kingdom of God – The Lutheran Zephyr

Let this sermon bury the dead (or something like that)

I’m preaching this Sunday. This Sunday’s texts from 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; and, Luke 9:51-62 bring up images of call, service, and freedom. And the Soup Dragons (kind of). And Monty Python. And some personal wrestling about taking leave from my ministry here a two months ago to say goodbye to myContinue reading “Let this sermon bury the dead (or something like that)”

Looking Ahead: the Church as tenant in God’s mission field

Looking Ahead to Sunday's readings and the Good News of God I will strive to speak that day, I am wrestling with how we understand the relationship between of God's mission and the church's mission. Stewardship themes also come through strong, especially in the Gospel. Appointed readings: Isaiah 5:1–7Psalm 80:7–15Philippians 3:4b–14Matthew 21:33–46 (full text ofContinue reading “Looking Ahead: the Church as tenant in God’s mission field”

Now is the Time

Lectionary 33 (25th Sunday after Pentecost), Year C2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19Sunday, November 14, 2010 Grace to you and peace, from the one who is, who was, and who is to come. Amen. Growing up with the last name of Duckworth, and having all sort of nicknames based on the root “Duck” – Continue reading “Now is the Time”

The Kingdom of God is Like a 10K Race

The following is a parable that was revealed to me while watching runners – including my dear wife, Jessicah – finish a 10K race on Saturday. I'm pretty sure it was one of those parables that either got lost in translation or didn't make the final cut for the synoptic gospels, perhaps due to itsContinue reading “The Kingdom of God is Like a 10K Race”

The Blessed and Holy Task of Being God’s People (Lectionary 14, Year C)

Lectionary 14 (Sixth Sunday after Pentecost)Luke 10:1-11, 16-20July 4th, 2010 Grace to you and peace, from the one who is, who was, and who is to come. Amen. I went back home to Philadelphia last week for five days with my kids.I went to a baseball game to see my beloved Phillies play – theyContinue reading “The Blessed and Holy Task of Being God’s People (Lectionary 14, Year C)”