From a Pastor's Point of View

Christian

  • Our Family Advent Traditions

    I don’t know what it was about last night, but I had a profound awareness of God’s presence as my family decorated our Christmas tree. As my wife hung the ornaments, she pointed out the various people and places that… Continue reading

  • New Life Comes Where We Least Expect It

    “A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots” (Is. 11:1 CEB).      The prophet Jeremiah utters a strange proclamation to the people of Israel. He boldly tells them that “A shoot… Continue reading

  • Cleaning the House for Our Guest

         During the Advent season, we take a fearless, moral inventory of ourselves and of how we relate to those around us. To truly prepare, consider specific practices like prayer, reflection, or confession that help us remove the lent of… Continue reading

  • A Time to Be Still and Contemplate the Workings of God

     “…and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).       The shepherds came to see the baby, and when they did, they shared the news heralded by the angels in the field, emphasizing God’s outreach… Continue reading

  • Behold the Glory of God

    “Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to… Continue reading

  • Keep First Things First

    “But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the heavenly angels and not the Son. Only the Father knows” (Matt 24:36 CEB).      At first glance, the scripture for today seems to indicate a colossal mistake. Why… Continue reading

  • What to Do When Faith Does Not Provide Answers

         As a pastor, I turn to my faith to provide answers to questions that often prove difficult and are beyond my ability to explain. When times get tough, I turn to my sacred texts to find a glimmer of… Continue reading

  • In a New Place, With New People, and New Ways of Doing Ministry

         As a pastor, one of the most challenging issues I face is relocating to a new worship space. My five years in Belen proved excellent, but now the possibilities seem endless in my new parish, St. Paul’s UMC in… Continue reading

  • Holy Week is Here

         It is hard to believe that Holy Week is here. We waited so long and are encountering the darkest season of our faith. Within a few short hours, the world would see the crucifixion of the one who came… Continue reading

  • Stuck in the Middle of the Desert

         My journey through Lent leads me to some unexpected places. At this moment, I find myself in a metaphorical desert, unable to discern the path ahead. I often question if I will ever experience beauty as I once did.… Continue reading