Author Archives: reallifepastor

September 21–the first day of autumn.  As trees molt their leaves, as hostas and other flowering shrubs go to ground, as grass turns brittle and pale, as mosquitos go wherever it is they go (thank goodness!)…we are reminded of the … Continue reading →

It is so good to be back in this place. I have missed you! I can’t wait to tell you about my adventures—and maybe a few of the misadventures. And I can’t wait to hear about yours! But, oh my … Continue reading →

Journal Entry:  5/23/14 The “Dear Jean” Concert at Union Church in Berea, KY, tonight was a phenomenal experience!  Jean Ritchie lives in Berea and is a member of the church Rachel Small Stokes serves.  She’s had a stroke and is … Continue reading →

Sabbatical was great!  Having time to rest and play and make music and new friends…All my colleagues who have taken sabbaticals didn’t lie:  the last four months have renewed me as nothing else ever has. …which means that I am ready … Continue reading →

How blessed I am to serve such a wonderful church!  Thanks, Ugena.   ***************   Numbers 6: 24-26   24 “‘”The Lord bless you     and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you     and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you     and … Continue reading →

Holy One, It’s Mother’s Day.  Chances are good that we’ve got some feelings about that… Some of us feel gratitude:  for excellent mothering we have received– from birth mothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers, surrogate mothers, and as one of our children … Continue reading →

            Koinonia.  It’s a Greek word that occurs in today’s Scripture lesson and describes the community created by the first followers of Jesus…a community characterized by devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread and praying together.  For those … Continue reading →

            Christ is risen!  Christ is risen indeed!Easter.Do you believe in it?  It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do, is it?  Jesus—Son of God—raised from the dead, appearing to people, walking through walls… For us scientifically-minded people, … Continue reading →

Some Christians make confessions with Ash Wednesday ashes.  This year, I have a confession to make about Ash Wednesday ashes.  I forgot to order them.  The small packet of ashes I had picked up from the Cokesbury store in Decatur … Continue reading →

Today, I make the first down payment on the plane tickets to Ireland and the second installment of the cost for the Ireland tour.  It’s really getting real now! This sabbatical has taken a lot of planning; there are lots … Continue reading →