Note: I wrote this for my church blog, but thought it might resonate outside of those circles as well. Mom. Dad. Grandma. Poppa. Sister. Brother. Wife. Husband. Aunt. Uncle. Daughter. Son. Friend. These are some of the names given those who died recently. It has been a difficult week in the life of our church …
Category: Christianity
Prayers for #EarthDay
Yes, I know Earth Day was a couple days ago. If it helps, think of these as prayers for Earth Week instead. However, given that the carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is already at 400 parts per million - and given that the maximum safe level of carbon dioxide parts per million is just 350 …
‘Final Words’ chapter 5
"I thirst." My Thursday group really resonated with this chapter, with those simple words from Jesus. To them (and, largely, to me as well), the group found "I thirst" a good follow up to last week/chapter's "my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?". That is, for our group Jesus expressing thirst expressed his …
‘Final Words’ Chapter 4
"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" The most important words ever spoken. These words of Jesus from the cross are found in both the gospel of Mark and the gospel of Matthew; and in turn are originally from Psalm 22. And at least from a Christian's perspective of the atonement, they are the …
Lenten Book Study, ‘Final Words from the Cross’
Been way too long since I posted here. Of late, my blogging has been focused on stuff for my congregation, so I haven't cross-posted. But this week I changed my mind. Maybe my reflections from our Lenten book study on Adam Hamilton's Final Words from the Cross will interest a wider audience? I have no idea; guess …
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Bad debate
Last week we were treated to excellent content on the relationship between faith and science, first from Deacon Beth's column and then the music, prayers, and Pastor Jim's sermon in worship. In our youth ministries we spent the month of January examining that same relationship, utilizing the experiences of some of our congregation's scientists (THANKS …
The Gospel According to Thor #sermon
You might think that putting up a sermon is the easiest kind of post. I mean, really, the content is already created, how hard could it be? Yet, somehow, it never ends up being that easy for me. Once again, here it is Thursday and I'm just now posting my sermon from this past Sunday …
Match Game: a Christianity21 Quiz #c21denver
Last week I attended Christianity 21, an excellent and fun conference organized by the incomparable JoPa Group. It is a conference ostensibly offered for those of the (E)(e)merg(ing/ence/ent) persuasion. Whatever that means anymore. Based on my experience at this gathering, it means something along the lines of, "smart, compassionate, diverse people who want their Christian faith …
Continue reading Match Game: a Christianity21 Quiz #c21denver
God in the midst
It seems to me that a lot of us relish these days after Christmas. As much as we might love gathering with family, exchanging gifts, and sharing meals, there is often as sense of relief that, as we often say, "we made it through" the holiday. We breath a collective sigh of relief and relax …
Changes for the Holidays
"One word can bring you round" To say that change is difficult is no kind of insight. We know this is true. Yet change comes to us all and sometimes even proves to be a Good Thing. This fall our wonderful partners at the West Suburban Community Pantry changed how they distribute food boxes at Thanksgiving …
All That I Can't Leave Unsaid 