"Merry Christmas!" "Season's Greetings!" "Happy Holidays!" "Joyeux Noel!" "Frohe Weinachten!" "Feliz Navidad!" Take your pick! All kinds of traditions bring a different nostalgic greeting to mind. I grew up with 'Merry Christmas' and occasionally the German version in different settings. I once worked with a church that prided itself on its German roots, and that … Continue reading Have a Merry Christmas!
Theology beer camp?
Yes, you read that right. If you were following me on social media at all this past week and weekend you saw I travelled to St. Paul, MN, to partake of my first Theology Beer Camp. If you are unfamiliar with this event, it is advertised as a safe place for people of varying journeys … Continue reading Theology beer camp?
A birthday and no rapture?
OK, I said I was only going to highlight a couple of dates on the calendar, but...it is my birthday after all! And apparently social media says there was supposed to be a rapture today. I guess I missed out. (If you believe in rapture theology, that's fine. It wasn't today.) I always try to … Continue reading A birthday and no rapture?
Distractions to the message
OK, I planned on writing a short post this month about the state of evangelicalism in North America, then a few key individuals died... John MacArthur, Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osbourne, to name a few. Spiderman was a big deal in my early years, and then again later on, but I digress. The others were all … Continue reading Distractions to the message
What makes a day sacred?
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?
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
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
Leadership (and life) can require a short-term memory
Here's some old thoughts from some teaching on the book of Romans. It may not be exactly where you are at today, but the focus was/is on a healthy starting point for resiliency in life and faith. Temptation, struggle, mistakes, hurts and trouble, they all get us down. It is what we do next, and … Continue reading Leadership (and life) can require a short-term memory
What is your gospel?
Before reading further you may want to take a glance at an old post I wrote about doing church in the world. It is based in reading Tim Soeren's book, Everywhere You Look. Here's the link to the post: What is the church for? So, let's talk a little more about church as a 3rd … Continue reading What is your gospel?
What are you hoping for?
I originally posted this back at the beginning of the Lead Freely journey. One of my favourites, and still fits today... The season of Advent is coming to a close, now we celebrate with the ancients at the arrival of the King. The most basic description of the word is ‘waiting’; it can also mean … Continue reading What are you hoping for?
