Do you remember what it feels like to be a teenager on the cusp of adulthood? In this novel by C.D. Baker the reader gets to walk with Oliver Goode and his struggles and challenges of growing up in a church where he questions the process and image of God portrayed. His close friendship with… Continue reading Book Review: Remembering Stardust by C.D. Baker
Author: Alex Steward
I am a husband, father, and pastor within the ELCA. I did not grow up in the church and thus come at this pastoring thing with an unique perspective.
Freed By Christ
October 31, 2021 Reformation Sunday John 8:31-36 Acknowledging our past can be difficult. Humanity has not always been kind to one another, and there are still many examples of war and exploitation happening today around the world. The Native Americans were and continue to be treated as second class citizens in many places. African Americans… Continue reading Freed By Christ
Don’t Blind Yourself!
October 24, 2021 Confirmation Sunday Mark 10:46-52 It is amazing the technology cars have today. I am old enough to remember when power windows were a luxury and my father had trucks with the crank you had to turn to roll the windows up or down. You can get cars with park assist and you… Continue reading Don’t Blind Yourself!
Where’s Your Ambition?
October 17, 2021 Mark 10:35-45 James and John are ambitious and demanding in the gospel lesson this morning. They are bold and direct. They come right out and ask Jesus if they can sit on his right and left in his glory. This is great, they are acknowledging who Jesus is. However, they seem to… Continue reading Where’s Your Ambition?
Don’t Make it Difficult
October 10, 2021 Mark 10:17-31 Isn’t that Bernardone’s son? What is he up to? What do you think he is doing? You know I have heard some crazy stories about him coming from the countryside. People have seen him trying to have conversation with the animals. He even seems to think he can rebuild that… Continue reading Don’t Make it Difficult
Jesus Welcomes All!
October 3, 2021 Mark 10:2-16 There are times when we are assigned a text for Sundays where we struggle and wonder what the heck the Bible is attempting to say. This Sunday’s gospel lesson is one of those texts. It is disturbing because each one of us can most likely share a story of divorce… Continue reading Jesus Welcomes All!
Jesus Levels the Playing Field
September 19, 2021 Mark 9:30-37 Sibling rivalry. It happens in nearly every family. It could be over schoolwork, athletics, or even trees. Yes, trees. A couple of years ago on The Moth, a story telling podcast which I would recommend to anyone, Annie Share shared her story of the gumdrop tree. She had the typical… Continue reading Jesus Levels the Playing Field
Even Jesus can Learn!
September 5, 2021 Mark 7:24-37 Being human can be a challenge. Many times, we are ruled by our emotions and many times this is good, however, sometimes we let our emotions get the better of us. One of those emotions which can run rampant is anger. Now, there is a difference from righteous anger, such… Continue reading Even Jesus can Learn!
Washing in our Brokenness
August 29, 2021 Mark 7:1-8, 14-23 An argument about handwashing! How fitting for where we are today. Not too many argue about the benefits of washing hands. However, we have seen plenty of protests in favor and against vaccines and/or mask wearing. It is amazing to hear some of the things that have come out… Continue reading Washing in our Brokenness
Who Would Walk away From Jesus?
August 22, 2021 John 6:56-69 We all do things that could have been perceived as foolish when we were younger. Perhaps we may still do foolish things on occasion. I know I can look at my children and the foolish things they have done, but it also reminds me of those things I have done.… Continue reading Who Would Walk away From Jesus?
a mysterious way 