Advent Liturgical Correctness

It seems to me, this year more than ever, there is much debate over why do we not sing Christmas hymns and decorate our churches during Advent? The reality of Christian life is that Jesus has been born, centuries ago, so what question are we really asking? Perhaps in the asking of questions the Church [...]

Angel Tree

Girl, 7 years old, size 10 kids, wish list: a bike.
Such is the description of the young child who will receive the gifts from our family this Christmas. It seems so simple and impersonal, so why do I feel so taken by this anonymous little girl? She doesn’t even have a face or a name, [...]

Happy Thanksgiving

The sweet smells of pies, sweet potatoes signal the coming feast, and very soon the smell of turkey and stuffing will permeate the entire house. The kids and I are watching the Macy’s parade which is just starting. The coffee is hot and the weather outside is cool. Life in my den is quiet and [...]

Church Shopping

In a few days we will once again observe one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Almost everything will be on sale, and shoppers will descend upon retailers like there is no tomorrow. Yet, with all of the bargain hunting going on, I can’t help but think of a conversation I had with [...]

Winter Wonderland?

Just when you think you have seen it all, we have snow falling in South Carolina on November 21. Normal high temp for this time of year is about 72 and the normal low is about 50ish.
This morning I awoke to a clap of thunder, which was not a surprise since the local weather geeks [...]

What Impresses Jesus?

Thinking about the gospel lessons, both this week and last, I have spent some time wondering what it takes to impress Jesus. First of all, last week we heard about the widow who gave her last two copper coins to the church. Jesus said that we are to follow this woman’s example and give from [...]

Jesus said, "Do not worry."

I apologize for the long post, but several have asked for a copy and this seemed to be the best method for distribution.
This morning I was invited to preach at a community Thanksgiving service, after which volunteers from four local congregations, one Lutheran, one Presbyterian, one Roman Catholic, and one Episcopal delivered over 250 boxes [...]

Hail to the Victors: Remembering Bo Schembechler

I remember like it was yesterday; in many respects it was. The autumn air was crisp, leaves were falling off trees and the family was gathered around the television to watch Bo Schembechler lead our beloved Wolverines up against that team from Ohio. That’s how it was for twenty years, every November beginning in 1969.
Anyone [...]

Are You Ready For Some Football?

I don’t post on sports often, but this is an incredible football weekend.
Our #2 son is playing in the second round of the high school playoffs tonight. We will be in the bleachers with blankets and hot chocolate in hand. Last week we got way up in the first half and withstood a strong comeback [...]

Meeting Jesus

A Pastor friend of mine used to always speak with me about meeting Jesus every day. According to him, you don’t have to look hard to see Jesus; he turns up just about everywhere. I have to say that I agree with my friend; for I have met Jesus this week in several odd places, [...]