A couple of months ago Laurie, one of the Christian Ministry in the National Park leaders, preached on the story of Abraham and Sarah. Something that she said has really stuck with me, so I wanted to share it today, as Tom and I head out of Death Valley. Abraham and Sarah believed God’s promise …
From Worship Experiences
A Good Easter
After six weeks of preparation and (for me) dread, Easter came, just as it always has and always will. The day here in Death Valley was beautifully clear and warm. There was no sunrise service anywhere within two hours, so Tom and I attended our normal worship at the Date Palm Grove. We had laughed …
He Is Risen!
He is risen! This is the perfect way, the only way, to start the best day in the Christian year. He is risen! These are the first words I speak to Tom on Easter morning, the first words I say to everyone I meet at church, the first words I speak to anyone I call …
Yearning for Easter
Lent took me by surprise. Not because the date snuck up on me – Ash Wednesday was duly noted – but there wasn’t a worship service to attend within a two hour drive so no ashes on my forehead this year. For the last 30 years, Lent was the most hectic season of the year. …
Lord, We Do Not Deserve
Matthew 8:5-13 contains this familiar story: When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under …
Guest Preaching
I haven’t preached since I retired. I’ve been in ministry in various ways, led devotions, and counseled people but no preaching. As much as I enjoyed preaching, I can’t say I have really missed the weekly preparation. This week I returned to preaching. Adam Wood, the scheduled preacher for the Christian Ministry in the National …
The Clouds His Chariot
This morning when I got up, an unusual sight greeted me. There were clouds below the mountains, filling the valley all around us. Most of the days in Death Valley are beautiful and cloudless, but we have had several days of snow and rain: snow above 5,000 feet and rain below that elevation. Consequently it …
Minister Wherever You Are
This last week I was reminded every day that, while I might have retired from pastoral ministry, I am in ministry wherever I am. Even in a place with no cell phone service or internet access, God needs witnesses and servants. We may not be in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, but we …
Success!
After two weeks of unsuccessful attempts to go to church, Tom and I finally found a church service and got to it on time. Success! We went to the Christian Ministry in the National Parks service at Furnace Creek at 9 a.m. Christian Ministry in the National Parks is a multi-denominational organization that works with …
Pahrump Valley United Methodist Church
Our quest to find a place to worship continues . . . This week we drove to Pahrump (pronounced prump – one syllable), which is 112 miles from our campsite. Pahrump is the closest Walmart and Albertsons, two places we needed to visit. It also has a selection of fast food places including Sonic (yum!). …