During November I was working: three sermons and a funeral. Sounds like a bad movie title, doesn’t it? October was a month of staying home (mostly) and recovering from my surgery. November has offered all kinds of opportunities to preach and be out in the world. In fact, with three sermons and a funeral in …
From Worship Experiences
New Every Morning
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 This summer, on the mornings that I don’t work, I walk to Middlesboro, Kentucky. I usually head out sometime between 7:30 and 8 and it takes me about 45 …
Looking for Jesus in Wrong Places
I have been reading the One Year Bible and have finished three of the gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In each of them are stories about people looking for Jesus in the wrong places. A little like the lyrics from the old song, “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.” First we have the …
Do Not Fret – Be Still Before the Lord
I have to confess that I fret. Lately I have been waking up around 5 a.m. and have trouble falling back asleep. The political situation in the United States, in particular, has made me very anxious. During the day I can push it to the back of my mind, but at night the anxiety rises …
Bringing More Than Enough
I have been reading the One Year Bible in 2025. In fact, I am leading a Bible study of sorts on the One Year Bible and some of you are in it. I’ve really been enjoying both reading the Bible and getting feedback from other people about it. This last week I read a couple …
Cookie Walk, Cantata, and Tree Lighting
December 5 – 8 was a very busy four days filled with Lewis Center church activities. We had a cookie walk, cantata, and tree lighting. As a pastor, I am used to December being a crazy month with all kinds of things crammed in. But things have generally been quieter for me since I retired. …
One Year Bible Study Invitation
2025 is my year to read through the entire Bible – again. And I thought it was a good time to invite you to read through it with me. I will be reading the One Year Bible and sending out a weekly e-mail to encourage you and give you some background information on what you …
Hanging of the Greens
On November 24, Tom and I participated in the Hanging of the Greens at Lewis Center United Methodist Church. Lewis Center is an active, faithful community of folks and Tom and I try to participate as we can when we are in Ohio. Most Sundays we serve as a greeter (me) and an usher (Tom). …
Lake Brady UMC’s 125th Anniversary
The very first church that I served as a pastor was Lake Brady United Methodist Church. I graduated from seminary in May of 1984 and started as the pastor of this church on July 1. I was 24 years old at the time. With my newly minted degree, I looked forward to changing the world …
Moving from Darkness into Light
Before the time change in November, I was leaving my house to take my morning walk in darkness. I walk first thing in the morning. I like to walk early because it is routine. It doesn’t matter how awake I am, my habit is pulling on my boots and heading across the road as soon …