Tag Archives: ministry

Well, that went Sideways Fast

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”

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)”

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

When we arrived in Stoughton for our introduction meeting in 2016, one of the first persons to greet us was Rev. Clyde Cross. He came into the office fishing for some information on the new pastor and we found a new friend. Clyde and Mary Jo, we would later come to know, found their joyContinue reading “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant”