This book! It’s calling me out onto the mat and is kicking my…you know what. The theological connections to my Christian faith are disturbing. Brené Brown, in her most recent book on vulnerability, Rising Strong (2015), writes about the power of our egos to “protect” us, but often keep us from dealing with our real … Continue reading “BlogPost: The Ego and God”
Category: grief
A Subversive Gospel #ga221 #pcusa
At this morning’s ecumenical worship at the 221st General Assembly of the PC(USA) the sermon was presented by the Rt. Rev. Mark MacDonald, National Indigenous Anglican Bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada and recently elected president of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in North America. He preached from John 1.1-14. Rev. MacDonald shared … Continue reading “A Subversive Gospel #ga221 #pcusa”
Faith = Risk-taking
My inner pride over the congregation I serve (99% white) taking on questions around race, racism and Christian faith is beginning to bubble over. Our guest for the first of four weeks in our annual Mission Month was the Rev. Dr. Joseph D. Small, former director of the Office of Theology and Worship for my … Continue reading “Faith = Risk-taking”
A Pope Resigns with Wisdom and Grace
There is wisdom in knowing one’s limits. There is wisdom in knowing one’s abilities. The news this week is that Pope Benedict XVI is resigning, the first to do so in 600 years. There have been numerous times in my career as a pastor when I have felt the need to counsel someone on their … Continue reading “A Pope Resigns with Wisdom and Grace”
A Letter to Anti-Church Prognosticators: Just Cut the Crap Already!
To those who would say that the Church is an antiquated and dying institution that continues to cling to the myth of an all powerful God: Mission trips, Sunday nights, summer beach campouts, and food fights in the fellowship hall were all part of my church experience. We got into our fair share of trouble. … Continue reading “A Letter to Anti-Church Prognosticators: Just Cut the Crap Already!”