Author Archives: reallifepastor

First, I want to say “thanks” to Kim for giving me the opportunity to speak to you today.  It’s a privilege to be here and to share these thoughts with you.  I hope that God will bless our time together … Continue reading →

            The lion barked.  That’s how the mother and son visiting The People’s Park of Luohe in the Chinese province Henan learned that what was labeled an “African lion” was in fact a Tibetan mastiff, a dog.  The lions, it … Continue reading →

So many people—dead…in a conflict I don’t understand– either historically or experientially. So many news reports—two or three a day, sometimes more—of the rising death toll…constant reminders of everything I don’t know, everything I am powerless to do. Oh, for … Continue reading →

Kim:  In the interest of full disclosure, I need to say this:  This two-people sermon thing was not my idea.  I tried it one other time and it didn’t go well…or at least not like I’d planned.I’m not saying I … Continue reading →

            So, with which doubting disciple do you most identify?  Thomas, the one known as“the doubter,” or John, the one who kept having to remind himself that Jesus loved him?                                                                                                                       When I found Thomas’ name among your submissions … Continue reading →

            He’s been baptized, claimed by God, and sent out into the wilderness for a time of preparation.  Now it’s time for Jesus’ ministry of saving the world to begin in earnest.  A task like that, you’re going to need … Continue reading →

It’s like you wait forever then–Boom!  Justice comes all at once.  Or maybe I should say, “most at once.” *DOMA–the defense of marriage act–is dead. *Same gender couples can marry (again!) in the state of California. *Same gender-married couples are … Continue reading →

          Once upon a time, a generous pastor invited her congregation to identify biblical characters on which they’d like her to preach.  It was a good faith gift, a sign of her magnanimity, of her desire to share worship responsibilities … Continue reading →

          When asked to describe Pilgrimage, I often call us a “family-oriented” congregation.  There are many ways to describe us—a small Christian church with traditional worship and progressive theology, UCC, Open and Affirming.  But “family-oriented” just feels right.           Look … Continue reading →

I spent a year in Brownies…second grade, I think.  I can sing “The Brownie Song” on demand (“I’ve something in my pocket it belongs across my face….”) and still use the rock I painted one craft day as a door stop.  … Continue reading →