David Petersen Journalist Profile

Articles

The “Art” of Tire-Changing

1 month ago | adventuremotorcycle.com | Susan Johnson |David Petersen

As motorcycle overlanders and backcountry riders, one thing we need to master is the “art” of tire changing. Whether it’s fixing a flat, replacing a worn tire, or swapping it with another type, this is one skill you don’t want to leave home without. Our two-part series focuses on in-the-field tips and tricks for getting non-motorcycle-specific tires off and on their rims—as quickly, and effortlessly as possible. Over the last three years, we’ve gathered and tested virtually everything out there.
Gottedienst Reception Wed Jan 22 Ft. Wayne — Gottesdienst

Jan 11, 2025 | gottesdienst.org | David Petersen

Gottesdienst will host a reception on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ft. Wayne from 6:30pm until 9:00 pm. Beer, wine, and some spirits will be provided by the generosity of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. There will also be snacks! The real purpose, though, is not to eat and drink but for all of us, the Gottesdienst Crowd, to mingle. There will be a smattering of editors and bloggers on hand as well, to include, at least Eckardt, Scamman, Fabrizius, and me.
Letter to the editor | Hopefully, Inclined Plane will be up soon

Dec 27, 2024 | tribdem.com | David Petersen

After a three-year closure, we’re now told the Inclined Plane should be running sometime in 2025. We hope this is true. After Johnstown lost its steel mills, our Inclined Plane was something Johnstown was known for – not just floods. We could brag about it and take visitors for a ride. Should the repairs be successful, Johnstown should remove the scrap of metal on the hillside. It detracts from the beautiful hillside the Inclined Plane traverses. David PetersenJohnstown
A Sermon for St. Barbara or an Apology for Fantastical Martyr Tales — Gottesdienst

Dec 4, 2024 | gottesdienst.org | David Petersen

A Sermon on St. Barbara, Martyr, December 4, 2024St. Matthew 25:1-13In the Name of the Father and of the +Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The story of St. Barbara follows a typical martyr pattern until the very end. She is a young virgin whose conversion to Christianity enrages her father. He turns her over to the magistrate. She will not recant and is sentenced to death. They make multiple attempts to kill her but they fail due to Divine intervention. At last her own father beheads her.
Wanted: Boring Pastors — Gottesdienst

Dec 1, 2024 | gottesdienst.org | David Petersen

This 16 minute TED talk by Management historian Martin Gutmann helps explain why we often look for the wrong things in pastors. Particularly when we are hiring, we like stories and drama more than competence. At the district and synod level we like programs even though we pretend we don’t. In any case, Gutman does a nice job in this Ted Talk on Boring Leadership that can easily teach us what to look for in pastors. It is worth your time and contemplation.
Gottesdienst Events during Symposia Week 2025 in Ft. Wayne — Gottesdienst

Nov 23, 2024 | gottesdienst.org | David Petersen

Despite the fact that I will be leading a Lent preaching workshop at CTS, we will still hold a Super Winkel on Monday January 20 for those who arrive in town early for the Symposia. If you’d like to attend the preaching workshop you must register with the Seminary. If you would like to come to the Winkel, just show up. We will also hold receptions Monday through Thursday. The receptions will run on Monday through Wednesday from 6:00-9:30.
Paradox? What Paradox?

Nov 22, 2024 | medium.com | David Petersen

David Petersen·Follow2 min read·--Quantum Physics (and a bit of Special Relativity) and the Simulation HypothesisAssume that the Great Coder intended that a civilization of simulated entities experience a universe governed by Newtonian physics. And that being just a bit more resourceful and inquisitive than expected, said civilization managed to transcend the rules of the game, and lift the veil ever so slightly to reveal the limitations of the hardware itself.
NY Times "protecting" violence to children — Gottesdienst

Nov 7, 2024 | gottesdienst.org | David Petersen

Below is a graph in today’s NT Times. It is illustrating from their perspective how yesterday’s votes effected babies. Basically, babies lost. The issue is should every adult in the US have the “right” for 10 minutes or so of pleasure which will paid for by the violent sacrifice of a innocent child.
How Lutherans Should Read the Bible — Gottesdienst

Oct 31, 2024 | gottesdienst.org | David Petersen

I was interviewed by Rev. Bryan Stecker during the Bugenhagen conference for his podcast On the Line this past August. It was a delightful experience. Stecker has created a long-form podcast with interviews only done in person. The podcasts are available as audio on all the usual platforms but also as videos on Youtube. This whole concept was new to me but I am told he didn’t invent it. Nonetheless, he seems to deserve the credit for bringing it to Lutheranism.
Pastors at Prayer — Gottesdienst

Oct 26, 2024 | gottesdienst.org | David Petersen

Prayer is an integral part of the Holy Ministry. It is part of the ordination vows. I cannot imagine how any pastor would fulfill this promise without a list. I realize that the ordination vow doesn’t mandate the frequency of the prayers not dictate that the prayers be specific or by name but I think that is the spirit of the if. I think the expectation is intercessory prayer, by name and need as they are known, and probably at least weekly. I don’t know how to do that systematically without a list.