In many ways my father is very old school and traditional. For example, you put on a crisp white shirt and tie to go to church to show your respect. And he always opens the door for a lady to pass through first. But in other ways, my father was …
Bold Courage
His faith failed him. Though he made bold promises, when the going got tough he followed at a distance. Peter denies even knowing Jesus, not once but three times. In the cover of darkness he betrays Jesus, saying to the maid, “Woman, I don’t know him.” And Peter is left …
Unfettered Love
Mother’s Day brings a twinge of grief for some and a spark of joy for others. My friend will pass her first Mother’s day this year after losing her mom to covid. For some folks it is a reminder of infertility angst or a fracture in the fabric of relationship …
My Mother’s Table
By the time you read this I will be on a plane to Texas to visit with my parents and my sister who is flying in from California. The four of us were lucky enough to enjoy a family visit just six weeks before the lockdown in 2020. And we were …
Peace, Justice, and Love
Howard Thurman was valedictorian at Morehouse, a historically black men’s college, in 1923. While a student he worked as an errand boy in the university president’s office and one day a man waiting to see the president engaged him in conversation. “I am rearing my boys so that they will …
Summer Worship
Beginning May 16, you will have four options for worship each Sunday morning. You may stream the sanctuary service at 9:01, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.. Or you may gather on the front lawn at 9:01 a.m. for an in person outdoor worship experience. Many of you have already told me …
The Real Easter
What would be the real Easter to you right now? Is there some dramatic event that, if it were to happen, would so surprise and amaze you that you would be completely blown away by it? I’ve been thinking about this question off and on for several weeks now. On …
On Good Friday
Good Friday is perhaps the most difficult of all days for a Christian. We turn away in horror as we remember how Jesus, the one who embodied the fullness of God’s love, was crucified. And we shake our heads wondering how such a death could bring life. I remember my …
The Parade
When I was growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, we always looked forward to the Fat Stock Show Parade that launched the Rodeo and Fair and exhibits of the Stock Show. We even got a school holiday and free pass to attend! I also loved constructing the purple and white …
To Rest and Play
What is the right balance between work and leisure? That was the topic in week four of the “Life Worth Living” class that Dr. Graves leads. I was a little self conscious about the topic as my scale often tips too far into the work. How could play be fun …
Nourishment
I grew up standing next to my mother in the kitchen chopping and preparing the meal. Our family time revolved around sharing stories at the dinner table. My husband grew up in a parsonage where his mom was always baking an apple pie for the next potluck or iced sugar …
Surprises
The Spirit will surprise you. It will rattle your world and then show you something that is possible beyond your wildest imagination. We are two Sunday’s shy of a full year of worshipping 100% via live stream. I could never have fathomed that we could endure this let alone thrive …
God Enters This Place
Do you remember when we thought 2021 would be better? After 10 pandemic-laden months overplayed by a host of racial, political and economic woes, we looked forward to the dawn of a new calendar year. But less than two months into the freshness of a new year we have been …