Will, Adam, and several others have started new blogs focusing on reading the Bible through during the next year. It's a great idea which I commend highly. As I have been thinking about my own life with God I am recogniing the need for more structure. Like many of us I continue to find myself … Continue reading :::Praying the Psalms::: →

James at Knowtown clued me into the South Park Character Creator. Here is me should I ever make it to South Park

Jonathon has responded both to Tim and myself regarding the silence in theological reflection on the Tsunami in emerging church circles. He writes: I also think, Jay, in response to Tim's critique that for some Christians it is more important in a situation such as this to respond with "How is God calling us to … Continue reading Theological Reflection and Social Action →

Jen Lemen, goddess of D.C. area cool, wrote today... (disclaimer: i'm not saying that what i'm about to say is what jay is saying AT ALL because i know jay and he rocks and would never be content to stay in the shallow end of the pool) but i must say it occurs to me … Continue reading A Note to Jen →

Tim Bednar has recently posted an interesting article asking why bloggers in the Emergent world haven't been writing on the questions raised by the Tsunami apart from fundraising and political implications. Tim writes: We in emergent circles advocate discussing theology and how it applies to life--I'm surprised that few have blogged about meaning and theology … Continue reading Possum Theology →

This coming Sunday is the Sunday in the life of the church where we remember the baptism of Jesus. For many of us, it also is a Sunday where we remember our own baptism, and renew our commitments to God. Although it isn't a high, holy day in the church calendar, perhaps it should be. … Continue reading ::Liturgical Connections #5:: →

Epiphany is a tradition that has been lost in many circles, over shadowed by Christmas and New Year's. Epiphany is the 12th day after Christmas (thus the song) and is actually a more ancient tradition that the Christmas celebrations. Epiphany means "manifestation," or "revealing" and now has become the time when we focus on the … Continue reading ::Liturgical Connections #4:: →

All I can really say is:

My last post (which I will fully admit was a bit snippy) garnered a comment that suggested that I am quick to critique, but short on solutions. It's a valid concern that I am willing to hear. Before I provide a couple of thoughts on ways that we might give I do want to note … Continue reading Generosity Redux →

From the Merriam Webster's Dictionary: Main Entry: gen er ous Pronunciation: 'jen-r&s, 'je-n&- Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French genereus, from Latin generosus, from gener-, genus 1 archaic : HIGHBORN 2 a : characterized by a noble or forbearing spirit : MAGNANIMOUS, KINDLY b : liberal in giving : OPENHANDED c : marked by … Continue reading This Expains So Much →

One of the myths of American culture is that we are always the people is the white hats, the good guys riding old paint against the dark forces of evil. We generally think of our national identities in positive terms, believing that we live in the greatest country in the world, and that our responses … Continue reading The White Hats Tarnish Sometimes →

The United Methodist Committee on Relief is responding through its ecumenical partners to the catastrophe in South Asia. On Sunday, Dec. 26, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake off the northern Indonesian island of Sumatra caused tidal waves that have claimed the lives of more than 50,000 people in more than 10 countries, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, … Continue reading More Relief Information →

Bob Carlton has posted a list of links where folks can donate to help with the earthquake/flood relief efforts in Asia. I also want to lift up the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) as an important relief agency in times of disaster. The overhead for UMCOR is paid by denominational apportionments, so any moneys … Continue reading Asian Flood Relief →

As I sat at the Titan's game on Christmas night, trying not to freeze my keister off, I had a lot of time to think about the dynamics of attending an NFL game versus participation in a community of faith (Lord knows, the game was so one sided that I didn't have to think about … Continue reading More thoughts on the NFL and the Church →

Adam and others have posted on the recent disaster in Asia and I don't have much more to add other than to remind folks that the death toll so far is equal to three 911's. May we have as much compassion for those who suffer across the ocean as they had for us during our … Continue reading Prayers for Asia →

Written orders of worship / bulletins are pretty much considered passe' today as technology has moved away from prayer and hymn books in favor of projected images. Some of this move toward projected hymn lyrics arise out of Yohann Anderson's work which suggests that most persons are intimidated by written music and the folks are … Continue reading ::Liturgical Connections #3:: →

As I was preparing to leave the church after our Christmas Eve services this past Friday, one of my church members came up and asked if I wanted his tickets to the Titans / Broncos game on Christmas night. Normally I probably would have said no in favor of family activities, but this year was … Continue reading Visiting the Cathedral →

Merry Christmas from the dad with new kitchen shears....

Mother cradles baby at her breast. Father looks on anxious, and wishes they would rest. A long and sleepless night has come and gone, and now these tired parents have a son. For nine long months they've waited for this long tiring night. For nine long months they've waited, just to see this sight. They … Continue reading Nine Long Months →

Understanding the Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you.... And the people respond, "...and also with you." You begins the conversation that marks the beginning of the communion ritual for many mainline traditions. These words go back centuries. Hippolytus, the 3rd Century commentator on the worship practices of the church mentions them as a part … Continue reading ::Liturgical Connections #2:: →