Rustlings

Much of our history has been romanticized. As decades and now centuries pass, it’s easy to reminisce in ways that affirm our current biases and undergird our present cultural idealized values. The truth is, our history is a messy mix of good and bad, justice and...

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...

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...

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....

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....

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...

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....

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...

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.”...

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...

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...

September has almost arrived. The month means many things to many people. This is the month of Labor Day. This national holiday affirms the contributions of our nation’s labor force in creating the society in which we live. We typically receive a ‘day off’ to...

Minsters have a variety of responsibilities. Within the church, we are preachers, priests, administrators, counselors, teachers and more. We also have a role in the community and world. A part of my work in the world is the time I commit to serving on non-profit...

Please pardon the mess. You will probably hear me say this (or see this in writing) several times over the next several years, so I’ll write it here once more: Please pardon the mess. It’s part of progress and our intentional care of God’s house and God’s people. In...