When history reflects on calendar year 2020, I wonder what all will be recorded? I think everyone who has navigated this year needs to give themselves a pat on the back. We have encountered so much change. And the truth is we still are encountering change. Put simply, our routines have been changed by 2020. And yet, some things remain …
Keep On Keepin’ On
I think I’ve finally figured out my problem, after eliminating all the obvious suspects. I’m not suffering from COVID fatigue, or Zoom fatigue, or election fatigue… I’m suffering from fatigue fatigue. I’m not only tired of it all… I’m tired of being tired of it all. And I’m not sure what to do with this state of affairs. Change everything? …
Seeing Jesus
There is an odd little story tucked into a key transition place in the Gospel of John. It’s one of those stories that I’ve tried to understand for many years. It begins at John 12:20. Jesus is in Jerusalem for the last time. Some “Greeks” have asked to “see” Jesus. They approach Philip. Philip approaches Andrew. Then Andrew and Philip …
What a Week!
Almost 145,000,000 Americans cast a vote towards the November 3rd presidential election last week! Let that sink in for a minute. Rather than cast this as an election between two candidates, I invite you to look at this last week – for just a moment – as a citizen of the United States of America. Rather than lean into your …
In Building Worship Nov 8 and Nov 15 Cancelled
PTCUMC Faith Family: Thank you for doing all that you are doing to stay safe in this global pandemic. By now, I think all of us know someone who has had Covid 19. We are all learning how to live in our new routines of life but it takes constant awareness and effort. I have never washed my hands so …
An Attitude of Gratitude
I love November. The full realization of fall cool weather is always refreshing. I often pick up an extra step in my walk as the beauty of the leaves and the crisp fall air begins to awaken something in my spirit that seemed to doze off across those hot summer days. But I must admit this November is different than …
Dipping Our Feet into the Water
Do you remember the scene in Joshua Chapter 3 as the twelve tribes cross over the River Jordan into the promised land? When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of …
The Two Ways
I have been thinking about our faith story a lot lately. As we prepare to re-enter the building for corporate worship, I have been thinking about the exiles returning to Jerusalem. The worship center had to be rebuilt. The group that returned were excited about the possibility of worshipping God like “we did before.” But there is a scene recorded …
Making the Magic Happen
I saw this picture recently. It reminded me of the wonder and magic I experienced as a child using one of these. I always was in awe when we lifted up the parachute and sat under it for a few seconds. It was like being transported to Narnia or Hogwarts or Oz. It was a new space that opened up …