Yesterday, our family was boating on the Cedar River and we pulled into this little cove we like to visit. Often, in the summer, it is full of people, but since it was cloudy and cool with sprinkles here and there it was calm and peaceful. Another boat pulled up with two little girls inside……
Sabbath
Still and quiet in the cove. Every now and then a sprinkle. Lazy breezes blow by and the birds talk to each other. They catch up as we catch up. Goldfinch and cardinals, sparrows and blue jays. Dancing and playing in the trees. They feast on the gnats until the gnats feast on us. So…
setting priorities, reorganizing my agenda
In three days… THREE… I begin renewal leave. It is a time for me to take stock of my schedule, fill up my spiritual tank, and focus on what is important to me. One thing I had initially done well with in my life was budgeting my work time. My mentor taught me that if…
a billion organisms and the Body of Christ #iaumc15
Did you know that soil is incredibly diverse and complex? It might look like simple dirt, but one handful contains more living organisms than there are people on the planet. And every part of the soil, every organism has a part to play. They affect chemical and physical properties. There are a billion bacteria…
True Worship
“We keep a troubled vigil at the bedside of the world,” writes Howard Thurman, “Thus we clutch the moment of intimacy in worship when we become momentarily a part of a larger whole, a fleeting strength, which we pit against all the darkness and the dread of our times. I want to invite you to…
Delegate!
These are the jobs we are assigned to do as the Church Council, according to the Book of Discipline: Plan and implement all the programs of nurture, outreach, witness and resources. Administer the church organization Envision, Plan, Implement and Evaluate the mission and ministry of the church. Act as the administrative agency of the charge…
You Will Be My Witnesses
I want us to take a few moments this morning to reflect on what God has done in our lives. In the back of each of the pews, there are little notepads and there are pencils and pens. Or you can take some of the space in your bulletin where it says “I praise God…
God Changes Minds
I change my mind all the time. I like variety. I learn. I grow. I experience new things. I’m in a different mood. And my understanding and beliefs change as a result. All. The. Time. Most recently, we have been doing some work on our backyard. Early this spring, we removed a few trees. And…