Looking for something to do as a family on Black Friday and trying to avoid the shopping malls? I’m performing live music with my son, Peter, and buddy Jared King at Bobbing Bobber Brewing Company in Hutchinson from 12:30-3:30, for their “Bloody Black Friday.” Come relax with your in-laws as the Thanksgiving turkey settles, or use this to escape them. … More LIVE MUSIC: Black Friday at Bobbing Bobber
This summer marks my 20th year in full time ministry, graduating from Bethel Seminary on this day in 2005. I will probably be marking 20 years with some fresh reflections this summer on 20 years in ministry, and most of those 20 years of ministry in my hometown. For today, I wanted to share what … More 20 Years Out of Seminary
This spring and summer I am putting together an old classic country set to perform at senior residences and other venues. The highlight has been getting Abby (10) involved and watching her embrace old Dolly Parton songs such as “Jolene” and “Here You Come Again.” Come see us May 14 at the Gillespie Center’s “Country Jam.” … More Classic Country Show
Here’s a rough cut, first attempt at a newer song. A powerful message and charge to keep laboring for the LORD, and to “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we shall reap a harvest if we do not give up and quit” (Gal. 6:9). I like the rough unpolished vocal for the message of this song, just as Jesus graciously works in and through our rough and unpolished lives. … More #SaturdaySong – “My Labour Is Not In Vain”
The local newspaper ran a piece on my 20 years of hometown ministry and upcoming music debut at the Spring Fling concert fundraiser at the Gillespie Center on April 5. Check it out! … More Making Local News
As long as I can remember, I’ve always been quietly breaking things—breaking customs, breaking gender roles, and, one day, breaking an alabaster jar. History remembers me sitting quietly at the Jesus of feet, but a first-century woman taking the posture of a male disciple was a loud and revolutionary act in my day. A quiet person is not always a compliant person. A gentle spirit is not necessarily a tame spirit. … More The Alabaster Jar
Lent is a great time to check out my Untold Tales short stories! These imaginative and moving portraits of the passion present beloved stories and characters in new and creative ways. Collect all of these beautifully illustrated books, and give a copy to a friend for Easter. Read excerpt of “Love Cut the Rope.” … More Untold Tales Series
I’m debuting my Bob Dylan Tribute show later this week, and hoping to bring a simple twist of faith to my performance. I even bought a special shirt for the gig (see photo). This has me revisiting a piece I wrote a while back. Enjoy some wisdom from the now 83-year old Bob that he shared on his 50th birthday. … More Bob Dylan, Yuppies, and the Most Important Thing
David’s life is a compelling study of contrasts—victor and sinner, poet and warrior. The upcoming series at MainStreet Covenant will explore some key episodes from David’s life which reflect humanity’s struggles and divine connection. Participants are encouraged to read and choose a Psalm that represents the season they are living in as we begin a new year together. … More David and the Psalms
A first crack at a favorite Dylan song. I’m discovering quickly that covering Dylan songs isn’t so much musically challenging, as lyrically challenging. That is, figuring out where to fit all the syllables from his spiraling and sprawling lyrics. … More #SaturdaySong – “I Want You”
Join us this Sunday as we kick off Advent with my original script that tries to get us inside the heart and mind of Zechariah, and experience his story like never before. He had no idea the surprise God had in store when he entered that holy sanctuary to offer incense. What might God have in store for us as we enter the chapel at St. Martin’s and into the Advent season together? … More Come Hear Zechariah’s Story
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)
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)
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?
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
My goal is to put out a ministry update every quarter sharing the impact of our outreaches and ways we’re bringing the ministry of MainStreet Covenant beyond our walls. The past few months have been a highly productive writing season for me. Watch this video and join us in celebrating our Kingdom impact. … More Ministry Update May ’24
I’m often blown away by the beauty of my kids’ artwork that comes home from school. I often see a Bible passage jumping off the page and captured by their paint strokes. Artsonia emails fill my inbox, inviting me to print their art onto a coffee mug or t-shirt. I have found other fun uses for their masterpieces. … More Abby’s Art: Streams in the Desert
Listen to a special audio presentation of my original story, “Love Cut the Rope: The Tragic Tale of Judas” at the Anchor Podcast available during Holy Week. Purchase a copy of the fully illustrated book for you and for a friend to help support the ongoing ministry of Kingdom Harbor and MainStreet Covenant Church. … More Podcast #136 – Special: Love Cut the Rope: Tragic Tale of Judas
Last night was a sweet kind of homecoming for me. I was invited back to speak at the church of my childhood, where I was baptized and confirmed and the early seeds of my faith were sown. I brought my two boys along to show them where it all began for me. Here’s what I shared. … More Goodness & Mercy Follows
With historical imagination and pastoral sensitivity, my new short story probes the inner turmoil of one of history’s most tragic figures: Judas Iscariot. What drew him to Jesus? What led to his infamous betrayal? Most importantly, does his death by suicide place him outside of God’s grace or more directly in his embrace? Find out Sunday at 5pm! … More Love Cut the Rope: The Tragic Tale of Judas
Jeremy L. Berg 