become clear after an "Epiphany" or it can be a slow and zig-zagging...
Not your usual election
This year, the voting members at the Nebraska Synod assembly will be electing a new bishop for the synod. It is far from a typical “election”, however; and because my name is now associated with the process, I thought it would be good to talk a little bit more about...
A Very Present Help in Trouble
-Psalm 46 - Grounding for uprooted and chaotic times God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam,...
Your part in leading worship at Saint Michael matters
Greater involvement of lay people in leading worship has been well received in many churches as congregations have come to see how rich worship can be when many people are involved. When different members of the the congregation welcome us, read the scriptures, offer...
Christmas Eve 2021
Last year at this time, I was posting about how Christmas Eve was definitely going to be different. We only had worship leaders in the sanctuary when we live-streamed Christmas Eve worship. After that, the high school youth helped lead two worship services in the...
Annual Meeting Recap 2021
Who said annual meetings can't be fun? Those who follow Jesus are called into a life of Faith in the steadfast mercy of God, a life of Hope that dares us to walk into the unknown future trusting that all will be well, and a life of love for neighbors, ourselves, and...
The glory of Fall
I’ve always been partial to the fall season. It’s the time of harvest, of more brilliant sunrise and set, and when the north wind finally chases away summer’s heat. Fall is when the squirrels are busy collecting all they can in order to make it through the lean...
Why is there a TV in the Sanctuary?
Something new Last Saturday, we held a Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for Pastor Denny Anderson. Denny was of course a member of Saint Michael but also so much more, including serving as the NE Synod Bishop and President of Trinity Lutheran Seminary. The...
Rally Day!
Remember how awesome Easter worship was this spring? If not, let me remind you that around 400 people grabbed a lawn chair and shouted "Christ is Risen" about a hundred times in God's great outdoor sanctuary! It was a morning I will not soon forget. Fast forward to...
Habitat for Humanity Build
Each year Saint Michael Lutheran works with other churches in the “Faithful Builders Coalition” to raise money and help a family build a quality and affordable home here in Omaha. Our congregation uses offerings from Holy Week and Easter to support Habitat...
A Cup of Cool Water
There is a lot of discord in the world. The pandemic rages on and political polarization and misinformation divides communities, families and even churches. The UN released a new report on global warming that raised a "red flag for humanity" meaning that if we don't...