I was a grinch in my former life. I had trouble getting into the Christmas spirit. I think it was mostly because I had such unrealistic expectations of it all. This year I have been focusing on the Infinite Hope as I preach during the advent season. What a great theme! This came from a …
I was blessed to grow up in a family that valued disagreements. We didn’t see things the same and my parent’s cultivated our individuality. Our dinner conversations were a mixture of theological, political and baseball debates. I loved it. So I was surprised to learn that not all families did this free-for-all family dinner debate. …
This week will continue our series on Rooted with a focus on forgiveness. Every family (even a church family) needs forgiveness. And forgiveness is often hard. I remember the first time I was really hurt by the church. I asked if I could take part in something at the church. I was 10 years old …
I have been thinking about the virtue of humility, especially as it relates to being the church… Many years ago, I found myself in a situation where I could not figure out what to do next. But because I was “in charge,” I did my best. Now, I look back on it and wish I …
Each week, I end worship saying, “Go out and be the church.” Because these words have such profound meaning to me, this has been my usual way of ending worship for at least a decade. To be the church is the calling of our lives. To stand as followers of Jesus in the world, at …
This week we begin Rooted, a sermon series about being the church. Here is a short video I created for this week’s Facebook page.
Last week we looked at a challenging topic: When People Let You Down. If you missed it take a listen. This week, we continue our series on Becoming Love with Communicating So You Are Heard, Listening So You Understand. I remember something my Dad taught me which has helped me so much – he said, …
Read more “Becoming Love: Communicating So You Are Heard, Listening So You Understand”
Recently I had an opportunity to preach at Redondo Beach First and address the phrase, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it.” Here is the audio and the transcript.
Sermon @ San Diego First UMC 080617 – “Be Wise – Watch” (starts at 35:00)