Sun Day Creations
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53189
262-542-8133

• Education: I graduated from seminary with an Masters of Divinity, and a post-graduate Master of Arts degree in Counseling.
• Experience: I've served two vibrant parishes - a large classical congregation outside Chicago, Grace Lutheran Church (3 years), River Forest, IL, and a growing missional congregation in Waukesha, WI, Ascension Lutheran Church (37 years). I currently direct a resource center with preaching support and new music for worship, including contemporary songs and sacred hymns, as well as books I've written.
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: If there is something that speaks to your heart and life with power, that's the best! If you can find something you feel inspired to use, that's terrific! If you preach on the Gospels in the lectionary, I encourage you to consider developing a series that fits them. Check out my three years worth of series based on the lectionary, with a lots of ideas and notes and suggestions at www.sundaycreations.com
• Sermon or series that made a difference: I've learned a great deal about preaching in sermon series formats, and have developed many sermon series based on the three year lectionary - available at www.sundaycreations.com
• One of my favorite illustrations: Just before leaving the church I served for nearly four decades for a new ministry, during a time I was feeling anxious about this new uncharted territory I was about to enter, I had to buy a newer car. It had a screen in the dash which sent me messages, like 'the trunk is open,' 'back tire passenger side is low,' or 'change oil soon.' During this anxious time, this message appeared the screen three times in a two week period: 'The driver is no longer in control'. Was I ever? God is in control!
• Family: I'm married to Jan, a Deaconess and Minister of Worship and Music. Our Son Ben is a professional musician and leader of a worship band. Our daughter Rebekah is a professional photographer. And our two grandchildren, Jorja and Henry, are seven and three, and of course, are perfect!
• What my parents think of my sermons: They went to God. But saw my dad once break down weeping for joy watching a video of one of my sermons. (Hope it was joy and not the reverse!!)
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She has always given me a thousand percent support and encouragement. She also tells me when something could have been improved. I love and trust her comments either way!
• Best advice given to me about preaching: Preach for transformation!
• Books that have had an impact: Too many to name, really.
• Hobbies: I love playing guitar and playing golf!
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: I would call people to live in joy and peace because God has won every battle that matters, and is fighting their scrimmages with and for them, so that no opposition they face will be able to defeat them, so have confidence and live boldly knowing God's grace and favor is always on them, helping, equipping, and giving them everything needed for a life of purpose, mission, and victory. So trust God, and live a joyful, full life of mission for Christ, every day, till the glory day fully arrives!
• Something funny that happened while preaching: Once I had a guest speak about his Lutheran Social Service ministry. He spoke right before I was to preach and then had to hurry out to get to another church. When I stood up for the sermon I could hear his car start up in the parking lot as I looked down to see he had grabbed my sermon when he took his notes from the pulpit. Yikes! Good thing the message was pretty deep inside me. People said it was one of my better ones, too!
• What I want on my tombstone: His life was an alleluia!