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It was always strange to me that weather experts gave names to Hurricanes. Recently, I learned that the practice of naming hurricanes has evolved significantly over the centuries, making it easier for meteorologists and the public to identify and track dangerous storms. Before formal naming systems were developed, hurricanes were often identified by the location they struck, the date they occurred, or the saint's feast day on which they made landfall. This method caused confu

And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. (Genesis 2:3) An admirer once asked the great pianist Vladimir Horowitz how he could play so beautifully. He answered, ‘The notes – anyone can play the notes. But the pause between the notes, that is where the music lies.’ What Horowitz said about music is also true about our lives. It is in the pauses – the rests, the spaces in between – that meaning is

As Trinity has grown, several people saw the need for a way to honor the lives of beloved church members who have passed away. After prayerful consideration and discernment, the church has purchased a Columbarium for the placement of cremated remains. A columbarium is more than a resting place for cremated remains. It is a sacred space that reflects the values of faith, respect, dignity, and remembrance. Within the life of a church community, a columbarium offers families a m

A Long, Hot Summer I have to admit, I'm not sorry to see the summer come to a close. It has been hot, dry, and wonderfully busy. The prospect of cooler weather leading to a slower pace is welcomed. However, the transition from summer to fall is more than a change in weather and busyness. Spiritually, it represents a sacred passage from expansion to reflection, abundance to gratitude, and outward activity to inward contemplation. Nature itself becomes a teacher, revealing time

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the nation experienced a mini revival. For several weeks, people gathered in their local churches seeking what the church offered. The events of that day left many feeling weary and broken. This led many Americans to consider where they were spiritually. So driven by fear, and the uncertainty of the times, we gathered at church. We gathered to hear a message of hope – that God had not abandoned us. We gathered with our friends and famil

From the ongoing conflict with Iran, to floods in Nepal, to ever rising cost of living, to the drug wars, to cultural and political wars in our country, to a never ending list of pain and suffering, I find myself asking, ‘God, how long will this go on?’ This is one of the most common questions people have asked over the years. Numerous times, especially in the Psalms, biblical writers ask God, ‘O Lord, how long?’ Psalm 89 is a great example of this. Psalm 89:46-49 46 O Lord,

The idea of the Priesthood of All Believers might sound like a complicated church term, but the basic message is actually pretty simple: if you follow Jesus, you have direct access to God. You do not need a special person standing between you and Him. Through Christ, every believer can pray, worship, and serve God personally. This idea comes straight from the Bible. In 1 Peter 2:9, believers are called a “royal priesthood.” That means being part of God’s family comes with bot

Ephesians 3 is one of those chapters that reminds us just how amazing God’s plan is. Paul wrote these words while he was in prison, yet instead of focusing on his own problems, he talked about God’s grace, God’s purpose, and God’s incredible love. It’s a chapter that encourages believers to look beyond their circumstances and trust what God is doing. Paul starts by talking about a “mystery” that God revealed to him. This mystery wasn't something strange or secretive. It was t

A few years ago, I decided to pressure wash our driveway. At first glance, I didn’t think the driveway looked bad. I only saw a couple of areas that needed attention. But as I began washing the area, I was amazed how the pressurized water washed away the dirt, grime, and pollen that had built up over the months. As I finished that first section, it looked almost brand new. But then I noticed how the section next to it looked. It was as covered with dirt and grime as the first

Romans 5:3–4: “3...we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.” These verses are some of the most counterintuitive and powerful statements in Scripture. In just a few lines, Paul outlines a spiritual progression that reshapes how we are meant to understand hardship. Rather than viewing suffering as a setback, he frames it as a catalyst for growth, maturity, and ult

O Lord, How Long? Well, I thought the coronavirus pandemic was past. But it is back in the news as Congress is now asking questions Dr. Fauci about his diary. Of course, the conflict with Iran continues to be unsettling. In case you missed it, an earthquake rattled the nation of Japan this week. That has made over 20,000 for the year thus far. Forest fires in Canada and France. The on-going political ineptitude among our state and national leaders; crime and social unrest; a

Henri Nouwen is one of my favorite authors. Over the years, I have read many of his books and articles. In his book, Can You Drink the Cup, Henri tells a story about Trevor, a man with severe mental and emotional challenges who was sent by Henri's community to a psychiatric facility for evaluation. Henri wanted to see him, so he called the hospital to arrange a visit. When those in authority found out that the famous teacher Henri Nouwen was coming, they asked if they could h

The Psalmist asks and answers a simple question in Psalm 121: I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. When we travel, we go ‘up’ to Montgomery or ‘down’ to the coast. The instruction for this Psalm identifies this as a song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was located on a mountain in the Judean wilderness. Jerusalem was the holy city for the Jews. It was the home of God’s Temple, that

You may not know the name, Dr. Maxie Dunnam, but Dr. Dunnam’s contribution to the evangelical movement within Methodism is renowned. In his career, he has been a pastor, director of The Upper Room Ministries, Asbury Seminary President, teacher, leader, and friend to countless believers. I’ve heard Dr. Dunnam preach several times during my time at Asbury. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Dunnam is ‘There are some things God either will not or cannot do, unless the people pra

Every Sunday, we gather at church for worship. But Sunday worship is more than just a weekly gathering; it is a sacred appointment with the living God. Often, the impact of that encounter hinges on the condition of our hearts long before we walk through the church doors. Preparing our hearts for worship isn’t complicated, but it is intentional. By embracing five simple practices, we can transform Sunday from a routine obligation into a life-shaping moment of worship, fellowsh

In his small letter 1 John, the author writes, “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called the children of God and that is what we are.” (1 John 3:1) John tells us that we are not only called the children of God, but we are his children. Let that statement sink in for a moment. In the Old Testament, it is the people of Israel who were called God’s children. But in Jesus Christ, God has extended his family to include not only the Hebrew people but all peop

At the conclusion of this month, I will have completed my 23rd year as a pastor in the Methodist Church. After all this time, I can still proclaim serving the local church is one of the greatest joys of my life. I still believe this is God’s calling on my life. It is a calling to which I still respond with a great deal of ‘fear and trembling.’ I still believe that Jesus is the Lord of the church. I still believe that a life lived for Jesus is the best life anyone can live. I

As I look into my granddaughter’s eyes, I am captivated by two thoughts. First, the goodness of God. God in his goodness allows us to be co-creators of humanity. He gives us the privilege of being parents and of then watching our children as they bring new life into the world. What a wonderful thing it is to hold the tangible expression of God’s goodness in your arms, to count her tiny fingers and toes, to see her tiny lips purse in peace as she slumbers and then pucker in an

While we are still a few days away from the official start of summer, most of us have already transitioned to our ‘summer-state-of-mind.’ Shorts or bathing suits will be our garb for the next several months. Families with children are adjusting to not having to be up and out the door Monday through Friday. Thoughts of water, cool-drinks, and family vacations are on the front of everyone’s minds. Even church has shifted. With a few exceptions, we have scaled back our normal we

Pentecost marked the arrival of the Holy Spirit whose purpose is to transform people into fully engaged followers of Jesus. Pentecost is also the birth of the church. I have been thinking a lot about the church recently, especially what the church is and what it is supposed to be. The church is meant to be the loving, grace-filled, encouraging representation of Jesus in the world. But too often, the church settles for being a comfortable place to gather for a few minutes on S