Reading List

Reading List

Dear Rose Park,

Every year Sam and I make a goal to read as many books as we can. Typically, the goal is about 15-25 books each; I know that might sound small to some avid readers, but that’s a pretty hefty goal for each of us. We enjoy reading and we’ve made it a priority to read before we go to bed. Not only does it help us go to sleep, but it also quiets our minds, eliminates the temptation to sit on our phones, and opens us up to a whole new world of conversation and thought.

They Are Called

They Are Called

Dear Rose Park,

As an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament, I have the unique privilege to be involved in some very meaningful services.   Some of those services, like baptisms and professions of faith are called “congregational services” while weddings and funerals are called “pastoral services”.  Beyond these congregational and pastoral services, I also have the unique privilege to be involved in what are called “classical services.” 

Still Pondering

Still Pondering

Dear Rose Park,

Throughout scripture we encounter a repeated theme: the path of the righteous and the path of the foolish. Easter has come and gone, palm branches are starting to crunch, and we’ve already shouted out He is Risen! However, I’m still pondering the words of Holy Week. I’m still pondering Judas and his willingness to forego an eternal relationship with Christ in order to gain immediate gratification on the path of the foolish.

Lord of the Banquet

Lord of the Banquet

Dear Rose Park,

This is the sixth and final Lenten-letter that will focus on a central story and book. The story is the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. The book is The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Tim Keller. As we continue to journey step-in-step with Jesus towards the cross of Calvary, it’s my hope for each and every one of us to recover the heart of our faith in the Risen King.

Our True Home

Our True Home

Dear Rose Park,

This is the fifth Lenten-letter that will focus on a central story and book. The story is the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. The book is The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Tim Keller. As we continue to journey step-in-step with Jesus towards the cross of Calvary, it’s my hope for each and every one of us to recover the heart of our faith in the Risen King.

Going Home

Going Home

Dear Rose Park,

This is the fourth Lenten-letter that will focus on a central story and book. The story is the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. The book is The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Tim Keller. As we continue to journey step-in-step with Jesus towards the cross of Calvary, it’s my hope for each and every one of us to recover the heart of our faith in the Risen King.

The Three G's

The Three G's

Dear Rose Park,

This is the third Lenten-letter that will focus on a central story and book. The story is the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. The book is The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Tim Keller. As we continue to journey step-in-step with Jesus towards the cross of Calvary, it’s my hope for each and every one of us to recover the heart of our faith in the Risen King.

Two Groups

Two Groups

Dear Rose Park,

This is the second Lenten-letter that will focus around a central story and book. The story is the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. The book is The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Tim Keller. Ultimately, as we journey step-in-step with Jesus towards the cross of Calvary, it’s my hope for each and every one of us to recover the heart of our faith in the Risen King.

Having Spent Everything

Having Spent Everything

Dear Rose Park,

For the season of Lent, I’d like to focus these weekly letters around a central story and book. The story is the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. The book is The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Tim Keller. Ultimately, as we journey step-in-step with Jesus towards the cross of Calvary, it’s my hope for each and every one of us to recover the heart of our faith in the Risen King.

Mortality, Repentance, & Assurance

Mortality, Repentance, & Assurance

Dear Rose Park,

There’s a lot of symbolism in the bible. For example, any time scripture mentions water it’s a safe bet there’s a connection to baptism. Any time scripture mentions fire it’s a safe bet there’s a connection to the Holy Spirit. This symbolism isn’t limited to physical things, it also includes numbers. There are seven days of creation, seven churches listed in Revelation, and seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. There are twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles, and Jacob even had twelve sons. Needless to say, biblical numbers are important.