Tag: church

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Memorials at General Conference 2020/2024

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

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My Favorite Moment 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

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Why I Have Hope for 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

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Why I’m Staying in the Church

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

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DON’T SOUR

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

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Theological Thursday

Tradition as a Spiritual Foundation

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

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The Body of Christ in the None Zone

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

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Bible Leads

Bible Leads: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

TEXT Luke 15:1-3; 11b-32 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the … Continue reading Bible Leads: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

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