A week in the life

The United Methodist Reporter has an article this week by staff writer Mallory McCall, where she compiles (abridged) weekly logs of pastoral activity by four different pastors in four different contexts. At least one of those pastors might be familiar to you (two actually, if you count my friend and fellow UM blogger, Jeremy, who…

Sermon: More Underneath

"More Underneath" (March 20, 2011) Jesus challenges his listeners to find and understand the deeper meaning of his words, the more-than-literal meaning,* especially in this passage where he tells Nicodemus about being born from above (or again). Are we sure that we are going deep enough in our understanding of Jesus? Is it possible that…

Sermon: Life and Death

"Life and Death" (March 13, 2011) During Lent especially, the church is a place where we talk about sin and death-- uncomfortable topics, yet important ones for which we have very few outlets in our society. By naming our own brokenness and our own mortality, we begin to strip them of their power and hand…

Because you had a bad day

Today is a rough day. In the past 24 hours, waves of loss and worry have swept the world-- the world out there and the world closer to home. As with any disasters, personal or global or anywhere in between, I feel a bit at a loss under the weight of all that pain and…

Sermon: Plan, Interrupted

"Plan, Interrupted" (March 6, 2011) Following Jesus, the disciples learn, means more than small, technical changes; it requires changing our whole way of being. Are we prepared to let God interrupt our plans and interject Jesus, so that we might be called to a new kind of life and service? (Matthew 17:1-9)

poem for a hate group leader

Fred, Fred. One day it'll happen. I don't know when or how, but then none of us ever do. Perhaps you'll be blessed enough to die of old age. Or maybe disease will consume you, or the poison you spew take an inward toll. Or maybe, tragically, a grief-stricken family member at a funeral-turned-protest will…