peace

ISFJ – Plan Ahead?

Content Warning: Swear word in the graphic below. I saw this on a reddit thread and it was very appropriate for this post. August usually brings a month of “back to school” sermons for those preparing for big changes in September. Majority of our congregations have not gone back to school in many years. Yet,Continue reading “ISFJ – Plan Ahead?”

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)”

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: 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”

Grace Filled Moments

When I felt called to this renewal leave, there were a bunch of things I wanted to do. As it took shape, I was preparing for surgery and rest rather than projects and spiritual care. In the weeks leading up to my leave, I got word that my hysterectomy was going to be postponed. (Wow,Continue reading “Grace Filled Moments”

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”

Vacation Renewal

My renewal leave started just over a week ago now. I’ve been away one Sunday – and just now feel like I’ve been able to truly step away. With Rev. Cross’s passing, and the initial bumps that occur when the pastor is away, I was still feeling the tugs and angst of not being physicallyContinue reading “Vacation Renewal”