Matt Erickson

Just finished reading: A Theology in Outline by Robert W. Jenson. What a thought-provoking and enjoyable little book. 📚

“The primary reason for being the church is not to solve problems but to cultivate the life of faith, to submit ourselves to the love that shapes something deep, eternal, and energetic in us.” - Eugene Peterson in “Lights a Lovely Mile,” 66.

Here is “The baptism of Christ” by Malcolm Guite as part of the series “Poetry for Epiphany.”

I appreciate your prayer support today as I work on a sermon for a memorial service on Saturday and also continue working on messages for our Eastbrook Church series on Ecclesiastes, “A Skeptic’s Guide to Life with God.” Thank you!

Here is R. S. Thomas’ poem “The Coming” as part of the series at my blog “Poetry for Epiphany.”

I appreciate your prayer support as I work on a message from Ecclesiastes 3 for this weekend at Eastbrook Church as part of our series, “The Skeptic’s Guide to Life with God” We’re engaging with hard questions and this message is as challenging as the others to prepare.

One of the simple things I’ve enjoyed adding into our staff rhythm at Eastbrook Church is a weekly midday prayer on Wednesdays. It has helped us remember we are children of God even as we serve God. That is always needed.

Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.: “I Have a Dream” and Letter from a Birmingham Jail

I’m so glad to be back at the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary this week for the final cohort gathering of my Doctor of Ministry program. Such a wonderful group of people to be with and setting to be in.

Currently reading: Sounding the Seasons by Malcolm Guite 📚 Using this wonderful book as a part of my morning prayers through this coming year.

Just finished reading: Dune by Frank Herbert 📚

On that same hike, my youngest son took this photo of me without my knowledge that ended up looking so epic.

I took this photo on a hike this past Saturday. I love the way the frost lingers in the shadows while the sun burns it off in a slowly shifting line. The distinction is so striking to me.

So happy to share my latest article, “Preaching Like Jazz,” published by Preaching Today this week.

At the recommendation of one of my daughters-in-law, I am finally reading: Dune by Frank Herbert. I feel slightly embarrassed that it’s taken me this long to read this book. 📚

Here is Rowan Williams’ poem “Advent Calendar” as part of the “Poetry for Advent” series.

For all pastors and others working on Christmas Eve and Christmas messages this week, may you know the guidance of God at work within you, may you know the joy of the Savior whom you proclaim, and may you know the peace that you are loved beyond how good your sermon is.

Recently completed A Sunlit Absence by Martin Laird. This is a great follow-up to his earlier Into the Silent Land. 📚

When I conclude a sermon series, I usually share resources I utilized in my study and preparation for sermons. Here is the bibliography for our recent series, “Growing in Faith: Exploring 2 Peter.” I hope it might be helpful to others.

Madeleine L’Engle’s “Into the Darkest Hour” is today’s contribution to “Poetry for Advent”

“Speed is in direct conflict with character formation.” I write about this and a few other things in my recent blog post, “Living Well in Light of the End.”

Random question: can anyone tell me if Jean-Pierre De Caussade’s Abandonment to Divine Providence is the same book as The Sacrament of the Present Moment?

“New leadership is needed for new times, but it will not come from finding more wiley ways to manipulate the external world. It will come as we … find the courage to take an inner journey … to become healers in a wounded world.” – Parker Palmer

First freeze and first thaw of the streams. A pic while trail running last week on the Ice Age Trail outside of Manitowoc, WI.

Some reflections after Christ the King Sunday on Jesus, the kingdom of God, and rival kingdoms that we encounter in our world and lives.