intentional worship
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A Chance to Give Thanks
Recently I traveled to Carlsbad, California and had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. All I had on my mind was the promise of excellent seafood. Living in a landlocked state does not afford me many opportunities to… Continue reading
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A Time to Remember the Incredible!
Last week I attended a retreat at Sacramento Methodist Assembly. The camp is located north of Cloudcroft, NM on top of a mountain. It is truly in the middle of nowhere. At night the stars seem to be so close… Continue reading
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Freeing Yourself from Shame
Shame is more than a five-letter word. It can hold you hostage and keep you wholly locked within a prison of your making. For me, I carry shame for things that were not even my fault. The wounds pierce my… Continue reading
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He Remembers!
Last week was a little too crazy in my life, and so I did not post. My oldest son moved into his dorm last Tuesday. I am excited for him and look forward to all that he will accomplish while… Continue reading
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Beaten and Broken (Sometimes)
There are times that I feel a little beaten up. My struggles may come in the form of unkind words, or actions meant to harm me. There are moments that I want to rise up and defend myself. I want… Continue reading
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Divide Us, Smide Us!
I am at my first General Conference of the United Methodist Church. I can only say that within 10 minutes of the first general assembly, I was frustrated and very disappointed. I left the room wondering, “What in the world… Continue reading
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When the World Spins Way Too Fast!
Last week I hit the ground running. My week consisted of running from meeting to meeting, dealing with issues both in the church and beyond, and trying to find some time to write a sermon. I didn’t even mention fighting… Continue reading
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The Beauty of the Sacred
My preaching text this week is John 12:1-8. It is one of the few passages in the Gospel of John that is mentioned in the other Gospels. It is the story of Mary washing the feet of Jesus with oil… Continue reading
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A Change of Perspective
As a pastor, I am faced with deadlines all of the time. I have to submit my bulletin information on Monday, prepare the rough draft of my sermon by Wednesday (if I want to practice for Sunday), prepare newsletter articles,… Continue reading
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Lent is the Season of…
When I left my childhood faith and embraced the United Methodist tradition, one of the many practices that I never observed until converting was Lent. I just thought the season was reserved for Catholics, and I didn’t give it a… Continue reading
From a Pastor's Point of View 