The story of Gabriel and Mary is remarkable. Zechariah and Elizabeth were selected for being “righteous before God.” There is no indication from Luke that Mary was all that good of a person. She was chosen for really mysterious reasons. At best, she was engaged to a man descended from David. That makes it prophetically convenient to choose Mary. Nevertheless, Gabriel certifies that Mary has … Continue reading Page One–Gabriel and Mary
I have become really appreciative of United Methodeviations. Dan Dick’s blog usually features some of the best writing in United Methodism. I also appreciate his UM-specific focus. Recently, he told an all-too-familiar story of a young clergyperson leaving ‘the ministry’. She was the kind of pastor the church desperately needs…community focused, passionate, intelligent, committed to quality and articulate. She has since taken on directorship of … Continue reading Wrong Picture Retake
I stepped off of the pulpit area to speak to the congregation. This is not totally unusual. But on this particular Sunday, the priestly role blurs with the pastoral role. I am still called to lead, to help others pray, confess, praise, repent, convert, sanctify and serve. Today, though, the topic was a prickly one: money. Strangely, the passage around which we worshiped is one … Continue reading Money Matters in Church
So I have been hosting my quarterly sit-down with the lectionary, to schedule out worship for Advent and Epiphany. Firstly, it is weird to think about Epiphany in October. The colors in the leaves and the Indian Summer taking place about now is quite different from the black, gray and white of January. I am still going through my current preaching sweep and enjoying this … Continue reading Lectionary Preaching
“Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him.” –John 6:66– Beware Preacher! of ever using a quotation from Jesus to illustrate a matter within the pastoral trade. We are not shepherds, but sheep dogs at best. But it is nice to know that the shepherd, despite St. John’s penchant for idealizing the Lord and his work, actually … Continue reading Good Company
On my current ear infection and related matters of life and ministry. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice! Last Monday I called my general practitioner seeking help for clogged up ears. I heard the nurse on the other end inform me that the doctor’s … Continue reading Listening
What do I say about greatness? I feel as though greatness is not really for me. And like John, I wonder if deep down inside, I just want thanked—by God, by the UMC, by my congregations. In fact, it is rarely “deep down”. And perhaps that is the problem. This trade is so belief oriented, that one does not get satisfaction from the paycheck—though mine … Continue reading Page One: Mark 9:30-37
Betrayal You can bet on it- Fearful silence In middle Grown-ups are scary- But for one Photo: “More Cheeky Kids” by spdl_n1 Continue reading Lectionary Haikus: Greatness
This is a draft of a post I was going to publish in September. There are some thoughts here that, though no longer current, are worth archiving. I am one week behind on the lectionary. So this week I am studying up on Mark 9:30-37. I am finding a lot of good stuff there. I am also trying out a new sermon prep process. Well, … Continue reading On the Cusp of Greatness
8:00AM–Leave for churches. Drop bulletins into 2 of 3. Pray in one. Scramble because I forgot my childrens’ message prop. 9:00AM–Church 1–Our only nonagenarian arrives as we pass the peace. She is stopped by a sea of hugs, handshakes and well-wishes. This group is so warm and loving. Out of 18 in attendance, we had 3 children <9, one aged 94, one twenty-something (who herself … Continue reading Office Hours
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