Yes, it’s the holiday season, but not yet New Year’s Day - as in January 1. It’s the beginning of the Advent season. On the church Christian calendar, Advent begins the new cycle of liturgical seasons that celebrate the full redemption story of Jesus. Sunday, December 1, was the first Sunday of Advent for this … Continue reading It's December, so Happy New Year!
This time of year, there are many opportunities for adults to listen in on children being asked, “What are you thankful for?” You can count on some standard answers: my parents, my toys, my food, my television, my dog, or school is out this week. Yesterday in church, I heard an answer that made me … Continue reading Give Thanks in All Circumstances?
How much do you think about the Kingdom of God? What’s your understanding about the Kingdom of God? It is another one of those theological concepts where all of Christendom is not of one mind. My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen … Continue reading Thy Kingdom Come
UMC Hymnal #711 - Author William How. Churches in the mainline and those with more liturgical styles recognize All Saints Day on the Christian calendar. It’s officially November 1 but celebrated in worship on the first Sunday of November. For those who don’t follow this cycle of identifying special days during the year, you might … Continue reading For All The Saints
In light of this week's beloved and hated holiday, I want to share some thoughts. This is yet another topic that divides Christians, and like many other points of disagreement, it is not a simple one. Our theology directs us to one side or the other on the subject of Halloween. An oversimplification may set … Continue reading What’s Your Take on Halloween?
I have to confess something. I have a love-hate relationship with the Church. It probably goes back to childhood, around the Sunday dinner table, when we had roast preacher each week, along with mashed Sunday school teacher, and tossed board chairman. I love Jesus a lot more than any denomination. I know, I know. I’ve … Continue reading Church – It’s Complicated
Fall means Homecoming for many high schools and colleges. It’s time for football games that present the Homecoming Court with the King, Queen, and attendants. Small towns have parades, and students have been happy to escape classes to decorate floats with this year’s theme. The community turns out to watch their children ride the floats, … Continue reading Homecoming and Sukkot
