Tag: Mission and Ministry
An Offering and Investment
There are some conversations that as pastors we don’t always want to have. Sometimes, what we do as Christians, how we respond to God’s call upon our lives, and how we are transformed and transforming others is just part of who we are as God’s messengers and servants. We may not want to talk about… Continue Reading An Offering and Investment
Instruction Manual Included
When I was a very young child, Lego building blocks were a novelty. They came in a box with bunches of pieces that could be used to build whatever a child (or their parents) imagined. There were a few pictures on the box, suggesting some possibilities, but that was about it. The Legos were sorted… Continue Reading Instruction Manual Included
Jesus had a Reputation
One of the first sermons I preached was on the healing of the Centurion’s servant. The miracle can be found in each of the Synoptic Gospels. The authors of each Gospel do not disclose what the servant’s illness was, nor how many remedies had been tried. Somehow, the Centurion heard about Jesus. As people traveled… Continue Reading Jesus had a Reputation
Planting Seeds
I know that we are in the midst of Autumn. Right now, raking leaves is a daily chore for me. My next-door neighbor has two 60 foot maple trees in their yard, and they are just now beginning to drop their leaves. Soon, snow will begin in earnest. Even though that’s true, I am already… Continue Reading Planting Seeds
You Are Known
Over the past year, all of us have had to change how we journey through our lives. As much as it is true for us, I believe that late-night t.v. hosts have had to be very inventive with their opening monologues, guest interviews the creation of new skits and routines to capture an audience and… Continue Reading You Are Known
Six Degrees
This is one of those theories that defy explanation. Like many people in the latter part of the 20th century, I played a game version of the idea known as Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. My friends and I would try to connect other actors to this very prolific star. I believe the game could… Continue Reading Six Degrees
What Is Our Mission Field?
Last Sunday I had the opportunity to be present for 3 worship services. Each sermon encouraged me to deepen what I do as I engage in my spiritual practices. Most days I pray without ceasing. I pray for and about a variety of things. Some days I begin prayer with a psalm which captures how… Continue Reading What Is Our Mission Field?
Sowing Seeds Exuberantly
The 2020 Michigan Conference has now ended. This is one time we can truly say that “We have never done it this way before.” The theme for this year’s Conference was Sowing Seeds: Rooting, Tending and Reaping. The Bishop lifted up a very inspirational message during opening worship. If you can, please share the Bishop’s… Continue Reading Sowing Seeds Exuberantly
Making a Difference
Matthew 25: 31-46 is one of my favorite Gospel passages. When I was considering a life in ministry, it was this passage that helped me say yes to the call God placed on my life. My Aunt Clairette was an awesome woman. She became a minister in the early 1960s, and served as the Associate… Continue Reading Making a Difference
I’m Tired of Cooking
Every few days, my niece posts pictures of my sister’s latest culinary creations on Facebook. The photos could be on the cover of food magazines. On the right is a photo of a baked omelet she prepared a couple of weeks ago. She has also been grilling and barbecuing a lot more. If the pictures are… Continue Reading I’m Tired of Cooking