ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 31, 2026 What does it mean to be an ‘Esther 4’ kind of person? If you remember, in the Book of Esther, we find the Jewish people at a moment when their existence was threatened. Esther, a Jewish woman (though most folks did not realize she was Jewish), found herself in a place of privilege, yet there was still a risk if Esther was to
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 30, 2026 Have you ever felt like you were not going to make it to your destination? Yesterday, I visited someone at the Medical Center downtown, and the trip home left me feeling like a pinball in a pinball machine. My map rerouted me five times to save time, yet what was to be a one-hour and nine-minute drive back to the church ended up
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 29, 2026 Yesterday, I took an online class with Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes, from Union Theological Seminary. The title of the class was, “Only Prayer Can Save Us! How to Stay Alive and Sustain Our People During These Times.” There were so many good sources of nourishment in his words. He reminded us how important it is that we go deeper into our spiritual well. If
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 28, 2026 I have started and erased, started and erased this Etching more times than I care to admit. My words have represented a bit of a word salad, with spurts and sputters of frustration and utter nonsense. There are days when an idea flows, and other days where it might take me a little longer. And then there are days like this one where
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 27, 2026 My good friend and colleague in ministry, Rev. Michael Junkroski, wrote the following (I am including only a portion, though you’ll find the link to the full article below)… I like Jesus. I might even go so far as to say I “love” Jesus, but I’m cautious in an era where loving Jesus seems to mean embracing authoritarianism — a development over which
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 26, 2026 The best intentions and the absolute worst results. Yesterday morning, with no in-person worship, I wanted to open the morning with a live stream from my living room. I had everything set up right in front of the fireplace, and I was even impressed with the lighting. With my new microphone, the sound was really good, but after finishing the 15-minute live event,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 25, 2026 It is Sunday morning, and so many across our country are dealing with power outages, significant ice and snow, and so many other weather-related challenges. Yet I am overwhelmed by the violence being brought against peaceful protestors, including clergy, though clergy or not, this should never happen. If you are a student of history, this kind of thing is never remembered well. Bull
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 24, 2026 Last night, Donna and I took in the Klein High School performance of “Crazy For You,” and it was fantastic. We like supporting community theater, plus a couple of our youth were in the crew. There are still a few nights left, including tonight, so if you’re looking for something to do before the storm rolls in, this might be of interest… though
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 23, 2026 I just returned from Nashville, where I was gathering with some amazing clergy. I am not a person who feels imposter syndrome very often, but these were some impressive individuals who are doing some extraordinary things. I felt blessed to spend time with them. Yesterday morning, our speaker was Dr. Jaco J. Hamman, Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture at Vanderbilt University. I
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 22, 2026 I received a letter last week. Someone spent $12 to make sure I received his letter. There was something to appreciate about someone’s willingness to take the extra step and spend the money to share his opinion that I am a horrible minister and sinful human being. And equally important, I am taking the congregation to hell with me. I won’t go into