Sermon by Reverend Dr. John W. Mann | January 2, 2022 Whatever happened to New Year’s Resolutions? They used to give us something to think about during the first few weeks of January. This year – I’m going to exercise more – take up a new hobby – actually write those thank you notes. That…

Sermon by Reverend Dr. John W. Mann | December 26, 2021 Matthew 2:1-12 Have you ever sought an answer, when you weren’t even sure of the question? Have you ever followed a hunch, trusting that it would lead you to the right outcome? Have you ever had a dream so real, that upon waking, you…

Sermon by Reverend Dr. John W. Mann | December 19, 2021 Luke 1 Today’s story is called, “God Remembers,” or “How John the Baptist Got His Name.” That covers the “Who” and “What” of the story. When and Where are when Herod was king of Judea. The stage is set. Herod was called “Herod the…

Sermon by Reverend Dr. John W. Mann | December 5, 2021 Luke 3:1-6 People will ask, “Are you ready for the holidays?” have you made the necessary preparations – bought the needed ingredients – organized your special dish – ordered that special gift? Are you ready for the holidays on a different level – to…

Sermon by Reverend Dr. John W. Mann | November 28, 2021 The Book of Ruth Today is the first Sunday in Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas. We use this time to reflect on the meaning of God entering the world in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. We begin today with a…

Sermon by Reverend Dr. John W. Mann | November 21, 2021 John 18:33-38 In my role as a parish minister, I conducted a lot of funerals. In one year, I had 68 funerals. For each funeral, I would meet with the families and loved ones of those who died, to try and get some sense…

Sermon by Reverend Dr. John W. Mann | November 7, 2021 Isaiah 43:1-7 I was 16 years old when I saw the film, “2001 A Space Odyssey.” It made me wonder what life would be like in the year 2001, when I would be 47 years old. Would we really be going to work in…

Sermon by Reverend Dr. John W. Mann | October 31, 2021 Mark 12:28-34 In the winter of 1980, I started driving from the Twin Cities up to lead worship in the Presbyterian Churches at Round Lake and Tamarack. I was finishing seminary and looking for work. The churches had been vacant for a long time…

Sermon by Reverend Dr. John W. Mann | October 24, 2021 Mark 10:46-52 “Objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear.” That statement appears on the side mirrors of some cars; older cars. My 2019 Subaru Outback is the first car I ever purchased brand new. I hadn’t even owned a car for…

Sermon by Reverend Dr. John W. Mann | October 17, 2021 Mark 10:35-45 My brother Joe once offered me some career advice. That’s what big brothers do. I was getting ready to leave after three years in my first parish and was trying to figure out where to go next. I remember Joe’s advice went…