Last month, on Sunday, February 12th, I was privileged to speak at Elizabeth City's annual Unity Service. The service is coordinated each year by the Elizabeth City Ministerial Association, and I came at the invitation of their current president, Rev. Shawn Blackwelder, who currently serves as pastor at Riverside UMC. Below is the text of … Continue reading Sermon Blogging – “What kind of day is today?”
This year, along with some of my now routine Lenten disciplines, I have taken on something new: pottery. It is one of those rich, biblical metaphors that I have always wanted to learn more about, and secretly always wanted to try. I have also always suspected that I would learn something new about "throwing a … Continue reading A Different Lenten Practice
What does it mean when something on the internet goes "viral?" I don't know the precise definition some might give, but I am quite sure that Jefferson Bethke's "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus" YouTube video should qualify. It was uploaded on January 10, 2012, and as of this posting seven days later, it … Continue reading Why I love Bethke, love Jesus, and love “Ole time religion”
In my previous post, "Externally Focused Prayer," I concluded by saying that I had no preconceived notions about where this new emphasis on interceding for our community would lead. Now, after praying in a focused way for the past few weeks, I want to share some of the ways God has already been working through … Continue reading Pray it Forward
Just a few weeks ago, I attended the Bishop's Day Apart for clergy in the North Carolina Conference. The speaker for the day was Rick Rusaw, co-author of "The Externally Focused Quest: Becoming the Best Church FOR the Community" and "The Externally Focused Life." The central theme of the first book pivots on a simple … Continue reading Externally Focused Prayer
Have you ever heard about some Christians who like to "sit out" on communion Sunday? I am not sure where (or why) this odd and disturbing practice originated, but in a few simple lines, let me share some quick reasons why you shouldn't miss any chance to join Jesus at his table: You shouldn't miss … Continue reading “Oh no, it’s communion Sunday”
My interview with the FUMC Library Ministry Team One of the things I love about First United Methodist Church is our library and our Library Ministry Team who are committed to learning and reading. The following is an interview with Linda Fogleman who heads up this team who wanted to know about some of my … Continue reading Library Lowdown
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