Book rec and priority check

Our congregation decided this year to use the stewardship program “Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” by Adam Hamilton. I ordered one study guide and the program book, and I have been thrilled with what I’ve seen so far.If you’re looking for a program for your church, whatever the size,I highly recommend this one.
The [...]

Sermon: “Measuring what we don’t have”

“Measuring what we don’t have”
(July 26, 2009) Like the people of Israel, wandering in the desert, like the disciples of Jesus, trying to feed a multitude with a handful of bread and a couple fish, we are slow to believe that God’s abundance will be enough for us. We live instead in a mindset [...]

All means, well, All.

Up for debate in United Methodist Conferences around the world this month: who can decide which people are allowed membership in a local United Methodist Church. The ammendment to the UMC’s Constitution, which passed General Conference in 2008 and now must pass 2/3 of all Conferences by a 2/3 vote stipulates that no one can [...]

Parting thoughts

I’m off to Troy Annual Conference, where I’m sure I’ll spend plenty of time blogging, tweeting, updating facebook status, and oh yeah doing exciting things like legislation and preaching to a huge audience and getting ordained.
I love conference.
But before I go, this happy thought from tonight’s Finance Committee portion of our Church Council/Finance Committee meeting.
First [...]

Finding Jesus Update

I did find Jesus today.
First of all, I found my actor to portray Jesus (and a robe for him to wear).
And I went to a slew of meetings, including two back-to-back at the church (worship and Staff-Parish), and ended up feeling really great about the vision and progress and excitement of the members of those [...]

Great meetings

Meetings are one of those things that go up and down in the church where I serve. Sometimes, the Lay Leader and I are the only ones who show up, and we spend about twenty minutes staring at each other and then go home. On those nights, I feel horribly discouraged, like there’s something missing [...]

Ministry Area Night

Monday night was the mega meeting night I’d been planning.
We had 18 people, which for our congregation is really good turnout to a meeting night. We gathered for dinner at 6 (next time if we do it in the evening, we will start at 5:30, because families with kids need to eat earlier and we [...]

New Models in Church Leadership

A total note to self for my next appointment. I had a great meeting with the Lay Leadership Team today to reorganize and brainstorm. I was very underprepared and not especially optimistic. As usual, the outcome was not what I expected. Maybe that means it’s not all about me…
In the fall, I suggested that [...]

I Have a Dream. Again.

As I’ve said before, I feel most passionate about my ministry when I’m building something. Whether it’s a worship idea or a bible study or a small group ministry or a new church start, I’m not about maintaining what is but about building anew.
My church is one of five in town involved in an ecumenical [...]

Post Thanksgiving Pastoring

Sunday I preached a pretty decent sermon, which was surprising only because I hadn’t, um, written one. I had about four lines of notes on a cue card.
Tuesday, my lay leadership team met and we’re going to try something that I think might be new and exciting. We have been trying to develop a nurture [...]