i write.
Like many congregations, we offer backpack blessings at the beginning of each new school year. This year, as I was talking to my pastor about what those would look like, he offered an idea that we could write blessings for each other. The idea quickly evolved from there and we decided to hand out tags… Continue reading Blessings Abound
Sermon on John 13:31-35 You can listen to it HERE. One of my favorite authors is Neil Gaiman. He is world-renowned, heavily awarded, and very invested in his fans. He regularly communicates with them through interviews, websites, blogs, Q&As, etc. In one of these “Ask Neil” moments, he shares a story about a time he… Continue reading Sent in Love
Last night, or should I say, in the wee hours of the morning, I did as I do when I can't sleep and I read an entire book. It was a book well worth the immersion because it sparked an idea that I can't wait to get started on. First, the book and my review:… Continue reading Love Big: A Review and An Idea
A reflection on John 21:1-19 for Modern Metanoia. In the history of my serving as a youth, children, and family minister, there is one thing I really love to do. I get to talk to children and their parents about communion. We do not offer a series of classes leading up to one’s First Communion… Continue reading A Seat at the Table
They set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9 When I think about those wise ones who followed the star, I think about leadership. The best teachers are life-long learners. The best leaders know… Continue reading Celebrate the Light 2
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5 I’ve been finding myself taking a lot of night walks lately. Many people would think that’s crazy, especially with the weather in Idaho as cold as it’s been. I will admit, by the time I get to the end of… Continue reading Celebrate the Light 1
A writing for Modern Metanoia, ADVENT 1, LUKE 21:25-36 If you have eyes, ears, and/or any kind of awareness of your surroundings, you might be like me right now. Angry. Heartbroken. On the verge of hopelessness. What the heck is wrong with our country – the (not so) United States of America? What the heck… Continue reading Same Old Story
Chuck Carlson A.K.A. “Dad,” “PaPa Chuck,” “PaPa Seal,” “Uncle Chuck,” “Pastor Chuck,” “Pasta Chuck,” “Pasta Ravioli” “Pasta Masta,” “the Walrus…” Charles Brand Carlson was born on May 6, 1946 to Kathryn Braithwaite and Anthony Scelza. The world was never the same. When Chuck was 4 years old, he was adopted by Kathryn’s new husband George Carlson,… Continue reading Charles Brand Carlson (1946-2018)
I've had some things on my To Do list bearing down on me over the last few weeks. It's all stuff for my dad's memorial service. As I've procrastinated and procrastinated, I've had to admit to myself the nugget of denial that I am living with. The reality has hardened in this flood of grief… Continue reading Call the Pebble Dare
"How are you?" When I was 13, my dad almost died right before my eyes. I always preface my reflections on this era with my age because it adds to the drama, but it really does matter. I turned 13 the day my dad was moved from CCU to a "regular" hospital room. And then… Continue reading I Think They Call This Grief
