Embodied Spirit
I began dancing in church when I was eight years old, and as a child it always seemed like a normal and correct way to be present in worship. It was not until I was in high school that I …
Continue reading
A Life of Meaning
The Meaning of Life/A Life of Meaning I was inspired by a book I came across last spring called, “Shop Class as Soul Craft.” The author of the book left a very lucrative career in finance to open a …
Continue reading
Experience Spirit
Nearly all religions or philosophies repeat their mantras to invite an openness or healing. To experience Spirit at least in part includes words. If the following words speak to you or for you in some meaningful way of a spiritual …
Continue readingTales of a Mediocre Evangelist
I don’t know where you fall on the spectrum of comfort with the idea of evangelism, but I can make a pretty good guess. If we were to interpret evangelism as I assume most of us would, as the desire …
Continue reading
Coming Out of the Cupboard
Before Rubeus Hagrid arrives on the hut on the rock and informs Harry that he is a wizard, destined to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter spends 10 years of his life living in a literal closet, …
Continue readingSeeing in a Mirror, Dimly
Okay, we’re among friends here, right, and I need you not to judge me for my taste, but years ago I used to love this fluffy TV show called “Fantasy Island.” Each week two guests flew to a mysterious tropical …
Continue readingMudbloods and Messiahs
About a year and a half ago, I attended a lecture by the New Testament scholar and historian of early Christianity, John Dominic Crossan. If you have ever sat near me during a lecture, you know that I am a …
Continue reading
What is Right and What is Easy
In 2000, I was a college student working as a part-time children’s ministry leader. There were two fourth grade boys in my Wed. afterschool group who did not want to do anything except play four-square and hide in the basement …
Continue readingWound Care
Here is what J.K. Rowling says about Harry Potter’s iconic scar on his forehead: “I wanted him to be physically marked by what he has been through inside. I gave him a scar and in a prominent place so other …
Continue reading
Transplant
The Surprise Garden Revisited Mark 4; Psalm 126 Meditation, part 1 It’s been five years since I preached here for the first time. The audition sermon for ministers in a search in our denomination is now called a “candidating sermon.” …
Continue reading
Original Blessing
The Garden of Eden, a perfect place. Safe, comfortable, a place where everything is named and maintained. A place where all of your needs are met – and we have learned that when all of your needs are met, you …
Continue reading