ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 8, 2026 Today is an anniversary of sorts. On January 8, 2008, I started writing what was to be 30 days of focused posts and emails when I was serving as a church in Florida. Eighteen years later, I continue to write. Of the over 6,000 Etchings that I have written, I feel as there are three or four dozen that are pretty good. But
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 7, 2026 The Rev. Dr. Terry Ewing recently shared a quote that I had not heard, but it truly resonated with me. And then he reflected on the quote. “The best way of taking care of the future is to take care of the present, because the future is made of the present.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh. Terry went on to share… It seems obvious. To build
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 6, 2026 The Twelve Days of Christmas have come to a conclusion, and today is Epiphany. If you remember, during our Travelers’ Christmas Service on December 22, we handed out battery-operated candles, inviting all the participants to keep it lit through Christmas Sunday. I was basing it on the estimated battery life, thinking they should easily make it a couple of days past Christmas Sunday,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 5, 2026 Prayer for the Week: I’m not entirely sure how my prayer should be structured or the best way to address you. The words that come to mind don’t sound particularly sacred. Yet I believe that even when I offer my utmost efforts to you, God, and these efforts appear more like a dumpster fire to anyone judging, that you actually hear the intent
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 4, 2026 First, it is Camel Walk Sunday. I hope you plan to be at Meyer Park a little before 10 a.m. to join in the Camel Parade down Cypresswood Drive. If you park your car at Meyer Park, we will have drivers available after worship to drive you back to the park to pick up your car. But in light of the Magi making
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 3, 2026 Brad Pitt is not a name I quote often, but I just saw a short quote of his. He said, “I always liked those moments of epiphany, when you have the next destination.” Epiphany is both a specific day in the life of the church, while also being an experience through which an individual gains insight, often through God or the Holy Spirit.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 2, 2026 This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday, which of course means the Camel Walk (meet at Meyer Park a little before 10am). Epiphany is based on the arrival of the Magi (Wisemen), which historically was thought to be a year or two after the birth of Jesus. The story is found in Matthew’s Gospel, and it includes King Herod getting nervous. It says… When
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 1, 2026 Happy New Year! Maybe I should view the new year as an opportunity to make a real commitment to change in my life. And if I were to do so, I would be joining many people as they make resolutions for the new year. It does feel like a threshold moment, but I am one who tends to do self-reflection and bring about
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 31, 2025 In Ephesians 4:32, we read, “…and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” Some will suggest that the words of the Apostle Paul are a bit idealistic. Yet I appreciate the words of Wendell Berry, who included in his book of poetry, “Leavings,” a wonderful piece simply entitled “A Letter to My Brother.” It
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 30, 2025 A strange thing happened yesterday—Donna and I drove north, and it got cold! As we look at our travels over the next few days, it’s going to get even colder. Though without going into details, I was gifted with a new coat. It was a perfect timing thing, and it has received an excellent initial day of testing. And let’s just say that