Author: cegr76

I am a United Methodist pastor in Washington State. All views here are my own, unless otherwise noted.
moral monday

Moral Foundations for Living in Trump’s America (Part 2 of 3)

In thinking about how to live in Trump’s America, I am thinking through moral foundations that will guide subsequent actions and stances. What are the spiritual nonnegotiable bases for how to live. The 3 foundations I have identified, based on my spiritual and religious upbringing, are love, truth and grace (coming January 16). The Foundation of Truth Burnt Fingers and Too Many M&Ms Truth is … Continue reading Moral Foundations for Living in Trump’s America (Part 2 of 3)

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Orchards, Uncategorized

A Sermon on Epiphany

On January 6, the second-most important day in the Christian calendar was celebrated. Did you have an Epiphany celebration on Friday? Epiphany rightfully belongs in the upper tier of Christian holy days. It is as important as Christmas day. And western Christianity has lost something in forgetting the Epiphany. Epiphany predates Christmas. It commemorates the ways Jesus is ‘revealed’ or manifested among us…meaning when we … Continue reading A Sermon on Epiphany

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moral monday

Moral Foundations for Living in Trump’s America (Part 1 of 3)

With the impending inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States of America, I feel the urgency of my faith like never before. By ‘the urgency of my faith’ I mean its usefulness in guiding who I will be and how I will act now that Mr. Trump will rule the land. I think I would still be alarmed by Mr. Trump without … Continue reading Moral Foundations for Living in Trump’s America (Part 1 of 3)

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Blog

What Christians and Americans can Learn from Judaism

then you shall say to your children, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. I’m thinking of this line in Deuteronomy. God’s people are regularly reminded that they were once slaves in Egypt. This reality is encoded in their law and enshrouded in their holidays. The reality of slavery even informed Jews of their inhumane … Continue reading What Christians and Americans can Learn from Judaism

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Blog, Uncategorized

Daisy

At 5:30am our beloved kitty Daisy let out an odd growl/yelp. I initially thought she had caught a rodent or something, though that is completely against her character. When I found her in the closet she was toppled over against the wall. I eased her into a more comfortable position and with a few gasps, she died. She was 10 years old. She was a lovely … Continue reading Daisy

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Theology Matters, Uncategorized

Yes, Your Theology Matters, Even to a 7-year old

In conversation with another parent, my wife and I shared that we are pastors (you never know how that’s going to go). A few minutes later she asked us what our week is like. As we started to describe what we had been doing, I felt an empowering assurance that we were both doing worthwhile things and that they were absolutely appropriate for a pastor. She … Continue reading Yes, Your Theology Matters, Even to a 7-year old

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