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It’s a Matter of Equality

Sermon for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost July 1, 2012 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (Common English Bible) Grace to you and peace, from the one who is, who was, and who is to come. Amen. Saint Paul writes:...

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Pastor’s Approach: Praising God, Honoring Country

I’ve been writing monthly newsletter articles about my approach to various aspects of congregational ministry – worship, sacraments, weddings, funerals, and so forth. This month, I wrote about the...

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Pastor’s Approach: Funerals

I’ve been writing monthly newsletter articles about my approach to various aspects of congregational ministry – worship, sacraments, weddings, funerals, and so forth. A few months ago I wrote about...

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Pastor’s Approach: Weddings

I’ve been writing monthly articles in my church newsletter about my approach to various aspects of congregational ministry – worship, sacraments, weddings, funerals, and so forth. A few months ago I...

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Take Nothing. God Has Given All We Need.

Sermon for the 6th Sunday after Pentecost (Lectionary 14, Year B) Sunday, July 8, 2012 Grace Lutheran Church, St Paul, MN The Rev. Chris Duckworth Sermon text: Mark 6:1-13 (Common English Bible) Grace...

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Talking about Politics and Sexuality at Church

This November, Minnesota voters will have the chance to accept or reject a proposed state constitutional amendment that would write a definition of marriage into the state constitution. Understanding...

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Pastor’s Approach: Emergency Contact

I’ve been writing monthly articles in my church newsletter about my approach to various aspects of congregational ministry – worship, sacraments, weddings, funerals, and so forth. In my experience,...

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Sharing Profile Photos on your Church’s Facebook Page

If you’re like me, your involvement in your church or organization is a big part of your life. And, if you’re active on Facebook, you’re likely to share much of that part of your life online. However,...

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Morning Prayer Following the Elections

Tomorrow at my congregation, Grace Lutheran on the East Side of Saint Paul, we will gather to pray for our state and nation following the elections. Please join us – in person, or in spirit. Morning...

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Violence Pollution

Polluted air will affect a small number of people more than most. The majority who are pretty healthy will have few, if any, ill effects. Those with certain conditions will become sicker and sicker,...

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Just how are gun owners, and the NRA, oppressed?

Gun owners, NRA members, please help me out. I’m having a hard time understanding something. At the NRA’s news conference yesterday, Wayne LaPierre characterized gun advocates and gun owners as...

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Do Worship Leaders Hide in Worship?

It is an odd proposition – do worship leaders hide in worship? Even though they’re standing up front, in the most visible part of the worship space, leading the congregation in prayer and praise and...

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Putting Everything on the Table, In Faith – Acts 15

I haven’t been posting sermons here recently … but this one on Acts 15, and the bold faith of those first believers to trust in and be moved by the Spirit to do a new thing, is one I wanted to share. I...

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Exploring a Post-Establishment Church

One thing I’ve noticed about new churches and new mission starts in my denomination (the ELCA) is that they often seem to try to do the same thing in a new way. Many of them, anyway. By “same thing,” I...

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Fitness for Ministry

Today I begin resume a new journey, a journey of fitness for ministry. You see, I’m not fit for ministry. For the ministry of National Guard Chaplaincy, that is. On and off for the past several years...

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Creating Space for Communion Before Baptism

Who is welcome to receive Holy Communion? Are all invited to receive the sacrament? All baptized Christians? Or, all baptized Christians who believe that Christ is truly present in the sacrament?...

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Do it now. Go say Thank You.

Larry House died last week. He was my first boss, hiring me for my first wear-a-shirt-and-tie-everyday job at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in the development office. I will be...

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Learning How to Give

You’d think it wouldn’t take much to learn how to give. Just reach into your pocket and give, right? Of course, if you’ve ever spent time in a preschool, you know that there is often a reluctance in...

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Decline of What?

The church is in decline. Sure, I guess. But, what do you mean by that? Membership is down in many congregations. Average weekly attendance is down, too. They are down as compared to 1965. They are...

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Relationship: Parent

I recently completed a marathon of paperwork for my children’s elementary school. It is my annual handwriting workout. I write more by hand at this time of year than at any other time of the year....

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