On a Saturday in late September, the Cougars of the University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, IN) will host the Knights of Marian University (Indianapolis, IN) in Fort Wayne for an epic football showdown of two top ten teams in NAIA football. In 2016, the schools added a trophy to their annual rivalry. Not only do they compete nearly every year for the top spot in the conference and bragging rights in the state of Indiana, they are now competing for “The Franciscan Bowl” trophy. It’s the annual football rivalry between Indiana’s two Franciscan schools. I might have the most … Continue reading The Franciscan Bowl: University of Saint Francis and Marian University

SCRIPTURE READING Our Scripture reading is from the Gospel of Mark 2: 1-12 2 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When … Continue reading Sermon: “Half Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”

Sermon for Sept 2, 2018, “Holy Work, Holy Rest” On June 28th, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation that had been rushed through Congress declaring Labor Day a national holiday, to be observed the first Monday in September. It is a day created by the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, but it was day built on the backs of many who were unfairly worked to make a basic living. In the late 1800’s, as industry was on the rise across the nation, the average American worked 12 hours per day and … Continue reading Message for Labor Day Weekend, “Holy Work, Holy Rest”

Scripture Reading: Joel 2: 21-23, 28-32 Surely he has done great things! 21     Do not be afraid, land of Judah; be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things! 22     Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches. 23 Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. 28 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters … Continue reading Message, “Out of a Dream”

SCRIPTURE READING Genesis 18: 1-8 18 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your … Continue reading Sermon, “What If They Change Us?” (Hospitality)

Sermon July 29th, 2019, “Compassion Is An Act of Love” Has anyone seen the new documentary titled Won’t You Be My Neighbor? The film is about the life of Mister Rogers. It appears to be a powerful film, one that’s on my list, but it’s hard to get out and see a movie with a 2 ½ year old at home. This past week, Candace and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. It’s hard to believe! We celebrated by taking our son, Zechariah, to meet Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kitty Cat. It was fun! And yes, we did enjoy a … Continue reading Sermon “Compassion Is An Act of Love”

SCRIPTURE READING Please be seated. Our Scripture reading is from James 1: 19-27 19 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, … Continue reading Sermon, “Listening Is An Act of Love”