When I was a boy, I used to play often with a guy who had an older brother.  On bad weather days, their mom would give us jigsaw puzzles to put together.  We’d work for about 20 minutes (seemed like hours) and then the older brother would pound pieces together, once he even used scissors… Continue Reading→

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→