Sermon: In Time

"In Time" (February 24, 2013) There's a time for everything-- including nap time and deep, potentially painful, spiritual transformation time. Sometimes kids don't want naps, even though it's good for them. Likewise, we don't always want deep transformation, but on the far side, peace and purpose await. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, Luke 13:31-35)

But Have Not Love

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I…

Sermon: A Caterpillar with Wings

"A Caterpillar with Wings" (February 17, 2013) I'm embarrassed to admit how old I was when I realized that butterflies were not simply caterpillars with wings. I'm also embarrassed to admit that most often in my life, I'd like to just have wings added, rather than open myself up to complete transformation... (John 12:20-33)

Lenten Photo-a-Day Challenge, week 1

I'm participating in RethinkChurch's Lenten Photo-a-Day Challenge as a way to build some personal introspection (see, I'm engaging the season, albeit reluctantly!) and connect with others who are thinking about church outside the box. Each day there is a word-prompt (and a devotional, if you sign up for the email), with an invitation to post…

The Phrivolous Phantom

On Thursday, I led devotional exercises at the Vermont House of Representatives. I said something like this: Depending on what route you took into town today, you may have seen that downtown Montpelier was "attacked" by the Valentine's Day Phantom. Sometime during the night before Valentine's Day, this anonymous person-- or group of people, more…

Sermon: Unveiled

"Unveiled" (February 10, 2013) Paul reminds us that we experience and communicate God through a filter. How do our perceptions and expectations shape how we experience God and the world around us? How do they shape what we communicate to those we meet? (Luke 9:28-36; Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Corinthians 3:12-13, 17-4:2)

Resisting the wilderness

I think I'm back. Huge life and family transitions sucked months and months of my life away; adding the Advent, Christmas, and New Year seasons on top practically turned me into a hermit. I feel like I woke up a few weeks ago, blinking my eyes into the sudden brightness, and marveled that there was…

Sermon: Bad Reception

"Bad Reception" (Feb 3, 2013) God's promise to the prophets-- to be with them so they do not need to be afraid-- seems on the surface to be an empty one, as prophet after prophet is harassed, degraded, threatened, and killed. Or maybe the promise of presence isn't a guarantee of safety and ease, but…