The Epiphany Season is one of wonder and mystery, and in many respects, the Transfiguration is the crown of this wonderful season. Jesus leading Peter, James, and John up the mountain “Six days later,” places us in a context of holiness established on the seventh day of creation when God looked upon the universe and… Read more »
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Don’t Tell Anyone, Matthew 17:1-9, Transfiguration Sunday
The Epiphany Season is one of wonder and mystery, and in many respects, the Transfiguration is the crown of this wonderful season. Jesus leading Peter, James, and John up the mountain “Six days later,” places us in a context of holiness established on the seventh day of creation when God looked upon the universe and… Read more »
Pastoral Prayer, Transfiguration Sunday
Gracious God, God of the covenant, the cloud of your splendor and the fire of your love revealed your Son on the mountain heights. As your Son drew apart to be in prayer with you, we offer our prayers for the transformation of the world and the church. We pray that as we gather around… Read more »
On the Trinity and Christian Worship
This week in my congregation we have been discussing the question, “What is Worship?” I asked our Tuesday night Bible study class to list what is and what is not essential for Christian Worship. Is the choir essential? Must we celebrate Holy Communion to constitute worship? Is it Worship without a sermon? Children’s Moment? As… Read more »
Rob Bell and Ghandi
I heard Rob Bell speak at last year’s Duke Divinity Pastor’s Convocation. Although his message wasn’t as profound as his writings and videos have been, his persona is mesmerizing and captivating. I can see why people are drawn to him. A few days ago a Twitter fire storm was unleashed with the following video in which… Read more »
O Holy Night
Here is a video from a little over a year ago of me and Dallas singing “O Holy Night.” I know it’s not Christmas, but enjoy anyway! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V1PacjZJ9Q]
Homosexuality and The Retired Bishops of The United Methodist Church
Here is the recent statement from several retired United Methodist Bishops: Out of concern for the welfare of all God’s people, and, out of special concern for the people of The United Methodist Church, we, United Methodist Bishops – retired, believe The United Methodist Church should remove the following statement from The Book of Discipline… Read more »
Have You Lost Your Mind?
I love that parish ministry is never boring, but sometimes I pray for an uneventful day. I heard a story from a congregation I’m calling “Second Church.” Second Church just celebrated their “Women’s Sunday” with bulletin inserts and special speakers from their women’s group within the worship services. It was a beautiful and energetic worship… Read more »
The Fast I Choose . . . Elephants and Donkeys
Lack of faith in government is nothing new. Even though I think political rhetoric has grown to toxic levels in many cases, I have trouble searching my meager volumes of American History to pinpoint when politics were fundamentally civil and polite. I figure if Democrats can rally together to pass Health Care reform into law,… Read more »
Pastoral Prayer, Epiphany 2 A, Sunday, January 16, 2011
Gracious God, you have enriched and enlightened us by the revelation of your eternal Christ. Comfort us in our mortality and strengthen us to walk the path of your desire, so that by word and deed we may manifest the gracious news of your faithfulness and love. Holy Father, Father of Christ who asked the… Read more »