Browse Blog Post
7/14/2010
170. Fishing
I’m writing this during a two-week study leave along the South Texas coast. This is where I’ve come the last few years for brief periods to work on my books. Each day I spend several hours writing, interspersed with periods of walking, running, reading, swimming, and sleeping. Occasional
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9/22/2009
140. From “They Ought” to “We Can”
Sometimes challenges seem so insurmountable and intransigent that there seems no way to make a positive contribution. How can one person, or a Bible class, or a congregation make any difference at all in the face of issues as huge as world hunger, poverty, child abuse, racism, or unemployment? Or mo
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9/15/2009
139. Called Accidentally
I’ve come to love all the bells and whistles on my iPhone. I download tons of weekly podcasts which I listen to as I drive and walk. I receive up-to-date news and weather reports. And I have an entire field guide of birds downloaded onto my phone that comes complete with photos, descriptions,
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4/20/2009
124. As the Way Opens
One of our District Superintendents led a devotional with the Cabinet by recalling a period in his life when he enjoyed a significant engagement with Quakers, the Society of Friends. He shared questions that Friends reflect upon as part of their covenant with each other and with God. The q
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9/22/2008
88. Practices of Vegetable-ful Congregations!
Over the last couple weeks, I’ve heard dozens of stories about small churches focusing on the Five Practices, and about the new ministry initiatives that have resulted. A few of my favorite come from right here in Missouri.
For instance, Marvin McMurry UMC in St. Joseph began to think a
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4/11/2008
52. A Simple Invitation
Last evening I stopped by a small business and was assisted by a young man who had to take some information from me - name, address, employment, etc. When I said I worked for the United Methodist Church, he smiled and said, "Really? I'm United Methodist, too. I grew up in the Metho
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12/4/2007
20. The Only Sunday that Counts
A few months ago I heard about a woman who was going through a rough time in her personal and professional life, and in her search for connections, hope, and direction, she began to visit a few churches. After her first two worship experiences for which she came alone, sat alone, and left
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