“Are you for or against the Ground Zero Mosque?” This is a question I’ve recently received with some frequency. What does it mean to be “for” it? What does it mean to be “against” it? Why do I think, being a United Methodist from Shreveport, Louisiana, that I should have an opinion in the first place? I choose to answer this question with three different responses.
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So What Now–The U2Charist!
For the past five weeks we’ve been on an amazing journey together
Pastoral Prayer–Sunday, August 15, 2010
Gracious God, you love justice and hate oppression, you give peace to those who seek it, and you condemn the rage of violence.
Guns in Church
Recently Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed House Bill no. 1272 into law, which allows concealed firearms in places of worship. I can’t say it any better, so I’m going to offer the words of Bishop William Hutchinson:
In the Name of Love–Colossians 1:15-20
Over the next six weeks we will experience the Christian journey through the words of scripture and the music of U2. Colossians 1:15-20 is an appropriate place to start because it’s a song, at least, most scholars think this is an early hymn about Christ. This song orients a cosmic context for the work of Christ, bringing us back to the beginning of creation itself.
Hate as Currency
“Hate has become a national currency in America. It is our first and favorite reaction to politics and business. And it will continue to be our favorite emotion so long as the likes of Limbaugh and Olbermann are the heroes we choose”– so says Noah Blumenthal in his article, “We’re Becoming a Nation of Haters,”… Read more »
Sermon podcast now available
Hello Friends, The sermon podcast from Sunday is now available. Give a friend 10 minutes: http://www.broadmoorumc.org/Podcast/Podcast.html
Sharing . . . sort of
My three year old daughter, Isabelle, is learning the art of sharing. We try to make a big deal about it when she offers to take turns at the playground, or shares her crackers with a playmate. Recently she’s taken sharing to a whole new level . . . just not in the right direction. This morning I prepared our usual Wednesday morning breakfast for Isabelle and Annaleigh (our one year old)–strawberries and cheese (my wife thinks this is an odd breakfast, but I disagree and digress).
Ordination!
I must admit that Monday’s Ordination Service is a bit of a blur. During most of those sacred gatherings in our life: weddings, funerals, baptism . . . the Spirit fills us with amazement, literally being, “Out of one’s self,” which tends to muddy the details, leaving us with lingering conviction rather than report of… Read more »
Forgiveness Isn’t Opposite Gallilee
My daughter Isabelle is beginning to figure out how bargaining works. Some of her attempts are more successful than others. She’s discovered that the way one carries oneself affects whether or not people will give you what you want. “Daddy, some more goldfish,” said with a bright smile and blinking blue eyes. After saying no,… Read more »