Apprentice 2 Jesus

Church

  • Heroes

    This is a day of remembrance. It is to honor those who serve our country. It is to remember those who have given their lives in the defense of this country. I am so deeply thankful for those who put on the uniform and give themselves to serve. I have a nephew finishing up his… Read more

  • Prayers for Trinity Sunday

    Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us you servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you… Read more

  • What is the Church?

    From NT Wright’s book, Simply Jesus. The church is not supposed to be a society of perfect people doing great work. It’s a society of forgiven sinners repaying their unpayable debt of love by working for Jesus’s kingdom in every way they can, knowing themselves to be unworthy of the task. And this: Jesus has… Read more

  • The Conversation of Depression

    While we’re not having another needed conversation (this one about depression), let me just go ahead and bring it up again. WE NEED TO TALK. A fellow blogger, Jeff, is a strong believer and battles depression. He puts some of his thoughts HERE. Let’s not talk about other things while we’re at it. 😉 We… Read more

  • Two Numbers: 15 and 25

    This week brings together two significant passages of time in my life. This month I celebrate 15 years as pastor of Heights Church in Columbia Heights, MN. Next month my wife and I celebrate 25 years of marriage. And this week we get the privilege of celebrating those events with a special trip put together… Read more

  • Words from Francis I

    From Pope Francis I’s first homily: “We must always walk in the presence of the Lord, in the light of the Lord, always trying to live in an irreprehensible way,” he said in a heartfelt homily of a parish priest, loaded with biblical references and simple imagery. “When we walk without the cross, when we… Read more

  • The New Pope

    A southern hemisphere pope, recognizing the shift of the church. Is he named Francis I for Francis of Assisi or Francis Xavier? Maybe a little of both? The thing I find interesting is that the picture below looks a bit like James Cromwell, which means Cromwell can now play two popes in his lifetime. Read more

  • The Vatican, the Pope, and Conspiracy Theories

    Journalists really like to throw out the intrigue… even if there might not be any. So, read about the battle royale over “reformers” and “Romans” HERE. But don’t forget to fill out your bracket! Read more

  • The Pope

    Pope Benedict has pulled an incredible move. He has decided to step down rather than die in office. What a bold move; the first in 600 years. I am thankful for Benedict, and was very thankful for Pope John Paul II. I have sent in my application, but I doubt it gets much consideration. Otherwise,… Read more

  • Being Prepared to Lose

    I was asked yesterday about the church and influencing society and culture. When will the church be the “go to” place for a culture to come? When a society is failing and they are looking for answers, when will the church be the place they turn? Having just finished the series on Daniel and knowing… Read more