Avid readers are curve-busters. I’m sure you’ve seen the anxiety laden news articles bemoaning the decline of American reading. Some pundits wail that “the average American reads only one book per year!” The data from the Pew Research center reveals a more complex picture and sets the average at about 12 per year. Yet, no matter … Continue reading Take the 52 Book Challenge in 2016
2016 Bible In A Year Challenge – week 1
In 2016, I am challenging the members and friends of Covenant-First Presbyterian to develop the discipline of daily reading of the Bible. And I'm inviting you to be a part of it as well. To help you in this challenge, I'm writing a weekly bulletin insert that worship attendees can take home to guide them through … Continue reading 2016 Bible In A Year Challenge – week 1
International Flags In Our Church?
This month at Covenant-First Pres, we're flying international flags in our sanctuary. Here's the text of my September newsletter article that explains why: Every month, when we partake in the Lord’s Supper, we remember that just as we receive the bread which is Christ’s body, so are we made together into the living body of … Continue reading International Flags In Our Church?
Do You Yearn For A Fresh Start? Here’s Hope.
At some point in our lives, we all want a fresh start. We wish we could get a do over and fix our mistakes. Or we wish we could undo the harmful effects of our actions. Peter understood the need for a fresh start. With all his bravado, Peter failed repeatedly. There was the time … Continue reading Do You Yearn For A Fresh Start? Here’s Hope.
Tardis Theology #9 – In Which The Doctor Uses A Banana To Wage Peace
Yes, it has been almost 9 months since our last Tardis Theology, in which we left you in a cliffhanger. I'm taking back up the series now, and hope to carry forward. Thanks all for your patience while I put this series on hold. The Doctor, by nature, is not a warrior. We know from … Continue reading Tardis Theology #9 – In Which The Doctor Uses A Banana To Wage Peace
Monthly Mini-Reviews for February 2015: Books by CS Lewis, Dick Keyes, Rory Vaden, and Ken Bailey
I’m making steady progress through the 52 books in 2015 goal. I’ve learned that several of you are pursuing the same goal - I’d love to see your mini-reviews. If you post your reading progress somewhere online, please be sure to add a link in the comments section. And now, on to the mini-reviews for … Continue reading Monthly Mini-Reviews for February 2015: Books by CS Lewis, Dick Keyes, Rory Vaden, and Ken Bailey
Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled (A Meditation on John 14:1-14)
Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” But… ISIS thugs wage their ghastly campaign of fear and domination, and Syria bleeds. Russia grumbles and schemes of war, and Ukraine burns. Boko Haram spills rivers of blood in the cause of jihad, and Nigeria weeps. And yet Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts … Continue reading Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled (A Meditation on John 14:1-14)
New Release: Geneva Two
Now Available on Amazon in print and Kindle editions Geneva Two is a modern day parable of Christian community and calling. Written as the oral history of a fictional intentional community, Geneva Two tells the stories of people whose faith has been shaped by sharing life together. Come experience the joys, the pains, and the challenges … Continue reading New Release: Geneva Two
Monthly Mini-Reviews: books by Joel Osteen, Will Durant, Miles Unger, and CS Lewis
52 books this year - that’s my goal. If you’ve been following on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, you know that I check in with a photo each time I complete a book. It’s turning out to be an interesting little community project - I delight in the commentary that follows each book selection. Over … Continue reading Monthly Mini-Reviews: books by Joel Osteen, Will Durant, Miles Unger, and CS Lewis
Budweiser’s Super Bowl Fail: A Parable for the Church
Once upon a time there was a brewery. This brewery had a proud heritage of contrarianism: when America drank dark beers with high alcohol, this brewery offered a light-bodied, low alcohol alternative. It was called Budweiser. Budweiser, along with a few other beers like Miller and Coors, grew into one of the great national brands. … Continue reading Budweiser’s Super Bowl Fail: A Parable for the Church
Horizons of the Possible 