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On November 12, 1833, there was a meteor shower so intense that it was possible to see up to 100,000 meteors crossing the sky every hour. At the time, many thought it was the end of the world. It inspired this woodcut by Adolf Vollmy. The first thing the people experiencing the meteor shower in … [Read more…]

There are 5 words that when used together in a single sentence make a lot pastors cringe. “It says in the bible …” Not too long ago I was talking to someone who brought up those very words; it says in the bible. In this case they were talking about two hot button topics in … [Read more…]

July 1, 2024. That was the day I was officially appointed to begin ministry here at North Judson United Methodist Church. Bishop Julius Trimble and Rev. Dr. Marti Lundy, along with the rest of the cabinet, prayed for direction as to who to move to take on guiding the mission and ministry of this congregation … [Read more…]

Friday, June 6, 1980 was graduation day from Luther South High School at the corner of 87th Street and Kedzie Avenue in Chicago. Graduation and the weekend following have long since faded in my memories. For me, it was Monday June 9th that stands out in my memory. That was the day everything in my … [Read more…]

“Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of … [Read more…]

I was working on a message to share with you this month and my wife, who is also a pastor, told me about what she was writing for the newsletter at her churches this month. I felt that it was the perfect message and with her permission, I am sharing it with you … —– … [Read more…]

A Brief Look At the Liturgical Seasons – So Far.   The beginning of March this year begins the third cycle of the church calendar. The first was Advent leading into Christmas and the second is Christmastide, or the 12 days of Christmas, that begins on December 25 and runs through January 6 or the … [Read more…]

Before Christmas began, a few brave souls and I began a journey into a book study called “Growing Young: 6 Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church”, published by the Fuller Institute. While it was only 8 chapters long, it took us some time to digest all of it and ponder … [Read more…]

Even though I am writing this installment before the celebration of Christmas, there is one thing that is on my mind and the minds of many more people … whos’ going to clean up this mess when Christmas is over? That’s a fair question to ask. In our house, decorations were brought out the weekend … [Read more…]

The season of Advent offers time and space for Christians to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas through reflecting on the story of salvation. Advent begins the Christian liturgical year by not only recounting the birth of Christ but also Jesus Christ’s second coming. In Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, God … [Read more…]