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
Words cannot capture the gratitude and deep affection I have for all of you. Over the past 14 years, you have truly been a blessing to me and to my family. One clear example of such blessing is my own children. My kids have grown up with you and among you. Because of you, they … Continue reading SDG – A letter to Reconciliation UMC
(Some More Wesleyan "Conjunctive" Theology) Local and World-wide Church Church is not an abstract concept. Though it is true that Christianity has always affirmed that it includes both the living and the dead (Hebrews' "great cloud of witnesses"), any understanding of church that is not also grounded in a specific, local context, is not a … Continue reading Why I am United Methodist Part V
Several years ago, I wrote a series of posts titled "Why I am United Methodist." An edited version of a few of them are scheduled to appear in the 2011 fall issue of UM Men Magazine. So that no one has to do any digging around to find them in the archives, I thought I … Continue reading Why I am United Methodist – a post series
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