The young people in the community I serve are currently reeling from the unexpected and tragic death of one of their own. I didn't know the young man, Devante Waites, and I don't even know the full circumstances of his death other than it was a senseless tragedy. Apparently, the violence he was trying to... Continue Reading →
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
Tuesday evening, my heart broke twice. First, it broke when I received the news that Pat, a beloved parishioner, had passed away. Pat was a wonderful woman who will leave behind a legacy of riotous laughter and chaotic family gatherings. I've only known her for the past two years, and she's been battling one health... Continue Reading →
Enemies: A Confession
The past two Sundays I have felt compelled to include a prayer "for our enemies" in the Pastoral Prayer section of worship. This is not unique to my style of worship--I often do this. But during Lent it seems doubly important to remember that God's grace and the gift and sacrifice of Jesus Christ isn't... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About When I Die: Part 5 (My Funeral)
I am an adventurous person. I like to try new things, to have fun, to enjoy life, and to see God's beauty in the world all around me. So, I desire to be cremated and my ashes divided up amongst little tin cans like these. Everyone who comes to my funeral will be encouraged to... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About When I Die: Part 4 (Life)
Angie, one of my closest friends, and I were in our early twenties. We had both experienced death close-up. By that point I had lost an uncle, a great-grandmother and a grandmother... all of whom I had loved dearly. Angie had suffered familial loss as well. Through her, we had both witnessed the worst of... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About When I Die: Part 3 (Joy)
"No eye has seen no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9b) It's funny. When I see images of what people think heaven might be like, I always feel a little disappointed. Nothing about it seems to live up to my expectations...... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About When I Die: Part 2 (Hope)
I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created. (Romans 8:38-39, CEB) Ultimately, this is the reason why I don't fear death. I... Continue Reading →
Let’s Talk About When I Die: Part 1 (Prelude)
No, no, no... You don't need to take out a mental hygiene warrant on me. But one of the outcomes of being a pastor is that we deal with death and dying a lot. A lot. And as a result, I find myself often looking ahead to the time of my own death, wondering what... Continue Reading →
Saying Goodbye to a Klingon Methodist: A Tribute To A Friend
This week I learned the heartbreaking news that I have lost a dear friend. Well, I guess to say that I have lost him is not really true. Vance was a devout follower of Jesus, seeking to live his life in Christ's example the best he knew how. Because Vance and I both share a... Continue Reading →
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