ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 10, 2023Among the many things we discussed at the General Assembly was Christian Nationalism, sometimes referred to as White Christian Nationalism. Now, none of those words are necessarily bad by themselves, but Christian Nationalism is a very specific ideology that really has nothing to do with religion in general or Christianity specifically. It is a fear-based response to change. We’ve seen this same storyline play itself
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 9, 2023Approximately 3,000 people gathered for our denomination’s General Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky, that began on July 29. Though I had to leave early, it was a magnificent event. Once again, I witnessed a community of diverse people trying to find commonality in purpose while also attempting to learn from those with whom we had differing opinions. This is important because we live in a world
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 8, 2023Guest Writer: Kay Smith, Church Board MemberAt the recent General Assembly, our denomination’s national gathering, I heard a speaker, Dr. David Anderson Hooker, speak about the important of coming to the table. We have heard the words about communion over and over, “On the night Jesus was betrayed, he met with his disciples and took bread and broke it, and said, “This is my body
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 7, 2023Prayer for the Week:Everyone take a deep breath And then release it ever-so-slowly. Breathe in the spirit of peace and serenity,And breathe out all anxiousness and insecurity.O God of Hope, O Giver of Wisdom and Judiciousness, As summer comes to end And another school year begins, We pray for both young and old Who will find themselves in a classroom-Those seeking to unleash their curiosity In a pursuit of knowledge and insight, Alongside those
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 6, 2023Today in worship, we are going to reflect on those things in life that are uncomplimentary, unhelpful, and even unhealthy to us, yet we are often so close to the decision-making that we are unable to perceive the negative implications. Jesus talked about seeing the speck in our neighbor’s eye but being unable to see the log in our own eye. I’m pretty sure if
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 5, 2023I believe forgiveness and gratitude are inherently tied together, though the connection is not always visible at first glance. In the middle of his preeminent sermon, The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said to his audience, “If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15). A
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 4, 2023Someone posted a picture of a sign outside a church that read: “The most influential person in your life is the one you refuse to forgive.” That might be one of the most truthful statements that too few people understand. In Galatians 5:1, Paul writes: “Christ has set us free! This means we are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don’t submit
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 3, 2023Donna and I have stayed at a lot of different hotels (and a cabin in Hot Springs on our way to General Assembly) in the last ten days. Funny how often I have walked outside of the hotel room early in the morning to go to the workout center, only to pause and ask myself, “Which way is the elevator?” Maybe that doesn’t happen to
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 2, 2023Guest Writer: Rev. Paula Gembala Many years ago, I was a two pack a day smoker. I tried time after time to quit, but failed each and every time. One day I was reading my bible and came across this scripture found in Philippians 4:6-7 which says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 1, 2023The group attending the General Assembly is having a grand time. I don’t believe I have ever attended a General Assembly where I have been able to say, “Every speaker has been fabulous!” I know there are still other worship services and workshops today, but even if the rest of the speakers are bad (and they won’t be), it won’t dampen the experience. Our preacher