On the morning after the election, I sent out a pastoral note that I called The Morning After. I received some very nice comments, and I deeply appreciated each person who took a minute or two to express their thanks. … Continue reading
Category Archives: Two Copper Coins
After what seemed like the campaign that would never end, the votes are counted, and the result is in. Across the nation, even around the world, some are happy and hopeful while others are disillusioned and sad. The church reflects … Continue reading
Dear sisters, brothers, friends and colleagues, The news that one of our colleagues had ended his own life has left me, and I’m sure many of you, staggering. By now I hope you have seen the announcement from the office … Continue reading
Not again. That was the first thought that entered my mind when I received the news about nine people dead at Mother Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, S.C. The killing of nine people, nine people who had … Continue reading
Pneuma. Breath. Spirit. Wind. Ruach. This past weekend I had the privilege of traveling to Kanab, Utah, to participate in the installation service for Marcia Meier as the pastor of the United Church of Kanab-Fredonia. Kanab is in southern Utah, … Continue reading
“When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.” Luke 8:35b, NIV They had never seen this before. Oh, … Continue reading
It’s Not About the Food I’m not a Revised Common Lectionary preacher by habit, but over the past two Sundays, I’ve preached from the epistle texts. So I found myself in First Corinthians. Let me insert here that I love … Continue reading
“What does your church believe?” Whenever someone asks me that question, I usually take a moment to ponder, “What does this person want to know?” Sometimes the question expresses curiosity. It comes out of a desire to know what makes … Continue reading
“Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11b (NASB) I think I was either 11 or 12 years old. On that Christmas morning, I opened a small package that contained a note. … Continue reading
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18. NRSV) Here in the United States, we pause on the journey from harvest to hibernation for a day of thanksgiving, … Continue reading