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”

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”

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”