Imagine my surprise: I began my renewal leave in the middle of October by spending eight days in Ontario, Canada in silent retreat. When I returned, I was surprised to find out major construction was underway just off Guernsey Road, just down from the church. On my short commute, I am now often slowed down and treated to a view of construction…
Open. Grow. Serve.
Sermons on Matthew
Prophecy sometimes gets a bad rap like the proverbial boy who cried wolf. Or, if you prefer, like the ominous warning Winter is Coming from Game of Thrones. Being the lone voice who is calling the community to hear them can be lonely and long, draining and daunting. And yet, this is the work of the prophet. Look and listen. We hear…
At one of the first churches I served, a kind parishioner told me if I would only every preach that Jesus loved me and sit down, I would be complete. And I think that they were earnest. The challenge with that proposition is that you and I need for ourselves more application answers to the question, so what? If Jesus loves me,…
Paul traveled on an unexpected life journey, going above and beyond. He never expected to be called to be doing all he did. At one time, he was out to get Christians and made a living and purpose in having them persecuted and then God intervened and his purpose changed. It is written that no…
For the wise ones, it began with a hunch. The Magi had been studying the stars and surveying the skies and working the astrology and waiting for what was coming. Their preparation came ahead of the great story. Epiphany, the season of brilliant manifestation and aha! and revelation came first with showing up in ordinary…
Father: Resolute and God-Trusting There is a legend about the life an Elizabeth of Hungary from the 13th century. I was reading this story to my children this week. The story goes like this. This royal princess in her own right marries another royal at the tender age of 14. While she had grown up…
Today, might be the first the Sunday of Advent, but the decorating and preparing for the event of Christmas has begun! In our house, fresh eyes saw the decorations anew as the train set came out. Hours upon hours have already been spent transporting countless Nativity people, Paw Patrol pups, and firetrucks from point A…
An August ago, Steve and I spent some of our anniversary time away hiking in the Blue Ridge mountains. After having enjoyed three presidential homes in Virginia, we were ready for a different day. We read about Crabtree Falls – the tallest waterfall east the Mississippi, with a 1,000-foot drop. So, we set off to…
During my sophomore year of college, there were two terrifying abduction cases. Penn State, who most often gathered around football, basketball, and Creamery Ice Cream, was galvanized around two abductions and sexual violence. Both were of young women involved in the active Greek life. Both were surrounded with concerns of love and care. Both brought…
Abraham has been on a bit of a roller coaster with God. Abraham left his home land following God. Abraham heard God say that he would be the father of many nations, but had not children. Abraham lied multiple times about his relationship with his wife, Sarah, hoping to reap the benefits. Abraham and Sarah…