Category: Blog
Reducing Phone Usage: My Lent Challenge
At New Years, I did the thing I always do: I set a very ambitious program of self-improvement. A reading schedule, a writing goal, a walking routine, a strength-training regimen, etc. Last week, I found the chart I created to track it all. I have failed at most of it. So for Lent, I just decided to focus on one thing: reducing my phone usage. … Continue reading Reducing Phone Usage: My Lent Challenge
On Africa University, a reflection from General Conference 2020/2024
One more reflection from my time at General Conference 2020. On Monday, April 29, we heard a moving report on Africa University. It was founded in 1994 by United Methodists as a way to lift the entire continent in a substantial way. It’s founding was a dream 100+ years in the making. Is it the last major mission project we’ve completed? I couldn’t help but … Continue reading On Africa University, a reflection from General Conference 2020/2024
Memorials at General Conference 2020/2024
One of the highlights of attending a portion of General Conference 2020/2024 was to worship with the global church. The house band was excellent, often beginning a familiar hymn then singing it in French and Korean. There were several guest musicians including a Filipino choir, a large choir from a neighboring church and several Native American delegates singing Hallelujahs in their native language and scale. … Continue reading Memorials at General Conference 2020/2024
Monday at United Methodist General Conference 2020/2024
Today, I sat in on the first day of the last week of The General Conference of the United Methodist Church 2020/2024. Last week, delegates spent time in Legislative Committees pouring over nearly 1200 petitions. Much work has been passed out of committee and passed on the floor via consent calendar; notably, many petitions relating to “regionalization” of our church passed with little resistance. Today … Continue reading Monday at United Methodist General Conference 2020/2024
Why I Have Hope for General Conference 2020/2024
Dear Church, As General Conference 2020/2024 opens in Charlotte, I wanted to share why I have hope for the church. Let me begin by saying I am a friend and lover of the church. It has taught me everything I’ve ever learned about faith, hope and love. (It has also been the venue for tremendous ugliness, but that’s for another post on another day.) Please … Continue reading Why I Have Hope for General Conference 2020/2024
Why I’m Staying in the Church
There are many articles floating around these days detailing reasons why clergy are leaving the church. In an online discussion of one of them I asked “Are there any studies about why people stay?” Seeing none, I offer my own current perspective. This is not to rebut those who are leaving, though I will probably address similar ideas. Ministry is complex and there are many … Continue reading Why I’m Staying in the Church
Mariachi and Me
The Beauty of our Local Mariachi Program On Cinco de Mayo, our school district hosted a Mariachi concert. It was a packed-house free show for the community. The local mariachi teacher is the newly-crowned Washington State Music Teacher of the Year. The first portion of the show was the presenting of the award as well as some scholarship to mariachi students. At the first, I … Continue reading Mariachi and Me
Church Lessons from the COVID Era
The world has been upended by the emergence of COVID-19 in late 2019. The changes it has wrought in our world are unprecedented in my lifetime. The loss of life has been staggering and personal. The loss of security is also profound. Furthermore, people’s faith in institutions and trust in each other has cratered! What is your go-to metaphor for this season we’ve endured? Is … Continue reading Church Lessons from the COVID Era
Garage Church
Prolific 1980s pop philosopher William R Joel once said “Life is a series of Hellos and Good-byes. I’m afraid it’s time for Good-bye again.” Itinerant ministers become accustomed to saying Good-bye, it’s my turn again. I know these things stretch out and get annoying before they’re done. There is often a little bit of relief when the day to leave finally arrives: at least you … Continue reading Garage Church
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