I’m in El Paso because there is a crisis of humanity here. I am here to pay witness to the clashing of human values-both divine and evil. I’m here because I have longed to come here since seeing and reading about and hearing about children in squalid conditions in our detention centers. Then the invitation came to Rev. Dr. William Barber. And he shared the … Continue reading Why I’m in El Paso
Sunday Worship, begun Lenten series, looked at the reality of evil. Monday Began Lenten Study on We Make the Road by Walking. Had 15 people begin the study. Tuesday Breakfast with Friends of the Carpenter, local homeless outreach/woodworking shop ministry. Won this beautiful hand-turned chalice and paten. Also saw an Olympic gold medal courtesy of Roni Sasaki! Long but good day with District Committee on … Continue reading This Week in Ministry
Dear Church, Sorry this is a day late. A month from today, the United Methodist Church will be almost half-way through General Conference 2019, the process whereby we will determine our church’s position on matters of human sexuality. That position will be consequential. In my research to understand the deep ramifications of General Conference 2019, I came across this article about the various petitions that … Continue reading Praying for GC 2019 Pt 3
Dear Church, As I shared in last week’s Sower article, I am asking us to pray for General Conference 2019 taking place in St. Louis February 23-26. This General Conference will address the church’s stances on issues of human sexuality amidst a climate of serious division. It’s hard to pray in the darkness of ignorance and I am aware that this may seem very new … Continue reading Praying for GC 2019
Mary’s visit to Elizabeth is the meeting of two prophesies: one of John, one of Jesus. It is the upending of conventional means of power. Two women of particular scorn have come together. One was barren: a sign of cursed-ness. One was pregnant outside of marriage: a sign of sinfulness. Two undesireables are now harboring the greatest secret in the history of the known universe. … Continue reading Mary + Elizabeth = Good Trouble
At Order of Elders, we were invited to share a word or phrase that epitomizes our calling. I couldn’t think of a scripture. But I eventually fell to a piece of advice given to me by the right person at the right time. I was accepted to seminary when I came across an opportunity to apply for a program with the World Council of Churches. … Continue reading DON’T SOUR
Turn in Your Pre-Conference Journal to page… Is there a statistic anywhere of LGBTQ+ clergy who have fled the UMC for other denominations or other fields of service? I suspect not. I further suspect that there is no accounting for the LGBTQ+ laity we have lost to other denominations as a result of the ongoing consternation over including LGBTQ+ people in the denomination. I ask … Continue reading Immeasurable Loss
Sunday 5/20 Had an okay worship: preached on Pentecost with a German + audience participation rendering of the scripture. Lots of people away. Welcomed Jennifer Beeks (Family Community Resource Center Director at Orchards Elementary School) to speak at our potluck. Shared about her work and the kids that will be coming to us through Project Transformation. I am amazed at the work FCRCs do and … Continue reading This Week in Ministry
or What the Council of Jerusalem can tell us about General Conference 2019. Introduction After Easter, I’ve been exploring Acts with my congregation. The concept was ‘let’s see what people did with the news that Jesus rose from the dead’. The second understanding was that Pentecost gave the Holy Spirit-the fiery courage to take the gospel to all the world, but the resurrection of Jesus … Continue reading Council of St. Louis?
The best part of my work week was spending 40 minutes with a principal in my church’s school district. Her school has no church partners and I was there to see if we could be a potential partner for them. She’s been principal for 11 years and is a solid leader. She told me a ton about her school. They have adopted 1-to-1 technology where … Continue reading Schools are for Learning
