Why won’t we let biblical stories speak?
Ok, I like to think that I connect the biblical story to the modern day as much as the next preacher. However there are those who try to do so in such a way that drives me crazy. Here is…
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Writings
a summer of construction makes me reflect on inclusivity
Just in case you didn’t know, the street in front of our church has been torn up this summer. This has made it difficult for people to get into our building but, of course, as everyone comments, “it will be…
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The Olympic Spirit
So the Olympics have begun. I think that I am pretty typical in my attitude toward the Olympic Games. Before the fames I am deeply cynical. I mutter about drug use and money wasted and promises not kept. I pontificate,…
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The Orlando Massacre
People have been sending me links to various statements and responses, from a wide range of organizations, to the killings in Orlando on June 12. I have been struck by the honesty and bluntness of many of these statements. They…
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“Spotlight” – the movie or “Shining Light in the Darkness”
While Susan was away recently I decided to watch the movie “Spotlight”. It got lots of attention at this year’s Oscars. It is about the Boston newspaper team that opened up the story of sexual abuse by priests in the…
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Notes for Tax Season
So I finished my taxes. Not a big job really and I use a software program that makes it especially easy. This year as I inputted the information I listened to news stories of corporations and the uber rich and…
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Reflecting on Worship or How to Hear a Sermon
This blog post may be a little self indulgent but I have been thinking a lot recently about how people experience worship and especially the sermon. And so here are some thoughts that hopefully will help you to experience both…
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Interpreting the cross
Do you recognize this painting? It is by Hans Holbein the Younger and is called, “The Body of Christ in the Tomb”. It was painted in 1521 and hangs in Kunstmuseum, Basel. It is a disturbing image, so disturbing that…
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Lifestyle Christianity
You know what I’ve been contemplating on my morning walks? The differences between what I call “charity Christianity” and “lifestyle Christianity”. The charity model is focused on others. These Christians help the poor, help the sick, help those in crisis….
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Let’s talk about food…
Have you heard of Michael Pollen? I’ve taken to calling him a prophet in that I believe he speaks a word of God to us in our day. Michael is a writer and his topic is food. He also has…
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