ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 29, 2025I reached for my cup of tea and then lifted it to my lips—not once or twice or even three times, but four different times. These all occurred after the cup was empty. Each time I thought to myself, I need to get up and make myself another cup. Each time, I went back to what I was doing instead of getting more tea. It
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 28, 2025As I read through the Bible, I repeatedly encounter numerous instances when God seems to announce inclusion, even in spite of the chosen people of Israel, the disciples, and the early church choosing an attitude of protectionism through exclusion. Of course, claiming we are better than everyone else, and if you disagree, we will kill you was sort of the norm in ancient times. Though
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 27, 2025It was MLK who wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As people of faith, we must be the voice and advocate for everyone who is experiencing injustice, even if it is something outside of our experience. Early in my ministry, I talked to a group (mostly men) about the gender wage gap in this country. It is estimated that women have lost
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 25, 2025While on Sabbatical, one of the books I have read is Holy Runaways by Matthias Roberts. It is an important and challenging book on trauma caused by the church. Matthias is writing from the perspective of a gay man, but his insights are not limited to those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. So many have experienced injury because of the church. Toward the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 24, 2025Edwin Hubbell Chapin, a 19th-century preacher, wrote, “Never does the human soul appear so strong as when it forgoes revenge.” Powerful words! I wonder if it could be taken to a higher level, where we don’t simply forgo revenge but refrain from contemplating it? From the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:24). I do
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 23, 2025I really enjoyed the Academy Award-nominated movie, Conclave. One of the main characters, Cardinal Aldo Bellini, makes a sort of confession to his friend, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence. Bellini says, “Thomas, I’ve come to ask for your forgiveness. I had the temerity… to tell you to examine your heart, when all the time it was my own that… It’s shameful to be this age and still
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 21, 2025I have had a bit more time to sit with my thoughts lately, and a question continues to make an appearance in my mind. It’s actually a question with multiple points, yet it begins with: If Jesus were to show up tomorrow, what would grieve his heart in regard to…? What follows are the specific areas: your life; your family; your church; your community; your
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 20, 2025Jesus read these words from the Prophet Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free…” (Luke 4:18) These words were offered as Jesus was visiting the synagogue in Nazareth.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 19, 2025I’m going to share something personal, though if you know me, you know this isn’t unusual. I find it challenging to share much without offering from my personal story. A little over twenty-seven years ago, I was diagnosed with M.S. At the time, I had a great neurologist and primary care doctor who walked me through the first steps after diagnosis. I also had a
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJune 18, 2025After the death of Moses, God called Joshua into leadership. Someone may feel ready and well prepared for such a task, but there are always those first-day jitters. We can all relate to that experience: first day of school, new relationship, new job, or volunteer experience. In Joshua 1:9, we find the words, “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened