I think it’s true that Christians, clergy included, can too easily retreat from the world.  Not many of us do (or maybe can), but it is a clear and present danger that we can use the Gospel to step away from the painful truths of our society.   I’m glad that there’s not much that shocks… Continue Reading→

The Duke Endowment sponsors bi-annual meetings of the NC Conference District Superintendents and Bishop with our counterparts from the Western NC Conference.  We met two weeks ago in Charlotte.  By chance, I sat next to Bishop Hope during an intense and powerful session with Ruby Sales, a Justice Advocate and Spiritual Guide.  Ruby used   portions… Continue Reading→

When I played the very occasional organized sport that I did (organized means adults, rules, and officials were involved) as a kid, I discovered the “time out” signal.  The signal is made when you make a “t” with your hands, your left hand horizontal to the ground, your right perpendicular to the left, making a… Continue Reading→

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses  . . . Hebrews 12:1a I believe in the communion of saints The Apostles’ Creed As we come close to All Saints’ Sunday, this is one of the articles of our faith that I ponder.  I understand that we have the great gift… Continue Reading→

I had a great time at worship Sunday. One of the reasons is that the pastors who planned the services where I got to attend repeatedly used the word “joy”. It reminded me of a lesson I learned long ago. When I was a child I heard a deeply devout laywoman often repeat the phrase… Continue Reading→

Whenever I am frustrated by church work, I always remember what one of my New Testament professors told my class in a throw-away line he tossed out as class was ending one day.  He said, “Whenever the Church ticks me off, I always remember Romans 15:28 and get some peace.” It was good to hear… Continue Reading→

I was at a Wespath meeting for the last few days of September.  (Wespath is the name our General Board of Pension and Health Benefits uses; I’m blessed to be a board member.)  In her opening remarks, Barbara Bogegrain, our General Secretary, reflected on the footprint or impact we each have.  Barbara used a picture… Continue Reading→

I am sharing this story and my musings on it because it is a sign of great hope to me: for each of us individually, for our churches, for the world – A layperson wrote me last year; she told me how unhappy she was with her church, our denomination, and her pastor.  She didn’t… Continue Reading→

Mordecai meant for Esther to understand that she had been given a great responsibility, as well as, a great joy “for such a time as this.” [Esther 4:14] He was reminding her that she would determine the future of her people. So, every leader in our district has a great work and a great joy… Continue Reading→