ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 29, 2026 Yesterday, I took an online class with Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes, from Union Theological Seminary. The title of the class was, “Only Prayer Can Save Us! How to Stay Alive and Sustain Our People During These Times.” There were so many good sources of nourishment in his words. He reminded us how important it is that we go deeper into our spiritual well. If
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 28, 2026 I have started and erased, started and erased this Etching more times than I care to admit. My words have represented a bit of a word salad, with spurts and sputters of frustration and utter nonsense. There are days when an idea flows, and other days where it might take me a little longer. And then there are days like this one where
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 27, 2026 My good friend and colleague in ministry, Rev. Michael Junkroski, wrote the following (I am including only a portion, though you’ll find the link to the full article below)… I like Jesus. I might even go so far as to say I “love” Jesus, but I’m cautious in an era where loving Jesus seems to mean embracing authoritarianism — a development over which
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 26, 2026 The best intentions and the absolute worst results. Yesterday morning, with no in-person worship, I wanted to open the morning with a live stream from my living room. I had everything set up right in front of the fireplace, and I was even impressed with the lighting. With my new microphone, the sound was really good, but after finishing the 15-minute live event,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 25, 2026 It is Sunday morning, and so many across our country are dealing with power outages, significant ice and snow, and so many other weather-related challenges. Yet I am overwhelmed by the violence being brought against peaceful protestors, including clergy, though clergy or not, this should never happen. If you are a student of history, this kind of thing is never remembered well. Bull
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 24, 2026 Last night, Donna and I took in the Klein High School performance of “Crazy For You,” and it was fantastic. We like supporting community theater, plus a couple of our youth were in the crew. There are still a few nights left, including tonight, so if you’re looking for something to do before the storm rolls in, this might be of interest… though
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 23, 2026 I just returned from Nashville, where I was gathering with some amazing clergy. I am not a person who feels imposter syndrome very often, but these were some impressive individuals who are doing some extraordinary things. I felt blessed to spend time with them. Yesterday morning, our speaker was Dr. Jaco J. Hamman, Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture at Vanderbilt University. I
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 22, 2026 I received a letter last week. Someone spent $12 to make sure I received his letter. There was something to appreciate about someone’s willingness to take the extra step and spend the money to share his opinion that I am a horrible minister and sinful human being. And equally important, I am taking the congregation to hell with me. I won’t go into
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 21, 2026 Have you ever had more than the usual amount of stress at home, plus some big project at work, and you felt like you were at your limit? And then the world seemed pretty much out of control, and though you’d like to do something as a response to the world’s chaos, you question whether you have the energy or bandwidth to hold
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS January 20, 2026 Is your family complicated? I don’t necessarily mean that in a bad way, just complicated. Tamar’s family situation was complicated to begin with, and then she decides to trick her father-in-law into having sex with her (Genesis 38:15-16). She did this without him realizing who it was, and to even complicate the story more, she becomes pregnant. There is a lot to unpack