I’ve heard that if you look closely at a map of Scotland near Loch Lomond, you’ll see a spot on the map labeled, “Rest and Be Thankful.” Apparently, this is not a direct order from the mapmaker, but the name of a mountain pass, noted for its breathtaking view. The place got its name because, […]
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Sing praises to the Lord… (Psalm 98:4-5) Then an angel of the Lord… said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. To you […]
Today I share as a message, a prayer written by my friend and mentor, the late Rev. Dr. Herb Meza. Please pray with me: Eternal God, you invaded our world in the form of an infant. Omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God, all bound up in swaddling close and lying in a manger. It staggers our imagination, […]
Over the past couple of days, we’ve reflected on the power of trust, surrender, and giving: specifically, in showing up with an open heart, and offering our time in service. But there is more still… From a Christian perspective, when we think about giving, we are invited also to give of our money. This may […]
Yesterday I mentioned that over the last year, our congregation stopped taking up a physical financial offering in worship. Remembering that giving is more than just about money, we shifted to a more general invitation: During this time of offering, I invite you to give your hearts and lives again to Christ. But how does […]
Over the last year, our congregation stopped taking up a physical financial offering in worship. You can just imagine the initial angst of the leadership when this proposal first came about. But giving is more than just about money, isn’t it? So we have shifted to a more general invitation. I often will say: During […]
We recently celebrated our Scottish Heritage in worship, complete with bagpipes and drums. This reminded me of traveling to Scotland two summers ago… worshiping in Saint Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. That church will celebrate their 900th anniversary next year. 900 years! As I sat in that ancient sanctuary on that Pentecost Sunday, and the choir […]
In Romans 13:11-12, we read: Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness […]
Author Hans-Ruedi Weber tells a popular East African story about a simple woman who always walked around with her big bulky Bible. No matter where she went, she toted it around with her. It got to the point where the other villagers began to tease her about, “Why always the Bible? There are so many […]
Psalm 130 offers this prayer, “O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord, there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem!” Psalm 130 is a prayer for people who need an extra measure of hope. And maybe you are in a place where you need an extra measure of […]
