“Can I be a Christian on my own, or do I have to join a church?” The Rev. Michael Lindvall raised that question in his book, “A Geography of God.” How would you respond? On the one hand, the answer is yes. One can be a Christian without being a member of a church or…
“A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over…” Some cooks add a pinch of this and a handful of that. My mother would measure a teaspoon of salt by cupping her hand and pouring a bit into the small indentation in her palm … close enough! Other cooks measure with precision accuracy. My husband would chuckle watching me bend down to…
In GriefShare we learn about GOD’S HEALING PATH. The first four stages in a biblical response to grief involve sustaining in suffering. The second four stages relate to heal ing in suffering. Always remember that these “stages” are a relational process, not sequential steps. Grieving and growing is not a neat, nice package. It is…
It was such a joy to celebrate with Tom and Pat Gamble on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary recently and to see their new apartment out near Parkview Regional Medical Center. After the fact, Pat called to thank me for coming and to share a story (she gave permission to share). It has…
Friends of First Wayne Street UMC, Some of you have had questions about “what is currently going on in The United Methodist Church?” as it wrestles with the church’s stance on marriage, ordination and sexual orientation. Below is an update from Rev. Adam Hamilton that he shared with the congregation at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. You may find…
Have you ever considered what kind of a legacy you will leave behind after you are gone? A number of faithful Christians have chosen to remember the First Wayne Street United Methodist Foundation in their estate planning and their gifts may create inspiration and ideas for you as well. In addition to gifts to the First Wayne Street UMC General Foundation Fund,…
It has been said that when we read about Jesus, he is either on his way to a meal, attending a meal, or just leaving a meal. Jesus was always engaging people in relationship — and what better way than over food? The early church communities gathered in homes and generally a meal was part of that experience as…
Did you know that “Easter” is not just one Sunday? While churches around the world may have celebrated the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 21, the Easter season extends all through May until Pentecost Sunday, June 9! Easter is not just about what happened on that one day. But what…
This article was originally published in The Journal Gazette. Once when I was a student at Louisville Seminary, one of my classes was canceled and the only substitute that fit my schedule was “Feminist Interpretation of the Bible.” It was not a class I had ever intended to take – who, me, a feminist? –…
In less than two weeks, the 2019 Special General Conference will be meeting in St. Louis (Feb. 23-26) to receive the recommendations from the Commission on the Way Forward concerning the church’s stance and therefore the church’s policies concerning sexual orientation as it relates to marriage in United Methodist churches and to the ordination and…