To listen. To notice. To "dwell with another person." These are more important than just casual ramblings or niceties, they are essential to the way we live out God's calling. I invite you to come along and consider, "Where have you seen God at work today?"
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 26
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 25
Today I spent some time listening to Parker J. Palmer lecture at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s Henderson Leadership Event. His word, like much of his writing, are deep and require us to take time to digest and consider. Each summer PTS coordinates a discussion and keynote on a common topic that the church faces—or an issue that the church will face. Today, as Palmer spoke abut how to “Stand in the Tragic Gap,” he concluded with the words of a familiar voice in the church—a voice that I am familiar with in my faith journey. He presented us with the words of Dorothy Day.
I understand that Dorothy was speaking to a Church that was unwilling to act in a different cultural season—they did not have deal with covid at all. But her words are applicable to us as we unmask and re-engage our community. Each person that you speak to, and with each conversation you have at work or in the home, you are working to build the church and build the church’s message in the larger community.
Monday, May 24, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 24
I hope that today you will take some time to consider in the infiniteness of God that is present and accessible for you. I am not worthy of God and neither is anyone that I come into contact with each day. But when I put away my desire to judge someone, regardless of the issue that I am wrestling with, I can create space for God move and act. I wonder what Rohr’s words might say to you today?
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 19
Last night the time came for action. . . Memorial Day with all its symbolism and meaning also culturally signifies something else that brings joy to many families—the opening of community pools!
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 18
In his beloved little book, Life of the Beloved, Henri Nouwen wrote these five little words that have been with me all day and apply to my faith journey. I have always appreciated how Nouwen could simply, and clearly, say so much to the church in very few words. In his book, Nouwen wrote:
They are five simple words. Five words that I have ready over and over again. I have said them out loud today and muttered them in prayer. These five little words express so much to the church as we continue to transition out of the pandemic and back into our community and ministry. While primarily applied to missionary work that reaches into its community, “taken, blessed, broken, and given” feel to my heart like the needed response to covid for us.
Monday, May 17, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 17
This weekend the Christian Church will celebrate Pentecost. Many preachers will remind their church families that Pentecost marks the birth of the New Testament Church and its ministry. Christians everywhere will be invited to not only consider the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives, but reflect on what Acts 2 calls them to do personally.
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 13
Today my morning devotions took me back to a cherished voice in the Church’s history. Her words have spoken great truths to me since I began to train for ministry. Today I read exerts from the work of Jeanne Bouvier de la Mothe Guyon. She is known better in church history as Madame Guyon.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 11
Monday, May 10, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 10
I recently read a parable that I wanted to share with you that impacted my thinking as we continue to move through the pandemic. This is a shorter form of a Cherokee story/parable that has been passed down across many generations. The lesson is clear and yet I find myself thinking in new directions as I re-read it.
I first encountered this parable as I researched the podcast entitled “The One You Feed.” You can find this text on their website if you wish to share it with your friends and family.
"A grandfather is talking with his grandson. The grandfather says, “In life, there are two wolves inside of us which are always at battle. One is a good wolf which represents things like kindness, bravery, and love. The other is a bad wolf which represents things like greed, hatred, and fear”. The grandson stops and thinks about it for a second then he looks up at his grandfather and says, “Grandfather, which one wins?” The grandfather replies, “The one you feed.”"
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 6
I would like to invite you to consider a challenging question. It is a question that we might be tempted to answer quickly, and in answering quickly, we might also become upset by its implications.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 5
While I enjoy rainy days, let me say this: enough is enough!
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 4
Today I have been thinking about a phrase that I heard recently while working out. The phrase was: The Art of Restraint. While not a new concept for us to consider, being able to restraint oneself is an important skill to master. We can read about in art, in poetry, and even in business. But what about the church, can we consider The Art of Restraint here?
Monday, May 3, 2021
Pastoral Thought--May 3
Long before masks, before vaccines, and viral strains. . . before social distancing and the challenges that accompanied it, before we were challenged about how we can safely gather together, the president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Sam Calian, wrote a book entitled: Survival or Revival: Ten Keys to Church Vitality. Under Dr. Calian’s leadership Pittsburgh Theological Seminary consistently grew and equipped ministers for leadership in the Post-Modern church.
I Wonder--October 31
A lot has changed since the last time I sat down to write. But despite the crowded-ness of my mind and heart, God is still showing up and st...
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Last night I tried a new experiment that I want to reflect with you upon. Over the years, and because of our love of dogs, Jennifer and I h...
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A lot has changed since the last time I sat down to write. But despite the crowded-ness of my mind and heart, God is still showing up and st...
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Last night Bethesda had the opportunity to care for their community. We served our community in faith and in love by providing food to any n...