Not often does a true prophet of God end up red-faced in embarrassment. But indeed, the author of our Scripture lesson, the Old Testament’s Jeremiah, is walking around with egg on his face. In the lead-up to this passage, a prophetic wannabe named Hananiah delivers what he declares to be a true revelation from God. HananiahContinue reading “Maybe You’re a Late Bloomer”
Author Archives: First Presbyterian Church
A psalm for America at 250
For 21 months of the 1970s, the American Freedom Train was a traveling museum that toured 48 of these United States to celebrate the nation’s bicentennial. I was 14 years old when it rolled through town, and my parents took me down to the train depot to check it out. The train featured 10 railcarsContinue reading “A psalm for America at 250”
A Firm Foundation
Of the many images that capture the poignancy of my ministry in Waukon is this photo taken on the south lawn of Oakland Cemetery. That’s me and my friend Chrissy Good from Martin funeral home leading the procession that carried the body of longtime member Brad Krambeer to its place of earthly rest until theContinue reading “A Firm Foundation”
Our Worshipful Work
Next time you settle into your seat at our city park’s amphitheater, make note of the thriving mountain ash trees that ring the venue. Then rejoice and be glad, because the First Presbyterians planted them there. Here’s how it came to be – thanks to the powerful, motivating presence of the Holy Spirit. The projectContinue reading “Our Worshipful Work”
In the Sign of the Cross
Over a simple evening meal at a Dubuque-area monastery, a small group of seasoned pastors compared notes on the current state of Christ’s Church. Surely among the sharing were joys and blessings of Spirit-inspired ministry happening in each of our respective congregations. But so also shared were myriad concerns over the changing nature of congregationalContinue reading “In the Sign of the Cross”
Remember When, Remember Now
The old photograph bears a simple label: “Scene at Waukon.” So it’s unlikely that the photographer specifically intended to capture First Presbyterian Church. Nevertheless he (or she) froze a long-ago moment in time here in our neighborhood. The date was November 9, 1913. Earlier that year, Woodrow Wilson – a lifelong Presbyterian – was inauguratedContinue reading “Remember When, Remember Now”
Anticipation
If you are of a certain age, then you well remember singer Carly Simon’s hit song of 1971, “Anticipation.” Its lyric refrain, “Anticipation is making me wait,” even made its way into a years-long series of TV commercials hawking ketchup. The ads used the song to build suspense, showing ketchup slowly dripping from a glassContinue reading “Anticipation”
Paul and the Ascension
The apostle Paul once was known as “Saul.” Bearing that name, he was a ruthless persecutor of Christians – until the Risen Christ appeared to him. Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus changed him into a great teacher of faith – a prolific writer of letters that for centuries have composed aContinue reading “Paul and the Ascension”
A Mother’s Day Litany of Love and Support for All Women
Caring God, thank you for revealing your love in so many magnificent ways, and this day in particular, we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life. There are times when only a woman’s love can understand our tears,Continue reading “A Mother’s Day Litany of Love and Support for All Women”
Mary Magdeline and Simon Peter
On that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene felt lost and alone. She had loved Jesus with a holy passion, but now Mary’s deep affection for her beloved felt estranged. Then suddenly her fortunes changed! Outside that Empty Tomb, on that first day of resurrection, she became the first to witness the salvation of the world.Continue reading “Mary Magdeline and Simon Peter”