ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 25, 2024It is important to state upfront that I am opposed to the death penalty. As a follower of Jesus, I cannot find any way of arguing in favor of it. With that in mind, I was so troubled to read the headline: “Missouri Supreme Court Declines To Halt Tuesday’s Execution Of Death Row Inmate Who Prosecutors Say Might Be Innocent.” Even the family of the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 24, 2024In yesterday’s Etching, I referenced some words from Archbishop Oscar Romero. Many of us have heroes that don’t play professional ball or star on the big screen, yet their names are not well known. With Romero, his name is well known in certain parts of the world and among certain people. Though a bookworm prior to his promotion to Archbishop, he was suddenly thrust onto
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 22, 2024Prayer for the Week: Words from Oscar Romero (Archbishop of El Salvador) Peace is not the product of terror or fear.Peace is not the silence of cemeteriesPeace is not the result of violent repression.Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity.It is right and duty.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 22, 2024For a few weeks now, I have been talking about Spiritual Gifts, and, more specifically, how we bring more of who we are to the work of Jesus in the world. The first two weeks, we talked about the head (wisdom, knowledge, leadership, organization, etc.) and the heart (compassion, kindness, empathy, hospitality, etc.). Today, we are looking at our hands, feet, and voices. Now let’s
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 21, 2024Good morning! On this Saturday morning, I find myself at Lake Brownwood Christian Retreat Center for the 2024 Regional Men’s Retreat. I’ll be cutting out early so I can be back in Spring for worship tomorrow. Ten hours (five each way) seems like a long drive for less than 24 hours at the actual retreat, and there would be times when I’d agree. But the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 20, 2024I grew up in a fairly traditional church setting, and worship was an experience that happened above the neck. We stood and sat on cue, and most of the praise was done inside our heads and through our voices. To even put our hands together was a rare occasion, and in those rare moments, there was some discomfort. In Psalm 149:3, we read, “Let them
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 19, 2024So… we raised a lot of money for a new playground at Cypress Creek Christian Church. I was in awe of people’s generosity. Together, we made it happen. Of course, that was a couple of months ago. Where is the new playground? Well, yesterday, they were out marking underground electrical and other stuff we don’t want them hitting during installation. Another team will be out
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 18, 2024You may have heard the question, “How many angels can sit (dance) on the head of a needle?” You may be interested to know that this was a question debated by some of the great theological minds in the life of the church. The 13th-century philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas argued that an infinite number could, but that two angels cannot be in the same
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 17, 2024There was a little frog trying to get through the grass as I approached with the mower. Actually, there seems to have been a lot of frogs in our yard the last few weeks when I’ve been mowing. But this one was having a hard time getting out of the thick grass and out of the mower’s path. I paused to cheer on the little
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSSeptember 16, 2024Prayer for the Week:GiftsGifts that healGifts that blessGifts that inspireGifts that provide hopeGifts that bring needed changeGifts that liberate the oppressedGifts from you, O Spirit of LifeGifts that bring reconciliationGifts that build the KingdomGifts that do good workGifts that display JesusGifts that reveal loveGifts that give lifeGiftsThank you, God, for all Spirit-infused giftsAmen