The story is told of Franklin Roosevelt, our 32nd president, who often endured long receiving lines at the White House. He complained that no one really paid any attention to what was said. One day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment. To each person who passed down the line and shook his hand, he murmured, “I murdered my grandmother…

As we pick up this familiar miracle, Jesus is looking for a moment of peace. He just found out that his friend, his cousin, his prophet, John the Baptist, has been tragically killed. He is looking for some time to reflect on the solemnity of his loss and be by himself. This picture comes from the beach of Nassau in the Bahamas,…

We continue with Jesus in the parables as Jesus teaches the twelve and the many with short illustrations about everyday objects that are deep illustrations about the life of faith. Here, Jesus challenges us, if only we had the smallest amount of faith¸ we would see the kingdom of God. But don’t we? The kingdom of God is first like the tiny…

I was in elementary school when the book Where’s Waldo came out. Anyone remember him? I can remember kids in my classes spending hours searching the page to see if they could find that time-traveling aficionado, named Waldo, dressed in red and white stripes. It was hard to pick him out of the crowd. He blended in well with his surroundings, wherever…

Well, I ought to tell you right up front. My planting experience is limited. It doesn’t mean people didn’t try. My maternal grandparents were on a farm much of their lives, and when they retired they still had over an acre of garden. When I went spend summers with them, they would patiently teach me. But I wanted each seed and each…

Two Aprils ago, I had possibly one of the craziest weeks thus far of my ministry. Easter was early in 2013, and we had just celebrated the full emotions of Holy Week and the joy of Easter. Like many clergy, I had hoped to take off the Monday following Easter and recuperate after a full and emotional season. However, the timing was…

We begin today, too. In some ways, we have already begun. I began in December praying for the people of West grove upon hearing the news that Pastor Bk had become a DS. It was such a surprise to hear that we were appointed here in January, but we changed our prayers with joy. We began with warm welcomes and transitioning support…