The gift and promise of renewal are given to us on this Easter Day and for that, we are most fortunate and blessed. “Alleluia! He is Risen! The Lord is risen indeed” Down through the ages this cry speaks loud and clear to a world in desperate need of renewal. Be assured, it is the
As we begin to complete our Lenten journey, there is a stark reality which seems to surface especially at this time of the year. It is no fun to think about and yet it is not something we can avoid. Remember Ash Wednesday? We were made aware of our mortality when reminded by the words,
“Almighty God, to you all hearts are open all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 355) For those not familiar with the Episcopal liturgy the words above begin the service of the Holy Eucharist. Technically, this prayer is referred to as the Collect of Purity. I think
Lent isn’t exactly like spring training for baseball. We are not throwing the ball around or taking batting practice and honing all the skills that go into the game. Lent, however, is a good time to work on spiritual disciplines and spiritual exercises which may have gotten a bit rusty or out of shape. There
A good story starts with the beginning. The first book in the Bible is our beginning. The book of Genesis tells of creation. The Genesis story does not begin with us as lead characters. Rather the earth is formed and shaped with darkness and then light. Fire accompanied light and water bringing into being oceans,
I have already written to you about how much a thirty second advertisement will cost for this years’ Super bowl. Seven million dollars. I also wrote about the price of Super Bowl tickets anywhere from $6,500 to $57.000. Take your pick. As a preacher, all of this is out of my league, but the question
Loss grabs us all. It is universal and breaks into all our lives at some time, or some place. Although loss and the accompanying dynamic of grief strikes us all, it is not the same for each person. Bereavement, injury, and untold damage, is not for everyone. It is unique, personal, and consider it a
Epiphany is a wonderful time in the church year. It naturally fits with our calendar announcing a new year, except the difference is in the church—we begin a New Life. It starts with the wisemen. They are the ones who embody wisdom. They said, “we have observed his star” (Matthew 2:2) and decide to follow
The grandkids never get tired of playing with the figures in the Creche. We tell the story. We sing the Christmas carol, “Away in a Manger.” They get it. They are not alone. St. Francis of Assisi loved the story. His life was changed because of it. He wanted others to share and join and
Each year, Advent rolls around like clock-work. It begins a new liturgical year. There is more to it. The season opens our hearts and souls. It gets personal but it is not private. Advent is an opportune time when God says, “Behold, I will do a new thing.” (Isaiah 43:19 KJV). Advent is kairos time
The gift and promise of renewal are given to us on this Easter Day and for that, we are most fortunate and blessed. “Alleluia! He is Risen! The Lord is risen indeed” Down through the ages this cry speaks loud and clear to a world in desperate need of renewal. Be assured, it is the
As we begin to complete our Lenten journey, there is a stark reality which seems to surface especially at this time of the year. It is no fun to think about and yet it is not something we can avoid. Remember Ash Wednesday? We were made aware of our mortality when reminded by the words,
“Almighty God, to you all hearts are open all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 355) For those not familiar with the Episcopal liturgy the words above begin the service of the Holy Eucharist. Technically, this prayer is referred to as the Collect of Purity. I think
Lent isn’t exactly like spring training for baseball. We are not throwing the ball around or taking batting practice and honing all the skills that go into the game. Lent, however, is a good time to work on spiritual disciplines and spiritual exercises which may have gotten a bit rusty or out of shape. There
A good story starts with the beginning. The first book in the Bible is our beginning. The book of Genesis tells of creation. The Genesis story does not begin with us as lead characters. Rather the earth is formed and shaped with darkness and then light. Fire accompanied light and water bringing into being oceans,
I have already written to you about how much a thirty second advertisement will cost for this years’ Super bowl. Seven million dollars. I also wrote about the price of Super Bowl tickets anywhere from $6,500 to $57.000. Take your pick. As a preacher, all of this is out of my league, but the question