This week, I was asked to meet for coffee with someone (not from my current church). I usually prepare ahead of time for these types of meetings, but this one I didn’t. I didn’t ask “what are we meeting about.” I had some assumptions – and my assumptions were wrong. In the course of 5Continue reading “Well, that went Sideways Fast”
Tag Archives: family
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)”
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”
All Roads Lead to New Life
Back in 2003-2004, I was a student at Central Michigan University. I was studying religion and gerontology, and preparing to head to seminary in the fall of 2004. I began the ordination process back in 2000, and had my annual meetings not only with the church but also with the district committee on ordained ministry.Continue reading “All Roads Lead to New Life”
Well Done Good and Faithful Servant part 2
When we moved to Wisconsin in 2016, I knew the people would be a bit different – special and unique. For people to be this passionate about beer, cheese and a football team from a small town up north, there must have been something in the water. My spouse is a living testament to theContinue reading “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant part 2”
Sunday With My Congregation
All during COVID, Sunday morning traditions have been in upheaval. Pre-Covid, I would wake early and get to the church about 7:30am in time for our 8am worship service. My rituals included unlocking all the doors, making sure the heat or AC was on, and making sure the lights were on and ready to greetContinue reading “Sunday With My Congregation”
Facing the Storm with Faith 