Before last March, sheltering in place was something we did as meteorologists warned us that unstable air was headed our way which could result in a tornado. Today’s version of sheltering in place has become an extended affair as weeks of it have become months. Spending isolated time remains a key strategy to remain safe […]
CAN WE SIT QUIETLY STILL?
“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” -Blaise Pascal One book that has always meant the world to me is Reinhold Niebuhr’s Leaves from the Notebook of a Tamed Cynic. Great title, eh? It is full of musings about his pastoral work in Detroit in the 1920s. […]
We Won’t Waste Your Time
During our first Annual Meeting, Pastor Dale issued a challenge to those present. He wanted us to consider why we have made FCC our spiritual home. He encouraged us to find that place inside of us that resonates with the place FCC is, the work we do, and the community we are forging. Pastor Dale […]
HEALTHY OR HOLY?
Maybe you are working on new resolves to eat better and work out more in this new year. I know that I am. It’s interesting how such considerations are today fraught with all kinds of odd baggage. For many who don’t have a spiritual home, it can become an immortality project. The buzz of exercise […]
CHRISTMAS AFTERTHOUGHT: MAY GRACE ABOUND!
Last Sunday we heard a different twist on Christmas. We put aside “Christmas is all about giving to others…” for a few moments to realize that only God gives massively. Our giving, compared to the grace of God in Jesus, is paltry. We are actually mostly receivers. It is worth rehearsing this message because we […]
Christmas Cold and X-Mas
It isn’t always warm for everyone around the holidays, and I’m not referring to colder temperatures. For some of us, the holidays may have an empty feeling – the departure of loved ones, past disappointments, stressful situations, and even more. It can make for a special kind of cold during the holidays. Christine and I […]