Be Still and Know That I Am God

That’s what the great sign says outside my retreat center in Frankfort, Illinois, near the driveway I exit on way home tonight. I welcome the reminder and will take the message personally! I’ve continued to savor last weekend’s terrific energy, and I hope you have as well. Much to ponder, many to thank, sails to

Dear Eden Family

See weekend reflection and stuff below. On a personal word we’re very grateful for your care and prayer as we traveled to Indiana last week after Carla’s dad’s fall. Here’s an update from her: Dear Eden Family… Thank you for your prayers and support for my family and for Jacki and me, following my Dad’s

Our Reflections on Rest (and Salvation)

RHYTHMS CONTINUE…JOIN US SUNDAY AND HANG OUT A BIT WITH PROPHET ELIJAH who found himself in a valley of fatigue, despair and resentments… What happened? Angels ministered to him in sleep and food, and God met him in a new (silent) way for his rebooting. Do you carry burdens in wilderness time? Do you need

Make Them Sit Down

“Make them sit down” – This is what Jesus said at the blessing of the loaves and fishes. And then there was the creation of an extravagant meal through his grateful prayer and the crowds “time out” for sharing… “Saved by sitting.” – this is the working title for my message this week. Let us

Are You Aiming to Please or Aiming to Heal?

This title is the first incarnation of the reflections on my heart, inspired by a healing story in Acts 3. It’s the first story after the story of Pentecost (the coming of the Holy Spirit). Like any action story it has many dimensions and possible emphases, characters etc. However, for 20+ years what’s captivated me

The Organ Is Back!

We’re so grateful for the team of TLC and organ wizardry from Berghaus Organ and Pipe Builders, as well as for our friend Marie Beckman’s generous presence in time, research, advice and financial support as we executed this part of the campaign for “Restoring Eden’s Sanctuary & Song.”  Special thanks to Trustee Daryl Dahmer for

For Pentecost… A Hymn Sing!

Our Annual Celebration of the Gift of the Holy Spirit (considered the birth of the Church) will be extra special this year.  We’ll gather for the first time in our fully restored sanctuary, following deep cleaning (and our “Labors of Love” resetting Saturday morning).  I’m very excited about Sunday’s service.  Why?  First, we’ll enjoy a

Contemplating Jesus’ Parting, Power, Presence

We send grace, peace, and love from Oklahoma City, where we’ve spent a couple of days with dear friends and their amazing children. We’re heading home later today via Indiana, where we will have a chance to help Carla’s niece move on Saturday morning. Thank you for your prayers and blessings for a restoring vacation;

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you

We started this part of our journey together nearly eight years ago, when I joined  Pastor Steve and Hope as staff in Summer 2014. One of the first things I did was take a look at our Facebook page and select a Bible verse to convey a warm spiritual compass sentiment.  We led with “rooted

It Takes a Village

So the saying goes, and we probably would affirm.  It’s not a radical proposition, but a deeply traditional one, that we need community and family.  That there are times it is our duty to step in for others in need and do what has to be done to make a difference for and with them.