I had a lot of fun preaching this Sunday! (Click on this link to listen to the sermon.) During my sermon, I enjoyed walking up and down amongst the tables, hearing your thoughtful contributions to the conversation, and seeing you in a new light. Not to mention, sprinkling everyone with water in remembrance of baptism. For those who weren’t there, one thing…

I hope everyone was able to ring in the New Year in peace and comfort, whether that was curled up with a good book, partying with friends, or out celebrating with the crowds. I was in New York City for the holiday, but I didn’t go to Times Square (and you must know, only tourists ever go to Times Square), but enjoyed…

Blessed are you, O Lord, Through your children, our sisters and brothers, Who performed a pageant this past Sunday; For through their courage on stage We are indeed encouraged, By their sweet voices Our souls are refreshed, By their talents and skills We are inspired, And in their joy we rejoice. Praise to you, O Lord, Who put away false dignity And…

For those of you who haven’t noticed, I’ll confess: I can be a bit grinchy during Advent. It’s an occupational hazard of the pastorate, to be honest, and I do succumb to the temptation. Yes, it’s true, I want to sing Advent hymns rather than Christmas carols… but with the exception of that most popular “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” people look…

I’ve been out sick for a few days. I’m back to work today, but too late to get a regular piece written for Contact. If you call me, you can hear my nice baritone voice on the phone – the remnants of the cold I’m getting over. I’ll use this slot to get in a quick reminder for Youth Group members and…

As part of our series on “discovering choices,” the MPC Youth Group recently spent a meeting discussing how we make our choices for Christmas shopping. For some youth, this is one of their first real budgeting and buying experiences, using money saved up from odd jobs or babysitting to try to bring joy to their family and friends. We watched a fun…

Dear friends, This week I preached on sabbath-keeping, and how it can make us into braver, more generous people. I spoke mostly poetically about it, painting large brushstrokes over the various ways the sabbath commandments were followed by ancient Israel and could be practiced again today. But some of you are pragmatists, so to balance out the poetry, here are some practicals:…

Last Sunday in the wake of the terrible Paris attacks I prayed for imams and all Muslim leaders who need to reclaim and interpret their religions so that the world doesn’t mistakenly allow Daesh (a better term for the so-called “Islamic State”) to be accepted as a valid interpretation for Islam. My prayer, if you will, was for those who are fighting…

My job really hasn’t shifted much since my ordination. I do appreciate it when you call me Rev., of course, and relish the opportunity to wear fancy stoles (Advent is coming soon!) but in the day-to-day business, not much has changed. I have however taken on some of those “extra duties as assigned,” and here’s the newest one: Presbytery service. Yes, Presbytery,…

I returned last week from the Company of New Pastors gathering in St. Louis, MO, where I got to romp in bright-colored fall leaves, meet lots of new Presbyterian pastors, connect with old friends, and pray and sing. Although I will remind myself never to schedule TWO weeks of study leave, one right after another, I am still grateful for both of…