Perkatory: Why I am Thinking about My Dream Church
Why am I thinking about My Dream Church? Continue reading Perkatory: Why I am Thinking about My Dream Church
Category: Blog
Bible Leads: Luke 24:36b-48
The Text Luke 24:36b-48 While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened (see: fear in Luke), and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that … Continue reading Bible Leads: Luke 24:36b-48
Itineracy and God’s Calling in Your Life
Here is my struggle: I feel God’s calling in my life. I feel a great sense of responsibility to it. Being responsible to my calling is being responsible and faithful to God. It’s that serious for me. I know others, not exclusive to clergy, have a similar view. But, under an episcopal system such as United Methodism, my calling is subject to the system of itineracy, whereby … Continue reading Itineracy and God’s Calling in Your Life
Notes from My Easter Sermon
Just some notes from my sermon this past Easter, April 5, 2015. Preached at Sunnyside United Methodist Church, Portland, OR. Scripture: Mark 16:1-8 I must not believe in resurrection, if I did… Wouldn’t worry Money | Security | Reputation | Future Wouldn’t fear speaking up against things that angered me. Racism | Terrorism | Disdain for the poor Wouldn’t shun the sadness around me Homeless … Continue reading Notes from My Easter Sermon
Bible Leads: John 20:19-31
The Text John 20:19-31 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they … Continue reading Bible Leads: John 20:19-31
This Day
This park bench. This sunny sky. This pond overlook. This Thursday of holiness. This escape from work. This unsuccessful escape from worry. This break from job description reading. This pause in phantom interview taking. This poem reminding me I have a job. This booklet begging to be filled. This mind full of concern. This soul bereft of friendship. This theology challenged by crucifixion. This humility … Continue reading This Day
Perkatory: The Principles and Practices of My Dream Church
This is part of a series I’m writing about My Dream Church. My Dream Church is a Cafe Church (not a church with a cafe). See the Introduction here. A church is only as good as the principles on which it stands. I want to be part of a church whose principles I am proud to recite and uphold. Our principles are based on our beliefs … Continue reading Perkatory: The Principles and Practices of My Dream Church
Perkatory: An Introduction to My Dream Church
“Describe the Nature and Mission of the church. What are its primary tasks today?” Candidates for Ordination in the United Methodist Church are asked this question. It is a good question. In reviewing how I addressed that question 3 years ago, I still believe a lot of the things I said. “The nature of the church is like that of Jesus Christ, the one it … Continue reading Perkatory: An Introduction to My Dream Church
Opportunities for West Virginia Now that Don Blankenship has been Indicted: Seeing what Good Government can do and Voting Accordingly
With the indictment of Don Blankenship for violating Mine Safety regulations leading to the deaths of 29 miners at the Upper Big Branch mine, comes several opportunities for West Virginia in particular and central Appalachia as a whole. I’m sharing a series of these reflections for your consideration. Opportunity: To Adopt a Better View of Government On Good Government I know West Virginia, you have good … Continue reading Opportunities for West Virginia Now that Don Blankenship has been Indicted: Seeing what Good Government can do and Voting Accordingly
Paid Family Leave and My Experience in The United Methodist Church
This is a tale of two Family Leaves. Paid family leave changed my life. It allowed the most hallowed moment of my life to make me a better person. I am forever grateful to be employed by an organization who answered the paid family leave question decades ago. And yet, I experienced the anxiety that many Americans are expressing now after President Obama entered the conversation during his … Continue reading Paid Family Leave and My Experience in The United Methodist Church
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