There is a lot of humor to be found in the end of world—just ask cartoonists or writers of sitcoms. Maybe we find humor because it’s so ridiculous to think that anyone can predict when the world will end. Or maybe it’s more of a gallows humor—so much is crashing down around us that we … read
What will you leave behind after you finish your earthly life? On this Sabbath when we observe our All Saints Remembrance, we’re going to look at the idea of how our faith shapes our legacy, what we leave after we go, and what those who follow us will receive as an ongoing gift from us. … read
One of the many wonderful things you all as congregation do for us pastors is give us study leave, time away from e-mails and phone calls and meetings so that we can delve into something without the usual things buzzing around us. Last week while on study leave I had the opportunity to delve into … read
Nothing ensures a wandering mind during the sermon quite like the topic of wealth and poverty. I do wonder how Jesus’ audiences heard all these parables—if they, too tuned out; if they were poor and gave him shouts of encouragement; if they were rich and got mad or felt guilty or changed their ways. As … read
Last month, many of us mourned the death of Frederick Buechner, the famed Presbyterian pastor and author, but we were consoled that his words will outlive him and continue to inspire us. So in my next few sermons, you’ll hear something from Buechner that adds cohesion to the sermon. I hope! Buechner once wrote, “The … read
What does it mean to be free? Several years ago, our beloved Clayton Rice, a retired Presbyterian minister and an unretiring character, said something to me about the Assurance of Pardon. He said he wished the language included a word or two about forgiveness freeing us to be the people of God. And so I … read