What’s your church kitchen like? The church kitchen at Mount Vernon is “certified”. I thought that was a bit crazy to be honest. It certainly needs to be managed to stay “certified”. Otherwise, it’s fairly standard. The refrigerator requires those wooden-wedged door-stops to keep from rolling out into the memorial garden. Lately, we’ve been eating together a lot more. It kinda began in 2024 when … Continue reading On the Church Kitchen
One of the highlights of attending a portion of General Conference 2020/2024 was to worship with the global church. The house band was excellent, often beginning a familiar hymn then singing it in French and Korean. There were several guest musicians including a Filipino choir, a large choir from a neighboring church and several Native American delegates singing Hallelujahs in their native language and scale. … Continue reading Memorials at General Conference 2020/2024
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
Dear Church, As General Conference 2020/2024 opens in Charlotte, I wanted to share why I have hope for the church. Let me begin by saying I am a friend and lover of the church. It has taught me everything I’ve ever learned about faith, hope and love. (It has also been the venue for tremendous ugliness, but that’s for another post on another day.) Please … Continue reading Why I Have Hope for General Conference 2020/2024
There are many articles floating around these days detailing reasons why clergy are leaving the church. In an online discussion of one of them I asked “Are there any studies about why people stay?” Seeing none, I offer my own current perspective. This is not to rebut those who are leaving, though I will probably address similar ideas. Ministry is complex and there are many … Continue reading Why I’m Staying in the Church
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
Since marrying almost 11 years ago, I have entered the realm of another family’s traditions. It’s nothing new. Ever since Cain met that girl from somewhere else, family traditions have always come and gone and evolved. As a child, I never thought much of the traditions of my family. They seemed plain and were less taught than assumed. During holy seasons, you went home, gathered … Continue reading Tradition as a Spiritual Foundation
What I love about church in the None Zone: No cultural Christianity: They’re is no civic version of the religion telling you what Christianity is (ie. Patriotism, gender roles, etc.) Deliberate choice to be in church: We’ve all heard the None’s reasonings and have decided to pursue Jesus anyhow. This makes for a stronger church member. None’s keep us honest and transparent: Some of the None’s reasonings are … Continue reading The Body of Christ in the None Zone
TEXT Luke 7:36-50 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe … Continue reading Bible Leads: Luke 7:36-50
TEXT John 1:35-42 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means … Continue reading Bible Leads: John 1:35-42
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