Where I Am From

I am from wind, from sunglasses, and flip flops. I am from the land of cold ocean waves and sky-scraping treetops. I am from wildflowers, the bright, unexpected spray of poppies. I am from generosity and hard laughter, from Carlsons, Scelzas, Adcocks, McLaughlans, and Braithwaites. I am from loud-mouthed opinions and revolving-door hospitality. From, "You…

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Be the Light: A Messy Church Preview

One of the things I am most excited about for this year is launching Messy Church into our local community life. I've been following Messy Church.UK for years, but it wasn't until I found myself in this specific congregation and community that I recognized the time to make it happen was now. One of the most difficult…

The Rule of God, For Us

A sermon for Sermons That Work, Advent 2, Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort, O comfort. There is so much need for comfort in this world of heartbreak that we find ourselves. Every day we hear new stories of how we have failed each other; how we have used our talents, gifts, power, and position to maneuver our way…

Proper 22

A writing for Modern Metanoia MATTHEW 21:33-46 ‘Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watch-tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves…

Just the way it is?

Last weekend I led a high school retreat that ended up being an all boys retreat. I wrestled with whether I should change the session topics or not, but realized these were pertinent topics for a group of boys to muse over together. The first session focused on trash talking and the second focused on…

Is it a Miracle?

Matthew 14:13-21 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening,…

Family Fun Night: Dinner & A Movie

For our first Family Fun Night, I thought we'd start as simple as possible, with a movie. I chose Wall-E because I love it, but also because it is packed full of conversation topics for all ages. Feel free to use my discussion guides attached below. An idea for families with really young children Discussion…

Family Fun Nights

This summer we're doing something a little different for our Hope family - Family Fun Nights! I made two invites, a brochure and an email invite. The hope is to not only offer fun and fellowship opportunities for all ages of our congregation, but to also exemplify how moments as simple as these can connect…

Three in One (7/7)

This is the seventh devotion that I have written for d365.org. d365 has been a favorite resource of mine for over ten years. It has been a privilege to write for them! Please visit the website for the full d365 experience. PAUSE Our God is one - unity. Our God is three - diversity. Our…

Three in One (6/7)

This is the sixth of seven devotions I have written for d365.org. d365 has been a favorite resource of mine for over ten years. It has been a privilege to write for them! Please visit the website for the full d365 experience. PAUSE Our God is one - unity. Our God is three - diversity.…