I wonder if she knows what she is really doing? Six of us spent time in Milwaukee last week on a Mission Trip chosen by our Board of Youth Ministry. We were with groups from others of our state, as well as from the Green Bay area, and Madison, SD. The group with whom I … [Read more…]
I’ve just seen information from the Bible Camp our confirmation students have attended for the last 27 years apologizing for having to limit enrollment this summer because the director was not able to hire enough counselors. The reality is the camps don’t pay enough to attract as many counselors as they need. Many of those … [Read more…]
Is there room for dinosaurs in the ELCA? At our most recent synod convention, we had the “opportunity” to watch DVD’s about a number of ministries that were in many ways unique, but had this in common: each was an example of what might be characterized as “the latest new thing.” It’s a common practice … [Read more…]
Is something Christian because Christians do or say it–or because it is reflective of Christ or the first disciples? As have many Americans I have been thinking a great deal about the next Presidential election, and the reality that many find either one or both candidates quite polarizing. Many Christians find the presumed Democratic nominee … [Read more…]
“An eye for an eye…” is biblical and is meant as a limit for the revenge that might be sought, when those words are included in what God delivers to Moses on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 21, the verse actually begins “If any harm follows, then you shall give a life for a life…” The same thinking … [Read more…]
Last Wednesday was the first time I’d been to the cemetery since my Dad’s funeral. The grave he and Mom share is now marked with a stone engraved on both sides–one for him (Robert Herman Preuss Tech 4 WWII “Devoted Husband and Father”) and the other for her (Jean E. Preuss “Beautiful Wife and Mother”). … [Read more…]
Today would have been my Dad’s 91st birthday. I don’t know that I miss him any more today than I did yesterday, or will tomorrow. In some ways I was missing him more and more in the months before he died as his dementia grew worse, and his mind, experiences, and wisdom were increasingly diminished. … [Read more…]
After our Annual Meeting of the Congregation, I’ve been thinking about why I’ve stayed as the Pastor of Cross Lutheran Church for more than 26 years. The short answer is I’ve stayed because no one has asked me to go elsewhere. That is to say the congregation seems to be satisfied enough with my ministry … [Read more…]
Basketball is my favorite sport. I started playing when I was 10, and stayed on the court through high school, college, and seminary. I even played with the church team my first year or two after ordination. I coached my daughter’s teams for 8 years, and I’m still refereeing 50-60 games a year. I love … [Read more…]
They showed up! Rarely in my 36 years of ministry have I been moved as I was by their appearance. I’d been wondering why I hadn’t seen them for quite some time; wondering if I or someone else had done or said something to hurt them or to turn them away. So I wrote and asked … [Read more…]