Here is a very interesting reflection on the festival of Purim, which begins this evening at sunset, and its connection to our Christian lives. I found it very thought-provoking, and I think you will, too.
Lent’s Bright Sadness
"Bright sadness is the true message and gift of Lent." - Alexander Schmemann
Why Ashes? The Meaning of Ash Wednesday
The Season of Lent begins with the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday. But why? Why ashes? Here is my reflection on that question.
Groundhog Day’s Christian Connection
If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter has another flight.If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again. Yes, Groundhog Day really does have a Christian connection! Today, February 2, is not only Groundhog Day, but also the 40th day after Christmas, which is the day that Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at…
Sunrise and Sunset at Sunset Beach
From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.Psalm 113:3 My family and I were blessed to be able to spend last week at one of our favorite places - Sunset Beach, North Carolina. On this beach we were able to see both spectacular sunrises and amazing sunsets,…
What’s So Special About John’s Gospel?
All four gospels are important to understanding the good news of Jesus, but what is important about John's Gospel? Here is my answer to that question, along with a brief overview of this gospel.
Letters and Papers from Prison – Part 4
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's profoundly-moving letters from prison offer us guidance and hope as we live through this pandemic. Here is the last of my four-part series on his "Letters and Papers from Prison."
As We Suspend In-Person Worship (Again)
Because of rapidly rising COVID numbers in our community, our congregation made the difficult decision to suspend in-person worship services for the next four Sundays. Here are some remarks that I shared with our congregation in light of this decision.
The Work of Christmas by Howard Thurman
The Work of Christmas by Howard Thurman When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry,…
Giving Thanks for Thomas Merton
Today, I am thinking with gratitude of one of my spiritual mentors and heroes in the faith, Thomas Merton, who died this day, December 10th. My life of faith has been deeply influenced by this remarkable man, so here are a few thoughts that I feel led to share.
My Pastoral Ponderings 