tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27651522329768358242012-01-24T06:51:23.238-08:00Hey all. I set up this blog as a place to infrequently post random sermons, liturgies, and thoughts. Hope you dig it.Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.comBlogger471100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-91980989884124029002012-01-18T13:21:00.000-08:002012-01-24T06:51:23.257-08:00

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-36437448508608058122011-11-07T18:04:00.001-08:002011-11-07T18:04:46.512-08:00

Alderman Balcer, I hope this email finds you well. PLEASE do NOT vote to start charging churches and other non-profits for water. Many of us feed and clothe the poor. We use water to do this. You know my church, First Trinity Lutheran Church, does this in Bridgeport (your 11th ward). Two times per week we give clothes away for FREE to Bridgeport voters, and to people from all over the city.

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-6761639779113257772011-10-19T19:45:00.000-07:002011-10-28T06:58:07.425-07:00

They who swallow up the property of widows and then mask their wickedness by making long prayers: these men will receive far greater condemnation. -Mark 12:40 So Jesus made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. -John 2:15 These are the words of the Lord: For crime after crime of

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-72003519580948898302011-10-19T12:16:00.000-07:002011-10-19T21:04:16.395-07:00

Theological Learnings as of Late: The God of Christian theology is a God who sacrifices himself in order to lift up the poor and the lowly. The God called Mammon (Wealth, Money, Greed) is a god who, when worshiped, always (and without exception) demands human sacrifice. So our Lord says: You can't serve God and Mammon. -Matt 6:24b You can't serve God and Money. You can't serve God

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-66919994582490812432011-09-15T16:27:00.000-07:002011-09-15T16:27:36.526-07:00

Hey Kids - Here is the unedited version of my shorter article written for the Sept. edition of the Bridgeport International. Print copies can be found at Trinity, the Coffee Shop, and Maria's. Peace! tom Dear Reverend, I’m angry with my neighbors. They have loud parties early into the mornings and leave garbage around the yard and street. I’m also concerned that these neighbors are involved

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-90466945626460124542011-07-07T11:39:00.000-07:002011-07-07T11:53:16.817-07:00

hey friends - i am working on a newsletter with some cool kids in the neighborhood, called: the bridgeport international Here is a draft of what may be my article. Peace. tom Dear Reverend, During last winter's blizzard my wife, friends and I hotly debated the ethical and moral implications of reserving a parking space with lawn furniture, or other household items. The shear amount of snow

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-16552443739818487792011-06-25T13:50:00.001-07:002011-06-25T13:50:17.394-07:00

Hey folks - So, I've kinda switched preaching styles, and very seldom use manuscripts as of late, leaving this blog rather deserted. Alas... I hope to be posting again soon. Until then, peace. And happy Ordinary Time. tom

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-27517727931892922592011-02-24T13:03:00.000-08:002011-02-24T19:59:20.639-08:00

Matthew 6:24-34 "No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-16626770777769427712011-02-20T15:44:00.001-08:002011-02-20T15:44:42.834-08:00

Matthew 5:38-48 "You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-604407593936818742011-02-18T13:50:00.000-08:002011-02-18T15:49:27.969-08:00

Epiphany 6a Sermon First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, Chicago, Winter Chapel Rev. Tom Gaulke Texts: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8 (1); 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Amen). The ninth and tenth commandments, according to the way Lutherans have traditionally counted the 10 commandments, say this: the

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-69643648809360173782011-02-06T12:09:00.000-08:002011-02-08T15:29:49.620-08:00

Epiphany 5a Sermon February 6, 2011 First Luth Church of the Trinity, Chicago Winter Chapel Rev. Thomas R. Gaulke Text: Matthew 5:13-20 Christ's call, to let our lights shine, (I think) is not a call for us to pretend. Christ's call, to let our lights shine, (I think) is not a call for us to pretend. It's not a call for us to pretend we're happy, or to pretend we're confident. or

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-19768425287993559562011-02-03T13:11:00.000-08:002011-02-03T13:18:10.691-08:00

Sermon for Epiphany 4a January 30, 2011 First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, Chicago First Trinity Winter Chapel Rev. Thomas R. Gaulke Texts: Micah 6:1-8 Psalm 15 (1) 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12 The poor will possess The mourning will be comforted The meek will actually get something The thirsty and those starving for justice will be filled with it. But until that Day, until

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-57434612650659015822011-01-27T13:20:00.000-08:002011-01-28T00:00:48.862-08:00

Epiphany 3a Sermon 1st Lutheran Church of the Trinity, Trinity Winter Chapel Chicago, IL 1/23/2011 Rev. Tom Gaulke Day's Texts: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus, the Christ. Amen. In chapter 22 of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus is approached by a lawyer, from among the Pharisees, and the Lawyer

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-14994158961475352392011-01-14T13:46:00.000-08:002011-01-14T13:49:45.759-08:00

So it turns out: That house we blessed: It caught on fire. Well a little bit. Rumor has it the Latin Kings burnt the building next door down, because, apparently, someone was selling crack out of the basement. And they weren't a king. But they were dealing on King territory. So the Kings lit up the house like a crack pipe. Competition gone. And some of the flames jumped across. To our

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-52201224811840329142010-12-19T15:19:00.003-08:002010-12-21T11:06:55.181-08:00

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Genesis, Chapter 1, starts with the words: In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a confused emptiness, darkness covered the face of the deep, [but] God's Spirit moved over the face of the waters” Then God began to create. And God saw what God created. And it was Good. So begins the

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-70743576093817012682010-12-19T14:46:00.000-08:002010-12-19T14:46:44.274-08:00

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ (Pray). John the Baptist, you'll remember from last week, was a charismatic figure, a prophet, whose life was centered around speaking truth to power, calling folks to a radical reorientation of their lives, ridiculing religious

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-1917639407916989852010-11-23T05:31:00.000-08:002010-11-23T05:38:00.569-08:00

Luke 23:33-43 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." They cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, and watched. The leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-65887604379331336452010-10-25T13:31:00.000-07:002010-10-28T07:15:38.794-07:00

The week after our exorcism/house blessing, I went to a revival at my colleague's church down in Riverdale, IL. Father Mike Pfleger was preaching. I'd heard of him before, as he and his parish have done a lot of good in the city. There's actually even a newer documentary out about him which I have yet to see. After some awesome music, introductions. (Pr. Curry made all the clergy stand

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-64291810053037100492010-10-20T18:00:00.000-07:002010-10-20T18:54:27.855-07:00

“You ready to go kick some demon's asses?” I joked, as we turned the corner.... A few weeks back, I got a voice mail from a parishioner. It was Carol—she used to run the Clothing Closet at First Trinity. For various reasons she doesn't come around so much anymore. (But, no doubt, of course, she is still part of the family). The voice mail went something like this: “Ummm... Pastor.... Hi.

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-51349638713370286152010-09-19T14:24:00.000-07:002010-09-19T14:27:24.807-07:00

About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. -Acts 10:9 September 19, 2010 To the Family in Christ at First Trinity: Grace to you and peace! As I was rushing to my other job recently—coffee in one hand, sandwich in the other, and my big, bulky bag hung awkwardly around the middle of my arm—speed-walking down the

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-28680514525679880542010-09-12T13:51:00.000-07:002010-09-12T14:02:23.758-07:00

Sermon. 16th Sunday After Pentecost. 2010. Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 51:1-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10 Now the Tax Collectors and the Sinners were coming near to Listen to Jesus, and the Pharisees and the Scribes were grumbling... Perhaps the biggest lie that Christians have ever believed is that God loves Christians because they are Christians. Or: That God loves Christians because of

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-60541083529435186492010-08-20T09:29:00.000-07:002010-08-20T09:29:00.797-07:00

Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost August 22, 2010 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it. -Hebrews 13:2 To the Family of God in Christ at First Trinity: Grace to you and Peace! Welcome! Willkommen! Bienvenidos! All Are Welcome!—so say the well-wishes painted for us on signs and printed on restaurant menus, plastered to

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-88989447744971825142010-07-04T13:51:00.000-07:002010-07-05T00:22:06.851-07:00

Sermon July 4, 2010 First Trinity Chicago / Pr. Tom Gaulke For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-13547526250673129282010-05-06T17:19:00.000-07:002010-05-08T07:28:19.669-07:00

I am an ELCA Lutheran Pastor. A pastor? Shit. *Face drops* The usual response. On a date. At a bar. Interviewing folks from craigslist in search of a roommate. For many—Indeed for me as well—the word, the title, the label “pastor” conjures up a whole lot of... well: confusion. Coupled with assumptions. Coupled with weird emotions. Coupled with weird assumptive emotions. Religious emotions.

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-54421671846642226302010-03-26T15:11:00.001-07:002010-03-26T15:11:17.315-07:00

Dear friends, As of late, I have been a bit troubled and, on occasion (and despite my knowing-better), personally huirt by some of the not-so-nice rhetoric being tossed around by a variety of my friends and family via the internet. I am not much of a blogger, and prefer not to place that label upon myself. However, I would like to commit to something right here and now. In the coming months

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-36569959837176593462010-03-10T07:58:00.000-08:002010-03-10T08:00:01.870-08:00

Saturday is the meeting at Trinity at which we will be examining our core values—who we are, deep down—those convictions in communal identity that, by in large, once articulated, will continue to resonate among the group as core values, and attract folks who find themselves in line with those values; folks who would like to be a part of a community that resonates with them, deep down, and brings

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-24663861049525354602010-02-11T10:50:00.000-08:002010-02-11T10:52:50.299-08:00

Hey all- I wrote this for the church for Lent. See if you dig it. Peace. Why do we not use Alleluia or Hallelujah during the season of Lent at First Trinity? Both of these words are transliterations of the Hebrew word הַלְּלוּיָהּ, which means, simply, Praise GOD! or Praise ye the Lord! in some older English translations. In the Hebrew Bible (1) as well as in the the book of Revelation (2), it

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-69887949344154453872010-01-18T12:07:00.000-08:002010-01-18T12:54:30.491-08:00

Sermon for the Second Sunday After Epiphany 1/17/2010 Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10 (8); 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11 Grace to you and peace... Pray. Jesus' first recounted miracle or Sign in the Gospel of John is the turning of water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana after (apparently) everyone there was already drunk. (Pause.) Jewish wedding feasts in first century Israel and

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-53203607989888453472010-01-11T16:46:00.000-08:002010-01-11T18:06:05.725-08:00

Baptism of Our Lord 2010 First Trinity, Chicago Pr. Tom Scriptures: Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 (3) Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Good Samaria Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Pray. Do you remember the story of the Good Samaritan? (tell the story): 25 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-7048373710374592322009-12-21T16:48:00.000-08:002009-12-21T16:57:23.826-08:00

A Christmas Letter to the folks at 1st Trinity. And anyone else: Fear no longer! I announce to you good news of great joy for all people. Today in the city of David a savior was born for you. He is Lord Messiah. -Luke 2:10-11 To God's Family at First Trinity: "Jesus Christ is Lord" reads a small wooden placard on top of the bookshelf in my office. It was given as a gift to me by a close

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-17498769271005405282009-12-11T15:28:00.000-08:002009-12-11T16:27:46.190-08:00

So, conversation incomplete, left wide open for change and challenge, here is what I speculate, at present, we the ekklesia, the congregated and the called out, in our cultural context, (among other things) have to offer: an invitation. Not into a system of beliefs. Not into conformity to a particular culture or tradition or spirituality or religion. An invitation. Not to follow us. Not to

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-78408762444285805732009-12-11T14:55:00.000-08:002009-12-11T14:55:49.544-08:00

At the very core of my own personal theological convictions in the story of Christmas. Yep. Christmas. The story not simply of the Incarnation or of the “taking on flesh” of God, but, more deeply, of God being born. That is to say, at the center of my own personal religious expression is the understanding—and my own personal experience—that where two or three or more are gathered: trusting or

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-10818505447716499782009-12-10T16:04:00.000-08:002009-12-10T16:55:14.807-08:00

So, soon—as in: next week, I, with the lovely people of First Trinity Chicago will be going out into the city streets, as ekklesia and as a congregation, handing out smiles, chocolates, and invitations to worship with us Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For any non-religious organization, this is a given—Christmas sales, Holiday Parties, etc., are commonplace. The invitations to communal

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-73534826285029392922009-12-10T14:43:00.000-08:002009-12-10T14:57:51.291-08:00

What if we arrived at a point in time and place where we realized much of what we had imported as “Good News” from other times and places had become so tarnished and sooty from the pollution of human past, and heilsgeschichte, in general, that the “good news,” thoroughly immersed in the nastiness of recent histories, had become, rather than a source of liberation and salvation, a source of

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-41428704701483880472009-12-10T13:54:00.000-08:002009-12-10T14:57:07.616-08:00

The word “evangelical,” from evangel, (Greek: eu + angelion), and the first word in ELCA, is often translated: “Good News,” “Good Message,” “Glad Tidings,” and so on. The English word Gospel, from “god” which meant “good,” and “spell” which meant “saying/news/word, etc.” (i.e. our modern word “spelling,”) is often properly used to translate the original Greek euangelion. The contemporary

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-1947958837554192602009-12-09T18:51:00.000-08:002009-12-10T14:56:29.587-08:00

Son, if you died tonight, do you know where you’d go? A kind-hearted middle-aged man asked me this question for the first time when I was in high school, many years ago. I remember the time and place, though neither of those matter much anymore. What is of consequence as I look back is that that man (if we might assume the very best of him), believed something deeply and thoroughly. And as

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-11439736097493144652009-11-13T16:08:00.001-08:002009-12-04T15:58:07.884-08:00

OK, friends... especially ELCA friends... i love that we love baptism and that we celebrate God's act through baptism in so many and varied ways and liturgies and so on. but sometimes i think "affirmation of baptism" is not the best liturgical rite for the welcoming of new members.. so here is one i wrote specifically for 1st Trinity. i think it'll work in our context :) peace. Welcome to

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-50038679879890851792009-08-17T15:37:00.001-07:002009-08-17T16:42:44.925-07:00

August 17, 2009, Eleventh Sunday after PentecostFirst Lutheran Church of the Trinity, Rev. Thomas R. GaulkeProverbs 9:1-6,Psalm 34:9-14 (10),`Ephesians 5:15-20,`John 6:51-58Intro/PRAY.Jesus’ message—the message of his parables, the message of his miracles,The message of his sermons: on mounts and planes, on seashores and in synagogues, Was a message of God’s radical and unrelenting love for all

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-22691137980237732022009-07-12T19:11:00.000-07:002009-07-12T19:47:10.624-07:00

A sermon from this past Resurrection day. I am forever indebted to my childhood pastor--Pastor Jim McCammon for the phrase "There is nothing you can do to make God love you more. There is nothing you can do to make God love you less." Without him, I would not know this phrase, and it would not be ingrained so deeply in my core. May he be the invaluable footnote to every usage. All right...

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-41115611431966154072009-03-14T13:03:00.000-07:002009-03-14T13:05:07.508-07:00

Sermon Lent 2B, RCL, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Psalm 22:23-31 (27) Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38Chicago, First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, Tom GualkeMarch 8, 2009According to Jesus,According to the Gospel writers,According to the early church mothers and fathers,And according to the Lutheran tradition to which this congregation belongs,The cross—a Roman instrument of torture and execution—Is

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-50209832981873421902009-02-02T22:09:00.001-08:002009-02-02T22:19:16.636-08:00

The following is from an eyes-closed session, read the week after our BS group at 1st Trinity finished studying (in depth) the whole Gospel of Matthew--a process that lasted over a year.Awesome.All lines/phrases/sentences/words are taken directly from Matthew--NRSV or my translation.Dig it.(Use freely, BUT if read aloud, PLEASE do not read the chapter headings,(i.e. chapter 1, chapter 2, etc.) as

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-33770815857888336842008-12-26T10:01:00.001-08:002008-12-28T12:39:00.914-08:00

Christmas Eve 2008; 7:00pmLessons and Carols—SermonFirst Lutheran Church of the Trinity, ChicagoThomas R GaulkeTonight we encounter the creator of the Universe.Tonight we encounter a helpless, crying, soiled baby boy.(pause).Lying in a feeding trough, on a bed of scratchy hay,Upon the saliva of mules (and) Among the smells of birth and a Palestinian Barn,(pause).Here,Our savior is born.(pause).

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-45381211156222513152008-11-28T22:22:00.000-08:002008-11-28T22:29:38.520-08:00

I. Confessions of SinIn Light of Liberation as Forgiveness, Forgiveness as Liberationa. L: Most Merciful and Life-Giving God,C1: As we come before you, we recognize Sin breathing heavily both upon us,and upon our world—C2: Sin which oppresses, dehumanizes,C1: humiliates and discriminates;C2: Sin that creates borders and erects walls:C1: between us and You;C2: between humans and other humans;C1:

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-49295237874262372172008-11-28T22:16:00.000-08:002008-11-28T22:50:58.585-08:00

November 26, 2008, First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, Chicago, Tom GaulkeThanksgiving Eve Service, 7pmPrimary texts: Deuteronomy 8:7-18; Luke 17:11-19 “He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan.”Let us pray…(pray).Thankfulness is a sacred action,Thankfulness is pleasing to God,Thanks-giving is a holy act,According to Holy Scriptures.(pause).In the act of

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-35629626501817269822008-11-12T06:25:00.000-08:002008-11-12T06:45:06.874-08:00

Once again friends, parts of this are notes, parts manuscript, but use your imagination to catch the drift. Peace!Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28Sermon for August 17, 2008, First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, Chicago, Thomas R GaulkeGrace to you and peace…Let us pray…(pray).Intro: Story of Unnamed man outside the SS bldg.The other day, I had to go up to the Social Security office.Had to pay for more

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-21546536960667521672008-11-11T22:13:00.001-08:002008-11-11T22:14:58.396-08:00

Okay friends, here is an older one.Part of it is just notes, so fill in with your imagination where needed.Peace!Epiphany 2008, 1/06/2008First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, Chicagotom gaulkeWe pick up today, in the Gospel of Matthew in chapter 2, starting with the story of the so-called “wise men,” or more appropriately magi, of which many of us have been singing throughout the holidays. I’m

Pastor Tom Gaulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17237206795632280844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765152232976835824.post-2126933968354469282008-11-11T21:07:00.000-08:002008-11-11T21:45:07.901-08:00

Sermon for 11/09/2008, First Lutheran Church of Trinity, Chicago.Thomas R Gaulke, MDivSpecial Occassion: Affirmation of Baptism/New Member Welcomed*****Baptism is a revolutionary act.In baptism, by using some water and some words, we act out God’s radical, irrational, and unfailing love for all of Creation.A love that breaks unexpectedly and dramatically into our lives and our communities.A love

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