Category Archives: Uncategorized

Scratch that.  Moving…Day TWO. Last night, I started typing…and promptly fell asleep.  Sigh.  Moving is intense.  Disconcerting.  Discombobulating.  Exhausting. In the midst of the discombobulation, I’m finding that consistent prayer practice is keeping me grounded.   A decade ago, an amazing … Continue reading →

  Have you heard about the new appointment in Great Britain?  On Wednesday, Prime Minister Theresa May appointed a Minister for Loneliness.  The move came in response to a 2017 report that “more than nine million people in the country … Continue reading →

Lately here at Pilgrimage, there’s been a lot more talk of feeling “called” to do something than of simply filling slots.  Instead of—“Since no one else will do it, I guess I will”–people are saying, “I think God is calling … Continue reading →

So…our time together is drawing to a close.  We’re about to enter a strange new world–the world where I am no longer your pastor.  February 1, I will start learning a new congregation; you’ll begin the adventure of discerning who … Continue reading →

In this era of fake news, “truthiness,” and prevarication counts, I thought it prudent today to do a little seasonal fact-checking.  Christmas:  Is it fake or real? Let’s start with the date of Christmas–December 25.  Is that what it says … Continue reading →

Sixteenth century nun, Teresa of Avila, summed up today’s Gospel lesson well.  The words are on the cover of the bulletin.  I invite you to join me in reading them. “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no … Continue reading →

This is my candidating sermon for First Congregational, UCC, in Asheville, NC.  Happily, after last week’s worship service, FCUCC voted to call me as their next Senior Minister.   Hypothetical situation.  After two years of meticulous work, a congregation in, let’s … Continue reading →

  Here’s the first thing I want you to know:  I love you.  I have loved this congregation from the moment I began interviewing.  Aside from marrying Allen, serving with you in ministry these last 16 years has been the … Continue reading →

Who are your saints?  Who’s inspired you to live your life with authenticity and generosity?  Who, by their actions and words, has made God present to you? What do you imagine contributes to their saintliness?  Kindness?  Integrity?  An unwavering commitment … Continue reading →

This morning at Pilgrimage UCC, we re-affirmed our ONA covenant.  Here’s the text of the covenant along with a picture of the mat we all signed.  The mat will frame the text of the covenant and we’ll display it at … Continue reading →