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. I have been thinking about My Dream Church, a cafe church called Perkatory. This series is allowing me to think and rethink church, and update my understanding of what a church is and what it does. Perkatory … Continue reading Perkatory: Discipleship at My Dream Church
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
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 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
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
“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
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
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
Last November a grand jury indicted Don Blankenship (wiki), former CEO of Massey Energy (wiki) for crimes leading up to the Upper Big Branch mine explosion in April 2010. Twenty-nine miners lost their lives that day. Two miners escaped the explosion. See coverage of the explosion here, here and here (great index of official documents) and reports on the indictment here, here and here. I am … Continue reading Opportunities for West Virginia Now that Don Blankenship has been Indicted (Introduction)
It’s Black History Month. It’s important to observe it. It’s important to remember and learn and recommit to eradicating racism. One part of my observation of Black History Month is an examination of White Privilege. I am examining it as a cultural phenomenon, for sure. But I am more interested in examining it as a reality I experience. I want to know the privilege around … Continue reading A Cure for White Privilege? (Introduction)
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