June 17, 2020 Dear Church, We are not “there” yet, but I do feel we are our way toward finding our new normal. Things will likely never be the same after our experiences with COVID-19, but I do believe that we will come out of this experience stronger and with a clearer understanding of…
News and Events
Re-Entry
Ministry, like many jobs, has elements for which you cannot prepare. I remember some of those early ministry opportunities like the first funeral I officiated, or the first wedding. Sure, we talked about how to design the services during seminary. But, that is mainly a theoretical exercise. The thing about those ministry experiences is that…
COVID-19 Recovery Plan
Dear Church, I want to begin by offering you my sincere and heartfelt thanks. During these past weeks you have continued to be faithful in your support of our church, and our joint mission in the world. Many of us are deeply missing the fellowship and connections we experience when we gather for in-person worship…
Looking Ahead
I, like many of you, am sitting here at the end of April sensing loss. There is a part of me that wants to stay positive for everyone else. But there is another part of me which deeply longs for this time to be over. One of the things I have learned to appreciate about…
What a Difference a Month Makes
Just a month ago I was writing you looking forward to a full and vibrant Holy Week celebration. We were busy preparing for worship which would have been very similar to what we have experienced in the past. Now, we are uncertain when we will be able to gather in one place to worship next….
Response to COVID-19
Dear Church, These are anxious and uncertain times. As the threat of COVID-19 has permeated the news, internet, and public conscious, I have thought again and again of the Psalmist’s lamentation in the 121st Psalm: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?” I, too, lift my eyes to God…
Engaging another Perspective
Recently during worship, I mentioned something I am trying this year. I thought it may be helpful to explain my plan, and the reasons behind it, more fully. You could call it a New Year’s Resolution if you like. For me, however, it is more of an intentional process of engaging different perspectives. During this…
Whose Church Is It?
Whose Church is it? Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things,…
An Open Table
I recently have heard a story which breaks my heart for a number of reasons. However, as sad as the story is, it also brings me a sense of hope for us as a community of faith. The story is that Joe Biden, former Vice-President and candidate for President, was denied communion because of one…
Transformed Vision
He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ. Ephesians…