Rustlings (November 11, 2019)
It was my parents’ primary mantra and mandate during my early days of worship—Be still! It often crossed their lips in a whisper. At other times, it was more of a growl. In a life filled with bicycles, little league, running, bouncing, kickball, freeze tag, and Pong (Yes, we owned the legendary precursor to all […]
Rustlings (November 4, 2019)
Last week, I shared two prayers from my sermon on Sunday, October 27. Both were published in the Jesuit prayer guide Hearts on Fire. Today, I’m sharing the final two prayers from that sermon. The first is also from Hearts on Fire, and the second is God’s words to us in prayer—edited from Henri Nouwen’s […]
Rustlings (October 28, 2019)
It is anticipated and beautiful. Whenever I read a prayer or poem in the course of a sermon, inevitably several listeners want a copy. I’m always happy to share. This past Sunday, I read/prayed four prayers in the body of the sermon. And yes, you asked for copies. Since I am now on vacation, I’m […]
Rustlings (October 21, 2019)
Dr. Stan Nelson was a well-respected and much-loved Professor of Theology at Golden Gate Theological Seminary. For over two decades, he spent his days in the lecture hall turning students into theologians. I know some of these students; his work was stellar. Dr. Nelson believed the church was the primary source and context for the […]
Rustlings (October 14, 2019)
Different folk prioritize their reading of different sections of the newspaper. Some read the headlines first. Others make their way to the sports page or obituaries or crossword puzzle or stock report first. If, however, you are looking for a job, you head straight for ‘Help Wanted.’ If you like looking at job openings, you’ll […]
Rustlings (October 7, 2019)
There are some holidays and seasons that are easily recognizable on the calendar. They occur on the same day each year and are comfortably anticipated. Christmas is always on December 25. Independence Day is always on July 4. Valentine’s Day is always on February 14. Other holidays are a little more difficult to nail down. […]
Rustlings (September 30, 2019)
Sunday, October 6, is World Communion Sunday. On this particular Sunday, communion tables around the world will be set with bread and wine and made ready for celebration. Protestants, Roman Catholics and many Orthodox communities will acknowledge our kinship…a much-needed nod in our fractured faith and world. Not only will we commune with ecclesiastical kin […]
Rustlings (September 16, 2019)
Heraclitus of Ephesus was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher who believed ‘change’ was the fundamental essence of the universe. He is credited with writing the famous lines: “The only thing that is constant in life is change,” and “No one steps in the same river twice.” This fall, our church will experience two noticeable changes in […]
Rustlings (September 9, 2019)
In the words of the iconic Toyota advertisement, “You asked for it; you got it!” Our MidWeek Fellowship and other Wednesdays at First programming are well underway. I solicited your help in choosing 3:16s from the Bible (Chapter 3, verse 16 of the biblical books…but NOT John 3:16) to serve as the focus of our […]
Rustlings (September 3, 2019)
The Greenville Jewish Film Festival Summerfest was sold out last weekend. I was humbled and honored to be the featured speaker at this event introducing the documentary Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles. As a Jewish Baptist minister, I was warmly welcomed by all who attended—particularly those from our local Jewish community. In more than one […]