On Monday, November 16th in a Coronavirus Townhall hosted by Bishop Julius Trimble and a team from IU Health, Bishop Trimble called on all Indiana United Methodist congregations to suspend in-person worship gatherings effective on Sunday, November 22nd. With rising positivity rates and our healthcare networks being stressed to the point of maximum capacity, the…
Matthew 7:1 is a verse that even non-Christians like to toss around. ”Do not judge or you too will be judged.” In many ways, this is an attempt to proclaim, “Mind your own business.” We tend to like to use it when others call out our “less-than-righteous” or inappropriate behaviors. If someone tells me I’ve…
There’s a good chance you have heard the phrase, “God helps those who help themselves.” There’s a good chance you’ve heard that phrase quoted by a pastor, a Sunday school teacher, a well-respected Christian. One poll indicated that 80% of Americans believe the Bible teaches this message. The Barna Research Group reports that 52% of…
In 1989, Lenny Kravitz release the song “Let Love Rule”. In the song, Kravitz sings, “Love is gentle as a rose; and love can conquer any war; It’s time to take a stand; Brothers and sisters join hands; We got to let love rule!” If you aren’t familiar with that one, maybe you know the…
I want you to know that First Wayne Street UMC is an amazing congregation! It has been an honor to serve in ministry with you, and I have loved being here. In many ways, this appointment has felt like the perfect fit for me. It’s an exciting urban setting with a heart for the arts…
It is with both excitement and also bittersweet thoughts that I have decided to retire from full-time ministry effective July 1, 2020, to move closer to our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter Parker, who live outside New Albany, Indiana. First Wayne Street has felt like the perfect congregation — kind, nurturing, supportive, and willing to try…
“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…