ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 27, 2026 Like every profession, clergy run in their own circles of influence, interest, and information. There are days when my social media feed blows up, yet I must realize that 98% of the world probably does not know what is exciting in the clergy sphere. Sometimes it is wonderful news, and other times, it is something deeply troubling. Recently, it was the latter, and
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 26, 2026 I have always loved the language from Exodus 13, where God is leading the people after the exodus experience, but does not take them by the easiest path. It says, “…God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness…” (vs.18). Does anyone else ever feel as if God was guiding you, but it sure didn’t appear as if God chose the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 25, 2026 Is change good? Is change bad? Are there times when it is to be celebrated and other times when it is to be met with caution? To that latter question, I would probably answer YES and YES. Now it is important for me to say that I am not an expert nor even a somewhat knowledgeable person in the area of AI, but
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 24, 2026 Prayer for the Week: It is good to be seen; It is good to be known; It is good to be loved. Thank you, Holy Creator, Eternal Source of Life, Fulfiller of Promises, Ever-faithful God. Provide us your vision- Provide us your grace- Provide us your awareness, So we can see others As you see them; Know others As they should be known;
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 23, 2026 My mother always reminded me not to make a promise that I could not keep. Well, I have been sharing with all the world that we will be back to two services today, but I am hearing the echo of my mother’s voice. I apologize as we were basically told that though the roof might not be quite finished, the AC units would
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 22, 2026 Tomorrow afternoon, I have the honor of preaching at the Recognition of Ordination Service for the Rev. Shannon Little. Shannon came to the Disciples from another tradition, but he has been serving University Christian Church here in Houston for a number of years. He started the process through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to have his ordination recognized by the Disciples, and
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 21, 2026 Guest Writer: Rev. Graham Watson One thing I learned in seminary was that the Bible tends to emphasize what our community harps on. For example, growing up in a world with Tim Tebow, I knew the Bible, it’s John 3:16. That message was part of my context, maybe yours was one of Revelation end-times, or Rev. Dr. King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,”
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 20, 2026 The Shakespearean play, Othello, was based on some historical events, but Othello was a fictional character. My mother used to enjoy reading a lot of historical fiction, especially stories of families moving west in covered wagons. But what if I were to take Othello or one of the paperbacks my mother often had on her bedside table, and suggest that the real meaning
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 19, 2026 I had an online note expressing concern (it might have been anger) in regard to what appeared, in this person’s mind, my acceptance of those in the LGBTQ+ community. Acceptance, yes, but I take it a step further with what I call affirmation. “Do you not believe in the Bible?” was the question posed to me. While my sarcastic side has numerous responses
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS August 18, 2026 Yesterday, in the early evening, I got my lawn mowed. There are parts of it that are brown and haven’t really grown, but other sections that get a bit more shade that were getting pretty tall. I waited until the temperature was 94 before heading out. Yes, it was hot, but I was amazed at how wonderful it felt when I stepped into