Outward Incarnational Focus

Seven Marks of Vital Congregations – Part Three Matthew 25:31-46 In some ways, we might want to say to this theme, “Been there, done that.” Having an outward focus is what we are about as a bridge-building congregation. We know that the Holy Spirit is a work in...

Lifelong Discipleship Formation

Part 1 of “Seven Marks of Vial Congregations” series In 2020 the Presbyterian Church USA will launch an initiative to help churches bring new energy and vitality to their congregations: the Vital Congregations Initiative. Honestly, the first response, even...

Investing in Hope

Jeremiah 32:1-15 The news is so depressing! I was talking with a friend the other day who commented that our society is mean. Everyone is attacking, blaming, insulting, writing off those who are different, or who disagree with them. It is in the air, it seems. What is...

Children’s Peace Choir Begins Fall Season

Our church has called 2019 our year of peace. One thing we did was to teach our children to sing for peace: a Children’s Peace Choir. We sing, tell stories and do small actions for peace together—all designed to be doable for children. And in a time when our schools...

God’s Confusing Mercy

Luke 16:1-13 When I read this story on Monday, I felt like my head was spinning. How are we supposed to preach this? Be dishonest and you will be rewarded? What does it mean? Is it actually commending dishonesty? Really? I began to imagine what it was like to be the...