ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 28, 2024In yesterday’s Etching, I asked about the emotion you first felt when finding yourself needing a reset in life. Some of you referenced fear, while others talked about hope or even relief. As I thought about those three specific emotions, I found myself resonating with all of them, as there have been different times in life with entirely different resets that brought different reactions. There
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 27, 2024I took a quick flight to Lincoln, Nebraska, on Sunday night, spending only a short time in town. But after boarding the plane, I had an interesting experience. My seat was in the last row of the plane, and when I sat down, no one else was seated in my row. The plane was nearly filled when a family came down the aisle. They got
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 26, 2024When the night seems unwilling to yield to the dawn, I seek courage to step forward, believing the new day lies ahead. This is my request to you, Holy One of Grace, on behalf of all who have felt the night undeterred by the cries of those longing for even a hint of light. Amen.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 25, 2024Today in our Traditional Worship Service, we have a baptism (it’s right at the beginning, so don’t miss it). I am a pastor who probably gets a little too goofy around the baptismal experience, yet there is something so beautiful and compelling about the ritual. I have been asked numerous times about the meaning of the ritual, and I have started to respond by saying,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 24, 2024Tomorrow is the second Sunday of Lent, the second Sunday of our focus on the idea of a reset. Whenever a reset comes our way, a number of decisions need to be made, and among them is the question of whose voice I will listen to in the determination of my reset. The go-to answer is, of course, God. But who might God be using?
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 23, 2024Donna and I were watching a little of the movie/musical, The Greatest Showman, and I don’t believe there are very many musicals that make me want to leap up and dance like that one. Now let me be clear: I don’t do much leaping, and the dancing is done in the privacy of my home, but the music and choreography are so inspiring. The song,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 22, 2024There are times in life when a reset or restart requires some boundaries. There are times when we have known injury, a deep wound to the soul, and seeking a reset in life necessitates creating a safe space from which that reset can percolate. In our culture, we too often have expectations of a quick return to normalcy (whatever that is) or those around us
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 21, 2024Today is the funeral service for Tammy Wilson, who served as our Nursery Director for more than 32 years. Tammy loved what she did, while also being very clear that she had no desire to be recognized or stand before any groups beyond a group of toddlers. She was fantastic at what she did, and countless children (many of them now adults) received grace-filled care
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 19, 2024How easy is it to tell someone who is in a very comfortable rut or feeling trapped by addiction that it is time for a new beginning? Actually, it is very easy to tell them, but much more challenging to be heard with both compassion and seriousness. I feel as if some of Jesus’ parables were hidden tough love wrapped in what felt like a
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 18, 2024Prayer for the Week: With beginnings and endings that are followed by more beginnings, we pause and ask for help to claim the new beginning through which we shall find faithfulness to you, Mighty God. Everyone seems to be selling a new beginning, and it usually comes with three easy payments of $29.99. Draw us close, O God, so we are able to share in