How many sacred days do you hold? That is a bit of a trick question, sorry. The obvious response depending on your faith tradition would be focused on what we might see as holy days, feasts and festivals, remembrances, etc. Most Christian churches will at least celebrate Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas. Some will include … Continue reading What makes a day sacred?
What is your top 5%?
Where do you place your highest priorities in life? And how long is that list? This is the 2nd time I have blogged this post. You will see the addendum for 2025 about half-way through...take it with a grain of salt if it helps! A while back I was called to evaluate this list, considering … Continue reading What is your top 5%?
My history of Leadership slogans
What slogans have you adopted over the years? As much as I say I hate slogans I have to chuckle at how often a slogan has stuck with me over the years. A number of slogans were not real 'slogans' per , as in no one designed them and said this is what we need … Continue reading My history of Leadership slogans
But…Why?
Why? Yeah, but why?? Why not??? I am a lifelong 'why?' asker. Just ask any of my siblings and people who had to oversee me in some way. I have gotten in trouble for the question more than once, but still asked. It is what made me an uncomfortable fit in some permanent roles, where … Continue reading But…Why?
Won’t you be my neighbour
"It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood..." and the song goes on. Most people in North America know the theme song for 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood' in their memory files somewhere, even if you grew up north of the border like me. I actually did not have any working knowledge of Mr. Rogers until much later … Continue reading Won’t you be my neighbour
Pope Francis
I really liked this pope and I am saddened by his passing. From the moment he came on the scene as the new pontiff I was surprised by his approach to the role, the church, and the world. I know others noticed the same. Regardless of your views on his office, the church, or all … Continue reading Pope Francis
Is the church a prophetic voice?
If you are not familiar with this idea, one of the discussions that comes up often in church circles is the role of the church (institutional term) in the times around us. (AP News) Part of the reason I do not speak to that conversation often is because I do believe the local church, in … Continue reading Is the church a prophetic voice?
Anabaptist 500
The 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement?! You don’t look a day over 200... We are living into a complicated history on a few fronts. Just yesterday the inauguration for the new commander-in-chief for the United States happened. It is the first time a convicted felon has been able to take the office of the … Continue reading Anabaptist 500
What we meant to say
Forrest Gump is one of my favourite movies. I saw it when it first came out back in 1994, an important year in my life, and the story just seems to continue to resonate with me today. Over the Christmas break I rewatched it...again...and was struck by a few new things I had not noticed … Continue reading What we meant to say
Mary, did you know? (A little more about gift-giving…)
I have a love/hate relationship with the Christmas song, "Mary, did you know". It humanizes the story of Mary as the mother of Christ, but it is also pretty schmaltzy. (Dictionary.com defines 'schmaltzy' as "exaggeratedly sentimental". I'll go with that one.) But, I love the story of Mary and Elizabeth, and I got to preach … Continue reading Mary, did you know? (A little more about gift-giving…)
‘Tis the season for gift-giving
Does Christmas gift-giving stress you out? I know it does for many people, while others seem to gain a whole new energy supply when they gift shop...or make...or give. Is it the occasion? The situation? The person or group? Maybe that all changes your view of gift giving. Does it change how you receive gifts? … Continue reading ‘Tis the season for gift-giving
The Very Good Gospel
You might remember a while back I asked you this simple question: What is your good news? You can reread that post now with its focus being on the plural 'you' of church. The Very Good Gospel here represents my recent reading of Lisa Sharon Harper's awesome book by that title. If you have the … Continue reading The Very Good Gospel
