Here I sit on another Thanksgiving week, trying to put into words what God has been doing among us and through us as this past year. Once again, I humble myself and admit my utter dependence God and his people to raise a modest salary to continue this ministry. I don’t like it, but humility is a Christian virtue and crucifying one’s ego a worthy spiritual practice. … More Giving Thanks!
Tony Campolo came into my life twenty years ago and I am forever grateful for his voice that has called generations of Evangelicals to lean into the Red Letters of Jesus instead of opting for partisan politics. This past week I rediscovered him, picking his book off my shelf to prepare for a class only to hear that he died yesterday at age 89. Here’s a tribute. … More Tony Campolo: Red Letter Evangelical Dies
Last week was exhilarating, meaningful and exhausting reaching some 350 people with Kingdom hope! Here’s some highlights from an uplifting week filled with 3 performances, heading back into the classroom, and spreading Kingdom hope as a Happy Sower! … More What a Week!
This week’s #SaturdayMorningSong is “Danny Boy” written by Frederic Weatherly in 1910, and set to the traditional Irish melody of “Londonderry Air” in 1913. The ballad has proved irresistible to some of the biggest names in music is a song of love and loss – a lament for those missing home and each other. … More #SaturdaySong – “Danny Boy”
It’s the anniversary we never wanted, nor will ever forget. One year ago we rushed Isaak (11) to the ER with abdominal pain, and ended up in the ICU at Children’s for 31 agonizing days. To mark the anniversary, I’m instead sharing a podcast episode celebrating his baptism this summer and the sermon I gave on that occasion. Listen as Sarah and Doug do a Deep Dive into my message. … More Podcast #176 – Let’s Get Ready to Rumble (Deep Dive)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a hero of mine, on my Mt. Rushmore of Christian influences. His legacy is being hijacked and twisted for political purposes. The Bonhoeffer family has recently spoken up and sent a letter signed by 86 family members to Eric Metaxas saying: “We are horrified to see how the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is…being distorted and misused…” … More Bonhoeffer’s Family Confronts Eric Metaxas
This #SaturdayMorningSong is one I learned and recently performed at a funeral. Here’s a rough cut video of me rehearsing it in the gallery loft at St. Martin’s By the Lake. … More #SaturdaySong – “Jealous of the Angels”
In this episode of The Anchor Podcast I give a personal update touching on life, ministry, identity, left brain vs. right brain, seasonal depression and my latest musical adventures. I discuss my new wandering lifestyle as a hometown troubadour and conclude that the bumper sticker is true: Not all who wander are lost. Some wander with a purpose. … More Podcast #175 – Wandering on Purpose
I’m playing a lot of music these days – funerals, fundraisers, senior homes, and picking in the basement. Sometimes I hit record and perhaps I’ll share them here on Saturday mornings. Here’s a first take, rough cut (partial) cover of one of my favorite political songs in these days of confused allegiances. Feel free to skip my singing and just read the lyrics. … More #SaturdaySong – “The Kingdom of Jesus”
Podcast episode #174 is another Deep Dive with Sarah and Doug discussing my latest piece on my 40-year friendship with local legend and restaurant owner, Scotty B. What does it mean to put down roots in a community and invest yourself in one place for decades? What does any of this have to do with the song “Me and Bobby McGee”? Listen and find out! … More Podcast #174 – Me and Scotty B (Deep Dive)
The piece reflects on the lasting friendship and community impact between Pastor Jeremy and Scotty B, a beloved local restaurant owner. It contrasts their story with the song “Me and Bobby McGee,” highlighting Scotty B’s generosity, service, and the deep-rooted connections forged over three decades. They are collaborating for a fundraising luncheon on October 23, 2024. … More Me and Scotty B
Yesterday was my debut performance at a senior living facility, playing classic hits while subtly sharing messages of hope. I imagined having the opportunity to pastor some of the characters in the songs such as Mr. Bojangles. I went out with my red guitar in hand yesterday to perform a bunch of pagan hits, and dare say I ended up doing a bit of evangelism. … More Mr. Bojangles Goes to Church
Some thoughts on my journey as an unconventional pastor, currently with a bit of a “wandering” lifestyle. I explore the idea of being a modern troubadour — using music and storytelling to connect and minister to those outside traditional church walls. Is this a midlife crisis or the beautiful unfolding of a new season of ministry as a Home Troubadour? … More Hometown Troubadour
I recently discovered a new trail system for my morning walks. Having lived in the same place now for 45 years, this is no small feat. As a turned the corner in the deep woods, up ahead running toward me at a brisk pace was my old high school cross country and basketball coach. “Good … More Pep Talk on the Trail
Some thoughts on my emotional highs and lows, the life of a creative, and how music has helped pull me out of the mud and onto higher ground. Turns out I needed “Hope on the Hill” most of all this August. … More Onto Higher (Emotional) Ground
A space of welcome. An oasis in the desert. A garden where faith, hope, and love can grow. These are some of the aspirations Keri and I have for our 3 acres on Applegarden Road. Toward that end, join us on the hill for live soulful music, words of hope, toe-tapping fun, and good-hearted Minnesota hospitality on August 18 & 25 for Hope on the Hill. … More Join us for “Hope on the Hill”
This Sunday we baptized our son, Isaak David, in a beautiful service under an oak tree next to our chicken coop in our neighbor’s horse water tank. The weather was beautiful, the music was fun, and I was nervous as I shared a message God had placed on my heart for Isaak. Instead a water-themed Scripture, I was led to a desert text where Jacob wrestles all night with God and walks away with a holy hobble and new name. … More Isaak’s Baptism
Like a good gardener, Keri digs into life with both hands, not afraid to get life’s dirt under her nails. She brings beautiful things to life and calls life out of others. She produces endlessly herself, at a pace few can keep up with. If I aspire to be a rock who is steady and reliable, Keri is a garden you want to stretch your picnic blanket out in under the afternoon sun, or frolic through like a carefree child on that summer day you wish would never end. … More 19 Years of Marriage :)
Our son Isaak will be baptized this August. This has me asking: When is the right time, age, and maturity for baptizing a child? My theological view of baptism has shifted back and forth over the years. Here’s where I am at these days. … More Is My Child Ready for Baptism?
In a former life I played a lot of basketball. I was #45 and my kids all honored me by taking my number. I turned 45 and we took a special photo to mark the occasion. … More #45
On my 45th birthday hike at Thrive Park in Nelson, Wisconsin, I gained a newfound perspective as I overlooked the village below. Observing the daily activities from high above, I was struck by the sacredness of life, particularly witnessing a funeral procession. I left with a deeper appreciation for my own life and calling and experiences. … More Birthday on the Bluff
I’m on a solo retreat at the Pepin Forest Treehouse cabin Keri booked for me for my 45th birthday. Feeling a bit nostalgic and retrospective in the treehouse this morning, I stumbled across an old journal entry and poem written by a 23-year old Jeremy just after college. This led me to thinking about aging instruments and Willie Nelson’s guitar. … More My Life Song & Willie’s Guitar
On Isaak’s 11th birthday I want to share a lesson he is helping me learn about tough love vs. tender love. A strong person is described as “tough as nails,” which has me thinking about the One who took the nails for me. Those nails couldn’t have pierced the skin of Iron Man, Super Man or the Incredible Hulk. Their bulletproof exterior would have bent the nails in half and kept them from harm. That’s Ford Tough; that’s strength “like a rock.” But that’s not Christlike strength. … More Tender Love is Toughest: Happy Birthday, Isaak!
I am not a “funcle” – a “fun uncle” as they say. If I could show up at family gatherings and push a magic button that transforms me into carefree and social uncle who holds newborn baby nieces, rolls around on the floor with toddler nephews, and makes small talk with teenage nieces, I would push that button in a heart beat. Here’s an introvert’s apology. … More Funcles & Muncles: An Introvert’s Apology
We just wrapped up our “Imago Vita” series on the role of imagination in spiritual transformation. In this post I share my “imago vita” and spiritual journey and yearning to become a more joyful and carefree sower of God’s Word. I have found inspiration in an AI-generated Van Gogh-style portrait of a happy sower, which symbolizes my desire to be a more joyful worker in God’s field. … More The Happy Sower
Kingdom Harbor 