A sermon for Northminster Church November 16, 2025 Matthew 19: 27-30 Intro -Erich and I just rewatched Ted Lasso -tells story of American college football coach who’s hired to coach football for AFC Richmond in London             -like most Americans, he knows almost nothing about football             -leads to interesting interactions with players, reporters, the public -even if you don’t like or know anything about football give show a try             -writing is snappy, sm

A sermon for Northminster Church October 12, 2025 Mark 6: 1-13                What does it mean that Jesus’ powers to do “mighty works” do not work in his hometown? I know that sounds like a rhetorical question and by now you know that I like to ask open-ended questions in my preaching. But this time it is different. This time I need your help figuring this out because I’ve been wrestling with this story all week.             For reference, let me read you the problematic ver

A sermon for Northminster Church October 26, 2025 Mark 7: 1-13                           Part of being related to a pastor is the potential for being sermon fodder at any time. I see this as a benefit, but you’ll have to ask Erich and my mom if they agree. Erich and I have an agreement that I always ask before including him in a sermon. My mom, on the other hand, is fair game for all the times she volunteered for things when I was growing up.             My mom loves Christma

November 2, 2025 Ephesians 1: 11-23     All Saints Sunday always makes me think of my loved ones who’re no longer here. Even those who weren’t particularly religious or churchy. Like my paternal grandmother, you know the one I’ve told you about, who weighed 80 pounds soaking wet, chain-smoked, and was mean as a snake. Her favorite hymn was “The Old Rugged Cross.” My maternal Grandfather, a good but complicated man, comforted in “Just As I Am.” Both of my parents love “It is W