EpiphanyC19: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 January 6, 2019, Pr. Scott Kramer Yesterday I was in my office after the memorial service, sitting down to write my sermon for today, when Alan walked in. After washing the dishes from the reception, he had one more maintenance task before he left the church. “I came in to change a light bulb,” he said. With that comment, the “light bulb” went on in my head; I knew I had my sermon for today! … [Read more...]
Sadvent
It’s no secret that many folks feel depressed this time of year. Reasons are varied—Seasonal Affective Disorder, remembering departed loved ones--but it’s clear to me from conversations that some feel weighed down by expectations of the season. External, culturally-conditioned pressures—gift-buying, party-attending, meal-preparing—are compounded by internal expectations of the “perfect” Christmas experience, whatever that might mean. Whatever the reason, some faith communities … [Read more...]
Season of Advent(ure)
You might have heard that our congregation’s life together took an unexpected turn when Lakeridge Lutheran was asked if we would host Tent City 3. TC3 for months had been trying without success to secure a site for the winter months. We received the request on a Tuesday. After a flurry of meetings that same day, on Wednesday our council voted to welcome the “campers.” On Saturday TC3 residents began setting up camp and they’ve been with us now for a week and a … [Read more...]
For All the Saints
All Saints Sunday—11/4/18 Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44 Pr. Scott Kramer Does anybody recognize this tool? Yes, it’s a scoop for “gutter clutter.” When leaves fall on the roof this time of year, I scoop them out of the gutter and the water flows as it should. Keeping the water flowing is not the only reason to scoop out the leaves. In the gutter they’re not much use. But if they’re put in the yard waste bin or on the yard, over time they become compost that … [Read more...]
Let Me See Again
Reformation Sunday—10/28/18 John 8:31-36; John 9:39-41; Mark 10:46-52 Pr. Scott Kramer This coming Wednesday, October 31st, millions of people across our land will celebrate Halloween, as our friends in Mexico will celebrate the Day of the Dead. In Celtic tradition October 31st marks the first day of the “natural year.” Over the past 500 years Lutherans around the world have known it as Reformation Day. For me, the day is more personal. It’s my mother’s birthday, for one thing. And, twenty-five … [Read more...]
Security Questions
21 Pentecost B18—10/14/18 Amos 5:6-7,10-15; Mark 10:17-31 Pr. Scott Kramer My wife and I just finished watching a three-part Public TV series called “The Miniaturist.” Set in 17th-century Holland, it’s the story of a wealthy businessman named Johannes Brandt who’s made his fortune trading sugar. As the story opens, Brandt chooses a young woman from the country named Petronella as his bride. Soon Petronella learns that this is a marriage of convenience, for this powerful man she married is gay. … [Read more...]
Wisdom
13 Pentecost B—8/19/18 Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58 Pr. Scott Kramer I was the slowest member of our team on the Pacific Crest Trail. Five of us set out on a hike from Stevens Pass on August 2nd, and finished at Holden Village some 98 miles later on August 9th. One of the reasons I was the slowest hiker is that I was also the oldest. I'm not 20 anymore! The next youngest on the team was a pastor friend of mine who is seven years younger. The other three are all around 22 or … [Read more...]
Abundance
10 Pentecost B—7/29/18 Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21 Pr. Scott Kramer A week and a half ago there was a knock at the door and it was Sam, who works for Full Circle Farms. Full Circle Farms is a cooperative of 15 farms in the Northwest that together provide fresh, organic produce that they deliver to households that have signed up for regular delivery. Sam was enthusiastic and convincing. He’s only 23 years old and it was obvious that he wasn’t just a salesman but believes in the company he’s … [Read more...]
The Quiet Place
9 Pentecost B—7/22/18 Jeremiah 23:1-6; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Pr. Scott Kramer Friday is our day off together, so this past Friday my wife and I did what we love to do this time of year and that’s hike in the mountains. We drove to Mt. Rainier National Park and started out on the trail. We weren’t alone. The trail follows a major road just outside the park for a mile or more so there was plenty of traffic noise. On the trail itself were dozens of people, and because this is Seattle, everybody has … [Read more...]
A Choice of Stories
7 Pentecost B—7/8/18 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10; Ezekiel 2:1-5; Mark 6:1-13 Pr. Scott Kramer (Guest Preacher at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seattle) It is good to be with you this morning! I am honored to be asked by Pr. Priscilla to be with you today. Some of you know Pr. Rick Pribbernow of Open Door Ministries. Pr. Rick is a member of my congregation and is preaching for me today. He asked me to send you his greetings. I’d like to share with you this morning a quote from Thomas Keating. Fr. Thomas … [Read more...]
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