Often times we skirt from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday without much thought as to what happened in the days in between. Yet, like most of our scriptural stories and religious lessons, there is significant value in opening the pages, reading the words, and asking some questions.
Read MoreThis morning I saw a friend post that they have engaged in more digital meetings than face-to-face meetings prior to the 'Stay At Home' orders. I think it may be safe to assume that you feel similarly about the number of emails you're receiving from me. I feel it's necessary to warn you that I anticipate the number of emails to increase this coming week. I want to be sure to offer an opportunity to walk through the vast array of theological experiences Holy Week offers.
Read MoreChildren and youth tend to come a bit more honest with what they're feeling in the midst of change. They'll often be the first to tell you if the changes are exciting or dreadful or even scary. We adults rather take in a scenario for a period of time as we assess what the social norms and expectations are.
Read MoreFor the last few days, I have spent time imagining the courage, adventure, and sheer naivety of the adventurers in history that hopped on a ship or climbed onto a horse or strapped into a rocket to explore a place no one else had visited before. I mean, there always seems to be people who have gone before us, but I think the failure to recognize that is part of the naivety it takes.
Read MoreGood afternoon community of Louisville United Methodist Church,
Did you know indoor plumbing was invented in the 1840s, but it wasn’t in popular use until the 1940s? By ‘popular use’ I mean still only in 50% of homes and buildings. Similarly, the television was invented less than 100 years ago (1927) and not popularized until the 1950s. What we’re learning is that while the Earth continues to rotate and orbit the Sun at the same pace as 100 and 200 years ago, the reality is that humanity and life are moving much faster than they used to. Today we send short messages, letters, voice calls, and video calls through the air without anything but handheld computers. It’s mind-boggling if you let your imagination run with all the ways the human body, scientific discoveries, and inventions have progressed.
Much of being a pastor is being a writer. We write sermons. We write prayers. We write liturgy. We write curriculum. We write emails. We write newsletters. We write letters of recommendation. We write reflections on events, news stories, ministry opportunities, flyers, journal entries, blog posts, books, and more. When we aren’t writing, it feels like we’re talking. It is a constant stream of thought processing scripture, pastoral situations, books we are reading, conversations people are introducing, and then living our personal lives in between.
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