The altar above was designed last year, early in the pandemic on the theme of “living stones”. That theme is on my heart again as we retell the birthday of the Church (capital C) and Eden in these Pentecost weeks. (Learn more about Pentecost here.) May it be that we indeed feel the significance of…
Last week we eavesdropped on Jesus and Peter, and discovered the message Jesus intends for all of us (not just Peter). The way to grow in grace is to receive Jesus’ forgiveness, and trust His presence to set us on the right path to love and serve others. Growing in grace means growing in our…
As you may have read in the Echo, the theme of “Growing in Grace” is on my heart for this coming month. It’s such a multi-faceted topic; we could spend all year on it! In the stories of Jesus’ resurrection appearances we are reminded of the mystery of the cross – fresh and confusing for…
Perhaps you can appreciate how challenging it is to cover all the bases an average pastor might think need to be covered. And, the words which are the right words, for the right time, with the right people, FOR THE RIGHT REASON (S). Add to that the extroverts’ blind spot (thinking all situations might NEED…
We build a house, ancient and new; We are a people seeking light and truth. Shaped by your word… fashioned in grace–We bear your image to this time and place. These lyrics from a song Carla introduced last Fall have always touched me. In these days when cynicism, fatigue, distrust and division seem to reign,…
Has it always been so chaotic, such a mix of emotions and activities around this Sacred Season? I think perhaps so. There’s joy, hope, and exuberant cheers lifted by the Hosannas of the hopeful. There’s anxiety and fear swirling at the same time. There’s the urban scene of the kingdom (Jesus’ procession and community) and…
That’s the sermon series we’re in, and hopefully Sunday’s reflections on the healing story from John 9 will invite us to face some truths in the service of our spiritual growth. But in the meantime, I confess I am just touched this week to think of all that you and I and we are “facing…
Blessings on this gorgeous spring Saturday (yes, I said it… SPRING:)) I will dwell in Spring Mind through any last gasps of snow… Spring calls to me. The outdoors (going back out as soon as possible) call to me. And, no less, the Eden sanctuary calls to me. Carla and I will drive over tomorrow…
WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR ANNUAL GATHERING TO HONOR THE WORK OF OUR CUB SCOUTS, BOY SCOUTS, AND GIRL SCOUTS… AND MUTUAL APPRECIATION FOR OUR PARTNERSHIP. Join us for a Zoom service broadcast from the sanctuary, and prepare for the treat of their participation in the service. Note: I’ve decide that we will not share…
That timeless verse is on a big sign you see as you enter (and leave) the retreat center where I spent nearly a week in Frankfort, IL. The Portiuncula Center, affectionately known as “The Port,” has been a special place for many years but I had never stayed in the hermitages before. Simple little places…
