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...]
Rewriting the Story
Pr. Sara Yoos, Guest Pastor and Preacher Lakeridge Lutheran Mark 8:27-38 9/16/18 You may have noticed that I’m pregnant. Now, the first few months, people were really cautious about asking. But after 4 months, it was pretty obvious this was more than just a big lunch. But once it was obvious that I am pregnant, it became especially awkward around strangers. See, I’m a foster parent as well to an eleven month old baby girl. So when people see me carrying around a baby – then notice that I’m … [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...]
Rest for the Slave
3 Pentecost B—6/3/18 Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Mark 2:23--3:6 Pr. Scott Kramer I’ve noticed over time that one of the most common conversations I have with you is related to work: How do I transition from a lifetime in the work world to the world of retirement? How do I find a job that matches my gifts and skills? Or, how do I simply make ends meet? How do I decide when it’s time to move on to a different job or even a whole other career? How do I manage the multiple responsibilities of … [Read more...]
Natural Trust
Holy Trinity—5/27/18 Romans 8:12-17; John 3:5-17 Pr. Scott Kramer Every morning one of the first things I do is open the front door and pick up the Seattle Times that’s been delivered. (We’re old-fashioned that way!) When I scan the paper I don’t need to tell you that what experience is a lot of bad news. It’s not all bad news, but there’s enough each day that over time it can have the effect of wearing down a person’s trust of other people. My wife and I have been enjoying a TV series called … [Read more...]
Friends
6 Easter B—5/6/18 Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 Pr. Scott Kramer Some of you knew Jim Fenner, who was a member of this congregation for decades. Jim died earlier this year. Two weeks ago some of us attended a gathering of friends and family just up the hill at the Skyway VFW Hall to remember Jim’s life. Who knew that one week later, last Sunday, a gunfight would break out in that same VFW parking lot? Two men died and several others were injured. This is just … [Read more...]
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