As many are aware, my denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), is embroiled in an ongoing division over ordination standards and biblical interpretation as it pertains to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered) people and their place (or lack of) in the life of the Church. With the recent passage of Amendment 10-A, which amended our denomination’s … Continue reading “Schismata in the Body of Christ”
Category: Jesus Christ
Peace Be with You
“Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” ~Luke 24.36b I continue to be both inspired and disheartened by Jesus’ post-resurrection greeting to his friends. I know we live in an increasingly violent world. And though my lifestyle is pretty steady (so far) with little fear of going hungry, losing … Continue reading “Peace Be with You”
The Hunger Games
I’ve read the books (all three), and now I’ve seen the movie. In spite of what some people say about Hunger Games being geared toward young adults, they are just a fascinating read. Yes, the story is violent and at times gory, but there is depth in these pages and in the movie (though, admittedly, … Continue reading “The Hunger Games”
Sermon – “Blessed”
The audio recording didn’t work today, so I’m posting my sermon text for today, Palm Sunday, here. The sermon was based on Mark 11.1-11, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Unfortunately, I do have a tendency to “off manuscript”, so I’m afraid those remarks are lost. But this gives you the gist: Can you imagine the scene…Jesus … Continue reading “Sermon – “Blessed””
New Pastoral Call – Days 3 & 4
My first week as the new pastor has come to a close, my office is, sadly, still in shambles (though getting better), and I am in preparation mode for preaching my first sermon to a group of folks I have yet to really know. I want it to go well, not because I want the … Continue reading “New Pastoral Call – Days 3 & 4”