Author Archives: reallifepastor

Three ideas from the first section of Community and Growth:  “Community as belonging”  (13-18) (1)  To be human is to long for community.  Our longing for community begins in utero.  The minute we are born, we long for and seek the … Continue reading →

Each summer at Pilgrimage (the church I serve), we explore a theme.  This year’s theme is “Growing Deeper into Community.”  We’ve explored the theme of community before, but this time around we’ll go deeper.  We’ll look at how to become … Continue reading →

It’s Pentecost!  That means it’s time to hear the story from Acts 2 about the arrival of the Holy Spirit.  From John’s Gospel, we’ve just heard Jesus tell his disciples about the Paraclete, the one Jesus calls the “Spirit of … Continue reading →

Last Sunday, we confirmed two teenagers.  A third teen went through the nine-month Confirmation process…and chose not to be confirmed.  Here’s the blessing we offered Miller. Blessing for Miller (on the day he wasn’t confirmed) Here at Pilgrimage, we say … Continue reading →

Holy One, We begin life connected—connected to the woman whose body nurtures us, whose heart teaches ours to beat, whose every breath triggers the chemical reactions that spur on the miracle of our human becoming.  From our births we know … Continue reading →

Each summer at Pilgrimage, we go rogue–that means we abandon the lectionary, the set list of Scripture readings–and focus on a theme.  One year we focused on community.  Another year–when I was trying to finish my dissertation–we had “The Laity … Continue reading →

Today’s Gospel lesson is Luke’s version of the story we heard last week from John.  John’s version is told through the experience of Thomas. You remember the story.  Thomas wasn’t with the disciples the first time Jesus appeared to them. … Continue reading →

Pilgrimage United Church of Christ, “An Open and Affirming Congregation.”  That’s what it says on our sign out front.  That’s what it says on our bulletin.  That’s what it says on our website.  The designation means that we’ve gone through … Continue reading →

The waitress who served Mom and me at her favorite diner is named Sunday (long “a”).  Curious, I asked how she got the name.  She told me her grandmother had named her…and until years later, she hated the name.  “I … Continue reading →

April 5, 2015    (EASTER – B)                                                                       “Now What?” Mark 16:1-8;  Acts 10:34-43 The stone is rolled away!  We got Jesus birthed, baptized, betrayed, crucified, and buried…and now the stone is rolled away!  Christ is risen!  Christ … Continue reading →