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Category Archives: Christian
Guns in Churches?
As to guns being our protection: A church looks to God as our ultimate source of protection. As to wearing a gun in church even as we are passing the peace with others in the pews: As a follower of Jesus – as a Christian — I am called to a standard of loving my neighbor – a definition of neighbor that includes even my enemies. It will take my lifetime to meet that standard. If you are a Christian, you join me in that lifetime of work. If we believe – and we legislate – that we can only safely interact with other people if we arm ourselves against them, we will never get even get close to that standard. Continue reading
A pulpit response to Charlottesville …
If I’d had more time between Sunday morning and the horror of Saturday in Charlottesville, I would have said some hints differently. Here is my effort, raw and unedited. You can see my pain on my face. I’m wearing my … Continue reading
Putting one foot in front of the other …
So, happy birthday to me. Not just older, still learning how to be better. At life. And love. And trusting that God still needs me to put one foot in front of the other and make a difference in the world. Continue reading
Posted in Christian, Grandparents, Grief, Reading, Retirement, Uncategorized
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Guns in Churches … here’s why it’s a bad idea
[The following was submitted to present at the Committee Hearing for HB 48 — Ohio’s version of “Guns Everywhere” bill on June 10, 2015] Chairman Maag and Members of the State Government Committee: Church has been a part of my … Continue reading
#HandsUpDontShoot …
Yesterday I participated in a Vigil of Solidarity with Ferguson, MO at the United Church of Christ Headquarters in downtown Cleveland. Late on Sunday afternoon, the flyer was posted on Facebook saying: All are welcome to share in this peaceful … Continue reading
Two Miracles …
Jesus heard the news of his friend, and it affected him. Deeply. The more I think about that, the more connected I feel to him. The closer I feel to God. That brings me comfort, and I hope you feel that too. But there is even more good news. Jesus didn’t stay there. In that lonely place Continue reading
Posted in Christian, Good News, Gospel, Grief, Loss of Child, Uncategorized
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Who is a weed, and who gets to decide?
[the following contains portions of a sermon preached at Disciples Christian Church on Sunday, July 20, 2014.] So much has happened in just the last few weeks. I feel a little like John Stewart of the Daily Show returning after … Continue reading
On Sunday afternoon, I found myself not 20 feet away from 40 people carrying loaded firearms …
The good news is this. The momentum is growing on the side of ending gun violence. The good news is this. Any one person can become involved. Continue reading
Fearless Generosity …
(This was originally published in my church’s monthly newsletter. It was written while we were in the midst of our annual budget drive. The theme of the campaign was Fearless Generosity) As to being fearless, I’ll admit that I have … Continue reading
Posted in Christian, church growth, Generosity, Giving, Stewardship, Uncategorized
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What does it mean that we’re still here …
(This sermon was preached at Disciples Christian Church on May 25, 2014) SBNR. Anyone know what acronym stands for? Even if you don’t know it off the top of your head, I’d almost guarantee you’ve heard it. If you’ve ever … Continue reading
Come as you are ... 