ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 4, 2024In my Etching yesterday, I talked about the importance of listening with the hope of finding understanding and appreciation. I recently had a great learning experience, all because I asked someone how I was perceived in a specific situation. Of course, that can be a bit of a risk, as sometimes we don’t really want to hear the truth. In such moments, our listening can
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 3, 2024Today at Cypress Creek Christian Church, we are hosting a community dialogue luncheon on the topic of AntiRacism/ProReconciliation. It looks as if we have a great group of people registered, and if it is anything like the smaller (sort of a practice) one we did back in December, it will be awesome. I believe this will be some work that people at Cypress Creek Christian
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 2, 2024This Sunday, I will be drawing upon some language from the Apostle Paul, specifically the language of “a new creation.” Though I will be referencing Paul’s Second Letter to the Church in Corinth, it is language that he used on multiple occasions, including in Galatians 6, where we read, “Being circumcised or not being circumcised doesn’t mean anything. What matters is a new creation.” This
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 1, 2024I am leading a six-week study of Mark’s Gospel, beginning February 8, at 1:30pm. We will use the new study book by Amy-Jill Levine entitled, The Gospel of Mark: A Beginner’s Guide to the Good News. Like all of Dr. Levine’s material, I am excited by the new insights she will be bringing to this portion of scripture. Of course, unlike Luke and Matthew, Mark
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 31, 2024Yesterday at the church staff meeting, we had a really interesting discussion on what I will call Quid Pro Quo Christianity. First, let me say very clearly: I believe my faith gives me great joy and peace and other blessings beyond measure, and I am not suggesting that is a bad thing. What I mean by Quid Pro Quo Christianity is faith that is looking
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 30, 2024Where do we go from here? I’m sure that’s a question most of us have asked many times and in many different situations. I was thinking about it while I was on vacation last week, and what struck me was not the first part of the question: Where do we go, but the last word: here. The question assumes you know where you are, yet
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 29, 2024A Prayer for the Week: God of Creation Initiator of GraceSource of Love It all begins with you I am the recipient the one blessed the one who is changed by your actions the one who cannot look back only forward into your dreamMay the work you have done not find its conclusion with me but a conduit by which it persists with purpose and power This is my prayer
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 28, 2024A funny thing happened with yesterday’s Etching. The response, both on Facebook and by email, sort of felt like Bruce had gone fishing for some affirmations. That was not my intent. Part of it was a response to a couple of questions I had recently received in regard to the role of a minister, and though the four I mentioned (priest, pastor, preacher, and prophet)
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 27, 2024What’s my job? There was a man in the first church I served who never missed an opportunity to say that I shouldn’t be paid much because I only worked for about 20 minutes on Sunday mornings when I preached. After hearing that every few months for four or five years, he went into the hospital for a very serious issue. Over a month of
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 26 2024Anxiety and worry are wasted energy, and I should know. I am an expert in both areas. Does anyone else feel that way? I like what Arthur Somers Roche wrote: “Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” Let us seek the voices of those who will bring cheer