Reaching The Climax Of The Story Last week we found ourselves in conflict & teased the story’s climax. We’ve been through the Passion, Death, Resurrection, & Ascension … Story comes to a climax when the Spirit arrives & the Church is born! What Was NOT Going On Up There? A 5 Step Church Planting &…
The Conflict Before The Story’s Climax The Easter Resurrection narrative has been carrying us forward these last few weeks, but I have a beef with this week’s Ascension readings. The story comes to the point of Jesus’ rising up into the heavens, but… “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the…
People Are Hard To Love! Man, people are hard to love, aren’t they? In our workplaces, our neighborhoods, our own families, & even here. And yet Jesus says: As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love… “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have…
The Dude Abides 20 Years Later Do you have a thing that really pulls the room together. Coffee mug quest It’s been 20 years since The Big Lebowski imprinted on our culture The idea of “The Dude Abides” is so strong that it naturally connects. Inspired by an older movie The Night Of The Hunter…
A Story To Connect w/ The Good Shepherd Idea. How many dog people here today? Relating to 1stCentury Shepherds. A Personal Story from my teenage daughter. (she said it was okay.) Relating to Wolves Then & Now. Does It Seem Like The World Is Full Of Hired Hands? The difference between shepherds & hired…
Welcome To The Annual “Doubting” Thomas Sunday. “Doubting” Thomas is a nearly annual fixture in the liturgical year. I’ve been pondering Thomas’ situation; does he just want to belong? He’s no different than the other Disciples; skeptical & wanting to see. Do We Find Comfort/Superiority In Scolding Thomas’ Doubt? What is it in us that…
Congratulations, Lenten Fasts Are Over Did you give up something for Lent? Are you glad it’s over? What I gave up for Lent. What I learned this year. The Spirit still empowers us! Has been needed in my household. Sacrifice can lead to spiritual growth; like a gardener pruning. Pruning prepares us for growth; Jesus…
Preparing For the Unexpected on April Fool’s Day & Easter When my Dad called me through the platoon office? Anyone here love April Fools’ Day? Have any plans in the works? The Irony of Easter & April Fool’s Day…& how about Palm Sunday? A Good Joke Is Unexpected & Jesus Does The Unexpected on Palm…
Story of a Church Pledged to Kingdom Building & Likeness A little background for us about College Church in Marion, IN. An intentional choice to better reflect the Kingdom in their community. A visible change in the congregation’s composition & impact. Working & Giving Together Toward Kingdom Building Here Building a Kingdom outpost right here…
Pledge Loyalty to Christ & Covenant with Each Other Girl Scout Promise: On my honor, I will try: To serve God & my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law. Girl Scout Law: I will do my best to be honest & fair, friendly & helpful, considerate &…