My experience of the journey of puberty included a sex education class at my church. It was taught by one of our ministers and a psychologist. That class was about as awkward as most of puberty. I am thankful that my parents and church helped me to include faith in the conversation about sexuality. In …
Are We Ready for Easter
Are we ready for Easter? This will be an Easter we will not soon forget. I am disappointed that much of the memory will be social distancing and the coronavirus epidemic. I worry about your health and safety, so we will live-stream worship for Easter. That still leaves each of us with the question ... …
Eyes Forward: a Lenten Sermon
Thankfulness
As a Christian, I claim my life as a thankful response to God's love and my communities' embrace. Today I penned more than a dozen thank you notes. I am thankful that most days I can pen at least three notes of such intent. Hoping you can as well. Hoping you have cause for thanksgiving... …
Oregon or Bust: Day 3
We have traveled from Salt Lake City, Utah through Boise, Idaho to Hines, Oregon. Having lived in the Midwest most of my life, a day plus of driving in high desert has been fascinating. The irrigated fields are a vibrant green contrast to the surrounding scrub. Entering Oregon, we drove through a range near Malheur …
Oregon or Bust: Day 2
Leaving Denver we were excited that our longest day was behind us and the Rocky Mountains were before us! What an amazing day! The peaks and tunnels, ski slopes and streams provided amazing visual stimulation. At a mountain lake we stopped and made a video invitation for the church in Salem. Leaving the Rock Mts, …
Oregon or Bust: Day 1
What a long productive day. We drove 890 miles from Edwardsville, IL to Denver, CO. The scenery was... big horizons and big skies. About 80miles from Denver we could see the Rocky MTs. As the sunset, the mountains grew before us. Amy and I reflected much on our last Sunday at FCC Edwardsville, how gracious …
Worldview Is Priceless
Parents and Grandparents are prone to spoil the young. I suggest the best use of this inclination is to invest in broadening the worldview of children. Preferably through both education and experience, be a spendthrift upon the youngest amongst. At least 3 benefits arise from such an investment. Recently, I have begun reading "The Personal …
Memorial Day 2019
June 6, 1944, thousands of Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. July 2018, my parents, my son and I walked the same ground. The memory of our travel is profound. The memory of those who gave the most that day is inspiring. Let me also share a couple of pictures I captured on that …
Relationship Warranty?
How long is the warranty on a pastor? I have served the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Edwardsville, Illinois since June 2001. Since then we have replaced the roof twice (thank you insurance for covering the hail damage). We've invested over half a million dollars in the facility and grounds. Pictured is a …
