Family of Faith, This coming Sunday is All Saints Sunday. I hope you can join us, for this meaningful service, as we both remember and give thanks for those dear saints that have gone before us. One of the things I cherish dearly about this time in our liturgical calendar, is the opportunity to give… Read More »
The Inherent Aliveness of Joy
This month of October has confirmed something to me that I already knew, Faith UMC is a generous and faithful church. During the month of October we have held several mission drives, as we have collected various items for our community partners. Overwhelmingly, as those donations have been shared with our partners, they have all… Read More »
A Sunset Prospective
Our family enjoyed a wonderful vacation, mostly in Western Michigan. One of the most captivating parts of the trip was the evening sunsets over Lake Michigan. Indeed, we experienced a myriad of sunsets. Most of the sunsets were enjoyed on clear evenings, and they were spectacular. On a couple of evenings the cloud cover was… Read More »
There is Still Work to Do
“There’s still work to do.” That phrase became the catchphrase of the work of our administrative board, as we met with our Conference Superintendent over these past couple of weeks. We have been doing the hard, but important work, of finding the best way forward for Faith UMC, as we continue to love and reach… Read More »
A Faithful Journey
Over the Labor Day weekend, our family traveled back to Ohio. I was invited to preach at my former church, who have been celebrating their 150th anniversary. During my message, I reflected on a passage from the book of Ruth. “But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.… Read More »
Grace for the Unknown
I am so thankful for those who stepped in to lead this past Sunday, as I was battling with back pain. Sometimes in life, seemingly out of nowhere, life can throw you some curveballs. Indeed, I have suffered since my adolescence with back pain issues, it is one of the reasons I try to stay… Read More »
Beams of Light and Love
Due to busyness, my reflection was delayed this week. This morning, very early, I went for a brief hike to clear my mind and prepare for the day. As I walked through the woods, there were some beautiful sunbeams shining through the thick canopy of leaves. It’s always a joy to see such radiance. Seasons… Read More »
The Sacredness of Community
Community matters. Community is biblical. Community is a reflection of God. Within God, we experience the Three in One, the Trinity. Divine mystery! God is community! God invites us into the Divine community, into the Divine dance. “Divine love is the energy that brought the universe into being and binds it together. Human love is… Read More »
Permission to Wonder, to Reimagine, and to Dream
It is not a secret that we, as a family, love to hike. Deborah and I would hike everyday, if we were able, and schedules would permit. Our children enjoy exploring, but sometimes they’re not “feeling” the desire to hike. Mostly, when they’re not “feeling” like hiking, they’re actually saying we want to explore new… Read More »
Justice and Freedom
This past weekend many celebrated the July 4th holiday. However, many found it hard to celebrate, and sadly some lost their lives as they attended an event, ready to celebrate. Freedom is a familiar cry in America. There are people who claim that America is a place where freedom is everywhere and available for all. While… Read More »