I think one of the saddest moments I have witnessed on NBC’s “The Office” is seeing Toby Flenderson stand alone outside of a church. The whole gang is gathered at a local Presbyterian church for the baptism of Jim and Pam’s daughter Cece. But no Toby is to be found. That’s not actually that unusual. …
surprising indeed…
I have been trying to really practice the season of Advent this year. I have a nightly devotion by Adam Hamilton that I am reading (The Journey) and I have been following that advent calendar at bustedhalo.com each morning. They call it their “Advent Suprise Calendar” and it has truly brought me joy and really…
self-haters no more
I am now in the habit of stalking my youth group members on facebook… not to see what kinds of mischeif they are into… but to remind them that they are amazing children of God. I have often commented on the lack of respect among some of the youth in our community these days… but…
my good deeds are like a tampon…
In this week’s lectionary readings we find a prayer from Isaiah 64. The tide has turned in Isaiah’s (or second Isaiah’s) thoughts and no more are there promises of destruction… now there are promises of salvation and pleas for God to act. “If only you would tear open the heavens and come down!” Isaiah cries. …
size 8
I think one of the hardest things for a pastor of a United Methodist Church to do is to lose weight. There is food everywhere. And not just food… good food. Baked goods after church. “Snacks” which amount to a three course meal during bible studies. Church suppers. Youth group (and the leftovers which get…
Use it or Lose it
On a cold November morning, not too different from today, two farmers met each other in the local coffee shop. Their crops had been harvested and they had some time to relax and shoot the breeze. After catching up on the usual small talk, Farmer Joe set his coffee cup down and turned to his…
putting your money where your mouth is… even if it hurts
Recently there has been a call on some of the social media outlets I follow… a call to take money out of the big banks. As a part of the larger “occupy”movement, people are being asked to put their money where their mouth is… literally… and close their accounts with the the big guys on Wall…
possibilities…
Ten days ago, our church had a fall committee retreat to begin dreaming/planning/living into the new vision for our church (to reflect the light of God). My people worked SO hard and did such an amazing job and we now have five vision areas and four key results that we want to work (with God’s…