Who wants to talk about sin??? That’s the question my dear friend, Kelly Johnson, asked in her blog several months back. It’s a valid question, and I have an answer: we do! Which is why I am launching a new sermon series this weekend: Seven...
I love the start of a new year. Once upon a time there were certain rituals that marked this occasion—starting a new checkbook register, beginning a new appointment calendar, perhaps opening a new journal. Now, of course, I keep up with my appointments on my...
January 13 Pride/Humility Title: Everybody Acts Medium Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-5 and Philippians 2:3-8 (Ordination/Installation of new Elders) January 20 Lust/Self-Control Title: Bridled Passion 1 Kings 11:1-5 and Ephesians 4:17-24 January 27 Envy/Contentment Title: Green with Envy Samuel 18:1-9 and Philippians 4:10-13 February 3 Sloth/Diligence Annual Congregational Meeting and Lunch Communion Title: Just Do It 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and Philippians...
As we approach the end of the year, I want to thank you for journeying with me these past twelve months via blog. It has been a privilege to share my thoughts with you and to engage in conversation together. Let’s conclude 2018 with the...
In 1955 the beloved Christian author, C.S. Lewis, published a partial autobiography entitled Surprised by Joy. That title has stayed with me for decades and comes to mind frequently when I experience an overwhelming sense of God’s grace, presence and joy, like I did this...
I did not grow up in a liturgical church. By that I mean that in my congregation we did not celebrate the “church seasons” or follow set patterns of prayers. There was no “Great Thanksgiving” that preceded communion or specially colored paraments and clergy stoles...
As I mentioned last week, on Sunday we launched a new initiative at Calvary: the RACK campaign—Random Acts of Christmas Kindness. The idea is to share the Christmas spirit throughout the month by performing random acts of kindness for others—strangers, neighbors, family members, friends. Little...
Christmas - just say the word and we all have different reactions. So often we race through December, checking the boxes and frantically trying get it all done. (I love to say that perfection is the enemy of done!) I love to SAY it. Putting...
This is a re-post from Thanksgiving in 2016, but it is so timely with our children once again collecting money for the Presbyterian Mission Agency: On my desk, right in front of me, is a picture that one of Calvary’s second graders gave me. It is...
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Lord Most High. Psalm 9:1-2 One of the most common answers to the question about...