ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 26, 2023Many of you know what it is like to journey alongside someone toward the end of life. Maybe it was a grandparent, parent, sibling, close friend, or simply someone God brought into your life. It is a draining experience on every level—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. And until you are in the moment, it is hard to understand. And of course, there are the complexities when
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 25, 2023Sunday, we begin a new series where we will reflect on stretching. As a former gymnast and gymnastics coach, I know the importance of stretching. In some of my beginner classes, it was fun to watch incredibly inflexible kids start to see progress. Maybe it started with touching their toes, then moved to the splits, and eventually to a pancake. Of course, you can’t force
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 24, 2023So I’m driving in NE Texas, and alongside the road I notice a poorly made sign that reads: WE PROCESS MEAT. I assume they are getting ready for deer season. But the sign was only 30 yards or so away from a cemetery. Placement is everything! I’ve seen too many horror movies to not be left a bit nervous about exactly what kind of meat
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 23, 2023I drove part of the way back to Houston yesterday, spent the night at a hotel, and ran by the grocery store to grab something to eat for dinner. There was a frozen vegetarian meal that looked good, but after getting back to the hotel, I could not open the plastic surrounding the meal. I eventually did, but it was both frustrating and embarrassing to
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 22, 2023In the last two days, I have seen Genesis 1:1 in three rather unusual places. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The first was on a billboard along the highway; the second was a plaque at a thrift store; the third was in a bathroom stall at a gas station. In the case of the third, it was scratched into the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 21, 2023Prayer for the WeekWherever kindness is needed…Wherever a bit more grace is required…Wherever a whole lot more mercy will help…May I be a conduit for youMost Generous GodAllowing the gifts ofKindness, Grace and MercyTo flow through meAnd into the world.Amen.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 20, 2023Like many of you, I am watching the weather reports and visiting the National Hurricane Center’s website. By the time you read this, Hurricane Hillary will be pounding Baja California, with tons of rain to follow across southern California. Though needing rain, those of us along the Gulf Coast of Texas know all too well the damage heavy rains from a tropical storm can bring.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 19, 2023Yesterday was my mother’s memorial service at First Christian Church in Lincoln, NE. Rev. Kara Hillhouse, the Interim Minister of the church, presided, and she was brilliant. As I often tell others, the funeral/memorial service is only part of the grief process, but there are comforting rituals woven into the experience through which great truths are proclaimed. And of course, there are the people who
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 18, 2023Guest Writer: Rev. Paula Gembala This Sunday, we will be talking about the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. His brothers were jealous of him as their father favored him. They threw him in an empty well, and later sold him as a slave. They told their father he had been killed by wild animals. From there, Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold as
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 17, 2023Just the other day, I had someone say to me, “Why all this talk about the needy and poor? Jesus told us that they would be with us always.” The individual was referencing Mark 14:7, as Jesus was moving closer to his arrest and crucifixion. Like always, it is important to read scripture within its context, especially when Jesus followed up by telling his listeners