He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! With Easter Sunday quickly approaching, I thought it would be fun to share some interesting facts about this special holiday and its connection to the United Methodist Church. Here are five fun facts you may not know: Easter is a “holiday” which comes from the words “Holy Day.”… Continue reading Ten Fun Facts About Easter and United Methodism
Category: Preaching, Prayers, and Devotions
10 Bible Verses on Forgiveness and Repentance for Your Lenten Journey
Personally, I'm dying for some chocolate (I gave up chocolate for Lent) and I am eagerly looking forward to the festivities of Easter. I have found it helpful to meditate on the following Bible verses during my Lenten journey
Lessons from St. Patrick for Today’s United Methodists
St. Patrick is an important part of church history and he has many important lessons to teach us. Feel free to use the prayer at the end in any church setting or for your own personal devotion
My Top 12 Favorite Books of 2022
I love to read. This year I read 90 books from a variety of genres, including memoir, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and theology. Lots of them were great, but these were some of my favorites that I highly recommend. What was the best book you read this year
Emmanuel: God Pitched His Tent Among Us
Merry Christmas! It's cold and icy outside, so I know many people won't be able to join us for worship. I humbly offer this Christmas Eve sermon to anyone who might enjoy reading it. It's not the same as being in church, but hopefully it is a Word of Comfort, Joy, and Good News.
Connecting to God Through Christ’s Mother: Our Lady Saint Mary by Rev. J.G.H. Barry, D.D
Even if you do not agree with all the assertions that Rev. Barry makes in this piece, I hope that it will give you some interesting food for thought in your own ministry setting this Advent. The section on the sacramental theology of baptism as viewed through a Marian lens is particularly interesting.
Prayers for Summer: Processing Pet Grief, Welcome Wesley the Dog, and Saying Goodbye
fter an unexpected hiatus from writing, I'm back and pleased to share some prayers I have written. Please feel free to use these prayers in your personal devotions or in a worship setting.
A Train Lover’s Prayer: Written After the Passing of a Family Friend and a Visit to the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum
fter the memorial service and luncheon, Jeff, helped to lead a free tour through the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum in our dearly departed friend's honor. I am also a train lover and after the tour was over I was inspired to write the following prayer. Please feel free to use this prayer in your own personal devotions or in a worship setting.
A Litany for Pets and Service Animals
grateful for every day I have with them. My love them for them inspired me to write the following prayer. Please feel free to use this prayer in your own personal devotions or to adapt it to a worship setting. I think it might work well on the Feast Day of St. Francis or perhaps for a service of the blessing of the animals.
A Prayer for Veterans Day
Please feel free to use this prayer in your personal devotions or to adapt it for use in corporate worship. Free stock photo of an American flag proudly waving in the sunshine Dear God, You are Our Rock and our Refuge,We praise your name and give thanks on this day of remembrance for all of… Continue reading A Prayer for Veterans Day