Monday, January 23, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Being Grandfather
Some changes are gradual and others seismic. I monitor changes in me with interest and sometimes sadness. I am changing, aging, maturing, curmudgeoning, extending and exploring. Watching the changing in me in our move to California has been delightful. Observing the changes as our children married and became distinct, spiritual entities is so much fun! Enjoying a new routine and pattern as empty-nesters is also fun (we love hiking together!).
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Preparing for a Playground
We are getting a brand new children's playground here at MCC! Through a generous donation from a couple I never met, a large gift was given with the intention that it be used for children. So the Director of Children's Ministry and her Ministry Team searched out option and interviewed playground companies, bringing their recommendation to the staff and then council. It will be so sweet; safe surface, age appropriate equipment, and fun and active. It will send the right signal about the priority children have here.
Monday, January 16, 2012
MLK: my story
I was 15 years old. I lived for myself and my pleasures: skiing, biking, swimming, cars and girls (in that order of success!). St. Paul was a lily white community. My dad was the senior pastor of one of the largest Covenant Churches in the denomination at that time (1st Covenant St. Paul). The Jr. High I went to (Cleveland) was almost totally white. I paid little attention to the news and do not recall hearing or watching news about Dr. King's assassination. Saturday, January 14, 2012
On Following

Sunday is the third in a series of sermons based on the phrase: It's Time. Using the "B"lectionary Gospel texts, we saw how Simeon was able to say "Now, Lord, let your servant depart in peace." Last week we explored Jesus' baptism in Mark 1:4-11 and God's beginning words to him "You are my Son, whom I love, in you I am well pleased." We reflected on what it means to have God declare our identity, his love for us, and his pleasure in us.
Matt 4:19/Mk 1:17
“Come, follow me, and I will send you to fish for people.”
Matt 8:22/Lk 9:59
“Follow me, and let the dead bury the dead.”
Matt 9:9/ Mk 2:14/ Lk 5:27
“Follow me” (to Matthew)
Matt 10:38
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
Matt 16:24/ Mk 8:34/ Lk 9:23
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.”
Matt 19:21/ Mk 10:21/ Lk 18:22
“If you want to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then, come, follow me.”
Jn 1:43
“Follow me” (to Philip)
Jn 10:27
“My sheep listen listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Jn 12:26
“Whoever serves me must follow me.”
Jn 21:19
“Follow me” (to Peter on the beach)
Jn 21:22
“You must follow me” (to Peter asking questions about others)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Confession of a Constant Critic
I am critical. That's my confession. I can critique, scrutinize, analyze and suggest improvements for just about everything (and everyone). That can be a good skill when collared and controlled and it can be a virus when it runs rampant. 
