As I looked to the summer lectionary scripture texts, I thought, “There are a lot of parable stories… and that’s a good thing!” Permit me to explain. Some people prefer rules or lists for teaching opportunities. I confess that I would much rather hear a story than a hard and fast list. Stories give me… Continue reading My thoughts on parables
Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters
Grace-onomics
I like to make up words. If a guy named Shakespeare did it, I figure why can’t I? Words like “Fantabulous” (fantastic + fabulous) and “Splend-differous” (Splendid + differentness). Timothy Merrill made up a word, “Grace-onomics” (grace + economics). How do those go together? Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner wrote a book which challenged our… Continue reading Grace-onomics
Top 10 Remebrances: Reflecting on 8 Years Together
Eight years ago, I began my ministry with The Church of the Palms. We’ve done some marvelous things with the help of God. It’s not you or me, it’s us working together following our call from God. Here’s a list of top ten remembrances for the past eight years. 10) Creating a Mission Statement –… Continue reading Top 10 Remebrances: Reflecting on 8 Years Together
Guess who’s retiring?
Seasons change things. The awesomeness of spring in the Sonoran Desert surely moves into the blistering heat of summer. Family and friends graduate and move on with their lives. People die and are gone from our day-to-day actions. People retire from long and blessed careers. Things are always changing. My wife, Wendy, has decided to… Continue reading Guess who’s retiring?
Pentecost – We are called!
In New Testament Greek, the word for church is ekklesia. The word is usually translated as “church,” and also means “assembly, congregation, or meeting.” The Greek literally means “called out ones” from ek meaning “out,” and kaleo, meaning “to call.” Some scholars have stressed that this “called out” sense of the word provides a hint as to how we should… Continue reading Pentecost – We are called!
What’s your mantra?
The word mantra has two parts: man, which is the root of the Sanskrit word for mind; and tra, which is the root of the word instrument. Therefore, a mantra is an instrument of the mind that we can use to help us on the way of life. For me, a mantra isn’t filled with… Continue reading What’s your mantra?
A Hallmark Holiday
Hallmark Holidays… that’s what some folks call them. The word holiday is derived from the phrase “Holy Days.” Crunch those words together and we get “holiday.” The greeting card industry has entered the picture and added many holy days to our calendar with their ultimate goal to sell more greeting cards. Now, literally, everyday is “holy… Continue reading A Hallmark Holiday
Returning to the guidelines of yesteryear?!
We are a reformed church called to continue to be reforming – in word and deed. Darwin taught us that it is not the biggest or strongest which survive, but those who adapt the best. Yet, in the news recently, parts of our government want to return to yesteryear, specifically, 1864. One hundred years before… Continue reading Returning to the guidelines of yesteryear?!
Transitions.
There is beauty in the cycles of life. There is a level of comfort in the familiarity. In the garden, we’re transitioning from springtime where we can grow practically anything and everything to heat tolerant plants. Plus, we’re trying to find shade for those who need protection from the blistering sun of summer. At home… Continue reading Transitions.
Creation Justice Sunday: April 21
Our Creation Justice Team will be leading worship this Sunday in celebration of Earth Day. Earth Day is an annual reminder that climate change has a major impact on our planet, our lives, and our future. It can also increase awareness and drive change. From LED lighting to solar panels to using compostable products to… Continue reading Creation Justice Sunday: April 21