Happy Thanksgiving Eve. As we enter into the Holiday season and make our adjustments for how we will be celebrating with family this year, I know this comes with it some grieving at not being able to gather or do the things we long to do. My family will not be gathering together in one place this … Continue reading Stories to Warm Your Heart
What’s Happening With Worship at Boone UMC?
What’s Happening With Worship at Boone UMC? Happy Saturday, friends. I hope that you have a chance to enjoy the spectacular show God is putting on for us this Fall with the leaves this year. I wanted to update you on what is happening with worship at Boone UMC over the next couple of months. This is based … Continue reading What’s Happening With Worship at Boone UMC?
At Our Limits
It's taken me three weeks to write this blog. And it is my latest example of living day after day and week after week at our limit. I am reminded of the story of Esther when she has learned that her people, the Jewish people, are in big trouble. They are a breath or two away from … Continue reading At Our Limits
Reimagining Church in the Midst of COVID-19
No dressing up in your best jeans and hiking shirt or your suit or dress and rushing the family out the door on Sunday mornings. No catching up with your friends over coffee or breakfast snacks. No sitting in the pew and staring at the stained glass windows as folks gather for worship. No hugging and shaking hands … Continue reading Reimagining Church in the Midst of COVID-19
On Turning 50
It's a weird kind of day. The kind of day that you check the mailbox and you find a handful of birthday cards which bring joy and smiles and then (queue dramatic music) hiding behind the cards is the invitation to become a member of AARP (the American Association of Retired Persons). The gut check … Continue reading On Turning 50
Juneteenth and the Parable of the Sower
Yesterday was Juneteenth. I will confess that I did not fully understand why that was on my calendar and what it signified until I researched it. And that embarrasses me to admit. It commemorates the end of slavery in the US. On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, TX and … Continue reading Juneteenth and the Parable of the Sower
How Long, Oh God – A Lament
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget [us] forever? How long will you hide your face from [us]?2 How long must [we] bear pain in [our] soul, and have sorrow in [our] heart all day long?How long shall [our] enemy be exalted over [us]?3 Consider and answer [us], O Lord [our] God! Give light to [our] eyes, or [we] will sleep the sleep of … Continue reading How Long, Oh God – A Lament
So What Happens Next at BUMC?
I don't know about you but I am almost in information overload. This week has felt a bit like when we initially went into COVID-19 mode- things have started changing rapidly and information is coming at me faster than I can get it all read. But we are approaching a transition point in our new … Continue reading So What Happens Next at BUMC?
Surreal Easter Reflections
It happened. In spite of COVID-19. In spite of social distancing. In spite of Shelter in Place. In spite of closed sanctuaries. Easter happened! It had to be one of the most surreal and yet memorable Easters of my entire life. I will always remember where I was and what I was doing during the … Continue reading Surreal Easter Reflections
Staying Connected in the Midst of Isolation
When I think back to last week it seems like eons ago. We have faced unprecedented change in one week's time. The amount of decisions and the speed at which they have come at me has been mind boggling. I imagine each of you feel the same. As a pastor, one of the things that … Continue reading Staying Connected in the Midst of Isolation
