Early Morning…Rally Day at the High School I began the day with a rally for staff and faculty of the school district. It included band, cheerleaders, Folklorico dancers. We introduced new teachers and staff and heard a moving presentation of our new district Strategic Plan. I chatted with one of the new para-educators at Centennial Elementary (I recognized her t-shirt) as well as the media … Continue reading A Monday in Ministry
Dear Mr. Rubio, While I know you have plenty of mean critics, I assure you that I write this with loving concern specifically for you. You don’t have to do what you’re currently doing. Part of being an American is having the freedom to walk away from something that is not good for you. You can do this at any time. Every time I see … Continue reading Letters to Trump: An Open Letter to Marco Rubio about Zacchaeus
Empathy is just loving one’s neighbor. It is feeling their circumstances. It is seeing their dignity and sacred worth in the midst of life’s ups and downs. It is not a sin. It is a gift from God. One cannot be too loving of another. Consider the child at school who’s learning the ABCs in a different language. Mom and Dad fled violence back home, … Continue reading The Miracle of Empathy
Luke 9:28-36 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which … Continue reading Bible Leads: Transfiguration: Luke 9:28-36
I love the benediction for a Wedding in the United Methodist Book of Worship. Bear witness to the love of God in this world,so that those to whom love is a strangerwill find in you generous friends. That might be the essence of the faith at this point: who God is, how we’re supposed to be, a poignant take on the human dilemma, and what … Continue reading Wedded to God
This summer, I was invited to apply for an open position on our local school board. An elected official resigned her position, three of us applied for the position and were interviewed. I was selected over two other excellent candidates. Since then, I have jumped into the dense world of public school systems. Dense because I knew it was complex…but I didn’t really know how … Continue reading My First 100 Days: Highlights and Challenges as a Beginner on the local school board
Matthew 22:15-22 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is … Continue reading Bible Leads: Matthew 22:15-22: Taxes
24 October 2024 One of Wesley’s daily examination questions states: “Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?” Why yes I am! Thanks for asking. I recently heard of the concept of self-compassion. In looking at Wesley’s question, I find that perhaps self-compassion ought to be added to the list. There was a moment when I thought it ought to replace the entire list. As I examine … Continue reading Wesley’s Daily Questions: Self-what?
Preaching Leads are ideas for preaching on a particular text in the Bible. Today’s text is Matthew 10:1-15. I share both general techniques as well as specific applications. Today’s scripture is about Jesus sending out the 12 disciples to “proclaim the good news.” It is a rich scene with several opportunities for preaching. Scripture Outline These Newfangled Powers The first thing Jesus empowers his disciples … Continue reading Preaching Leads: Jesus Commissions the Disciples
A LOT happened at General Conference. I was there for much of the second week, even for most of the headlining moments. But in the midst of all the hoopla was a petition that touched me on so many levels. This petition, (Petition number 21027) was about encouraging Annual Conferences to provide ways for disaffiliated, former United Methodists to return to the denomination. On one … Continue reading My Favorite Moment at General Conference 2020/2024
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