I want to share with you something I wrote for the church I serve when it celebrated an anniversary a few years ago.  Imagine that in this message, the church is telling others not just about its special day, but also something about the people, something about the past, and the present context, and the work we all have to do in the future.   Now, keep in mind that this was written in pre-covid times.  It remains to be seen what the long-term effects of that will be on the global Christian Church.  But I believe the points made here are still applicable. So, read the message.  And I’ll have a few questions for you afterward. Listen instead - Spotify Listen instead - Apple Podcasts Listen instead - SoundCloud It’s a milestone birthday for me – 40!  But don’t send any black balloons.  My future is bright. Forty years ago, a group of people gathered together in a house and held a church service.  As they read the Word of God,...

Happy New Year! Click HERE to listen to the Podcast version on Spotify instead . Click HERE to listen to the Podcast version on SoundCloud instead.   Today, I’m going to tell you a story, a true tree tale I call “Ashen Hope.”  At the end of it, I’m going to ask you what lesson you learn from it.  Ready?   We looked at the house in late spring.  It was perfect.  Oh, it had way too much wallpaper and needed to be updated, but the layout was perfect.  It was in the right school zone.  And the price point was right where we needed it to be.   We didn’t expect it to be perfect.  The pictures on the listing were, frankly, poor.  You couldn’t see the space, just walls.  The gentle slope of the backyard looked like a steep hill.  It didn’t look great in photos.  But in person, it was perfect.   As we walked through the house, I lingered on the main level a littl...

Here’s a song that is both old and new.  The text of the verses was written in the 5 th  century, then translated and altered in the 19 th  century.  Here I pair the text with a new refrain and all new music.  I made the range a little too high for me, so I’m recruiting a friend to re-record the vocals.  I’ll be sure to share it when the improved version is ready.  But for now, it’s just me.   In the beloved Christmas song “Angels We Have Heard on High” we are told that mountains echo the joyous song of the angels.   Echoing the joy  happens not only when mountains reflect sound waves, but the “ Echoes of Joy ” from that night still reverberate in the faith-waves of our hearts.   I invite you to rejoice along with me that Christ the Savior is born for us.  Our rejoicing together will be an echo of that first Christmas night. The text of the song is below the link. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN   E...

Encouragement and Appreciation   Sometimes I feel guilty when I hear that other pastors feel unappreciated, or that words of encouragement are very few and far between for them.   Notice I said I feel guilty, not “judgy.”  I believe them when they say they feel that way, and I feel sorry for them.  It is unacceptable, but I don’t know where to place the blame.  So I can’t be judgmental about it. I mean, is the congregation truly uncaring?  Or, is that their way of saying ministry has been tough?—and believe me, it is tough for every pastor!  Or, does it mean that they carry the criticism closer to the heart and it’s harder to remember the encouragement?—you know, the old “it takes 10 compliments to make up for 1 complaint” saying. It’s impossible for me to know the answers to those questions about their situation.  So when I read it or hear it, I feel sorry for them, and I feel a bit guilty.  You s...

Politicians make promises.  I think it’s time for the rest of us make some election promises too.  Here is what I pledge about my own actions before elections, when I vote, and in whatever happens after that.  I’m going to start today, even while much chatter about the first debate fills the air.  I invite you to take the pledge with me. My 2020 Election Pledge of Peace I will put this in God’s hands and trust that none of this is beyond His knowledge, power, and ability to make all things work together for the good of those who love Him. I will listen to the concerned people in my life so I can understand and know them better.  I will express care and love toward them, even if we disagree on politics. I will be peaceful in words and actions before, during, and after the election.  I will pray for those who are so angry or so afraid that they choose behaviors harmful to themselves or to others. I will speak respectfully ABOUT people who vote differently tha...

A few years ago I wrote a musically silly, textually serious song. I recently put the finishing touches on the track.  Link to listen is below. Enjoy.  One (Two, Three, Four) Note Song 1. The first verse of this simple song  Is easiest to sing along. There's only one note (don't get it wrong) Reminding you where you belong: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One hope, one Christ who's arisen, One truth, one Church, yes one body One peace, one love, one Spirit free. Oh, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah! 2. We'll add another note to you, A symbol of the testaments two, One covenant Old, the other New, A shadow first, then God-with-you! Both proclaim God's holy Law, But Good News saves you from death's jaw. His Bible is the inspired Word, Your faith believes the message heard.  Oh, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah! 3. A tune of three, now let there be To God the Holy Trinity, Distinct the persons - one, two, three -  Yet one God for eternity.  The Spirit wo...

I wrote this song over a year ago.  The words are mostly from the hymn “Chief of Sinners,” some parts are quotes, some of it paraphrased, some are additions from me.  All the music is original.  Thought I’d throw it up on the blog.  The link at the bottom will let you listen.  Enjoy! truth + love 1 Of all the sinners I’m the worst, yet He Shed His blood for me. I suffered helpless Lost and cursed, but Now in Christ I’m free. C horus Love Incarnate—wondrous thought! Found me when I sought Him not, Died that I might live on high, Lives that I might never die. Oh, the height of Jesus’ love, Higher than the heav’ns above, Deeper than the depths of sea, Lasting as eternity! Amen! 2 All my need grace Will supply as I Grow upon the Vine. While I live and When I die I am His and He is mine. Bridge Jesus does impart Balm to heal the heart, Peace of sins forgiv’n, Joy that lift...