Missing and Finding Joy, Part 1

by | May 11, 2018 | 0 comments

The first of two reflections on this theme. I’ll post the second one tomorrow.In my experience, pervading the atmosphere of too many churchy groups are unspoken expectations which leave me with the impression that I should look and feel as inspired and triumphant as...

Wobbly without Training Wheels

by | May 2, 2018 | 6 comments

I’ll soon finish my third year of fulltime teaching at Mars Hill University.  I’m still surprised and grateful that, after nearly four decades in congregational ministry, I have the opportunity to do this work. For the next couple of weeks, I’ll be giving and...

On Limits

by | Apr 14, 2018 | 2 comments

I get confused about limits.  I place them where they’re not necessary and ignore them where they matter.On the one hand, I needlessly limit the range of my imagination, the breadth of my curiosity, the reach of my compassion, and the scale of my hope. On...

Gratitude and Faith, Holy Week Reflections

by | Apr 3, 2018 | 0 comments

This past Good Friday and Holy Saturday, I received the manifold gifts of worship at All Souls Cathedral. I longed for the liturgies of those days to enfold, unsettle, guide, and, ultimately, gladden me. They did. I needed to be in a community of seekers, of...

We Haven’t Heard from You in a While

by | Mar 24, 2018 | 22 comments

I’ve not written much lately, and a few of you have asked, “Are you okay? We haven’t heard from you in a while.”The easiest explanation is that time has been scarce. Teaching at the university, serving as Transitional Pastor at a local church, and working on a few...

A Long Lent and Easter Always

by | Feb 25, 2018 | 1 comment

The season of Lent became more deeply significant to me in 2014.Most folks who read my reflections know that, on Ash Wednesday of that year (March 5), I began treatment for recently-diagnosed Multiple Myeloma. The insidious cancer itself, the powerful drugs I’ve taken...