Olympics and the Last Supper

I have read now for almost a week the opinions of so many people regarding the Olympics and that opening ceremony. I am a Christian. I am a pastor. I was not offended by anything that was portrayed during that opening ceremony. I love my faith. I love the stories of my faith. I loveContinue reading “Olympics and the Last Supper”

Celebrating Freedom

One of the definitions of freedom is “the state of not imprisoned or restrained.”  On this July 4th week, we celebrate the freedom that we have living in our country.  We celebrate the birthday of our nation with traditions like fireworks and parades.  We pause when our national anthem is played, and offer a saluteContinue reading “Celebrating Freedom”

10 years later… (well, 24 years later)

In the summer of 2000, I had just finished high school. As I did every year, I went to church camp at Lake Louise in Boyne Falls Michigan. That summer however is burned into my heart memory. That was the summer I heard my call to ordained ministry. I grew up a United Methodist! TheContinue reading “10 years later… (well, 24 years later)”

Devotion: Trusting Jesus When It Storms

Luke 8:22-25:  One day Jesus and his disciples boarded a boat. He said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” So they set sail. While they were sailing, he fell asleep. Gale-force winds swept down on the lake. The boat was filling up with water and they were in danger. So they wentContinue reading “Devotion: Trusting Jesus When It Storms”

A Devotion: Waters of New Life

John 3:1-8 (CEB) There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could do these miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered, “I assure you, unlessContinue reading “A Devotion: Waters of New Life”

A New Journey Begins

When I met my spouse, one of the first things we talked about was starting a family. He comes from a small family, no 1st cousins. I come from a slightly larger family, having relationships with my cousins from many generations. We married in December of 2006. We decided to start trying for our familyContinue reading “A New Journey Begins”

Peace

Peace: the absence of chaos; the feeling of serenity; the freedom from fear, worry, stress Peace: the pastor on renewal leave It’s been about 6 weeks since I last did any “work.” Mind you, I was working on a special project during my renewal leave for our church leadership and I had some commitments thatContinue reading “Peace”