February 15, 2009 – 2:34 pm
In our text for the morning, Mark 1:40-45, we witnessed Jesus’ direct and immediate response to terrible suffering. By law…by custom…Jesus should not have touched the leper and yet in the face of such terrible suffering Jesus dared to stretch out his hand. Jesus said, “I do choose, Be made clean.” It was daring! It [...]
February 11, 2009 – 12:54 pm
In a resource I occasionally draw upon for preaching inspiration – Pulpit Resource, I recently came across part of an article from The Wall Street Journal entitled “So it’s come to this? Religion is good for your health? Body and Spirit: Why Attending Religious Services May Benefit Health,” by Kevin Helliker. The article reads, “A [...]
February 5, 2009 – 4:44 pm
A couple days a week I am met with the sound of “Hey Chicken Fat” coming from the hall outside my door. As I swing my chair around to look out I am always met with the huge smile that crosses my little sandy blond haired friend’s face. I can’t help but smile when [...]
February 1, 2009 – 11:59 pm
Week three of “The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations: Passionate Worship” – Pastor Ben’s message of life-changing worship. Mark 1:21-28 sermon-passionate-worship
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February 1, 2009 – 4:46 pm
Wanted: People with passionate hearts for God, and people who want passionate hearts for God. When I think of passionate worship, I think of many things – like enthusiastic singing, celebration of the sacraments, multi-generations participating together, emotional and physical responses, and a large dose of delight. And as I reflect on people who [...]
January 21, 2009 – 1:55 pm
This coming Sunday, January 25, 2009, we will be reflecting on the practice of Intentional Faith development, one of the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations as outlined by Bishop Robert Schnase. Because this practive is near and dear to my heart and my ministry of spiritual formation, I will be the one leading the discussion [...]
January 17, 2009 – 2:51 pm
This Sunday, January 18th, we will embark on a an exciting 5-part sermon series based on the book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Bishop Robert Schnase. The 5 practices are Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. Bishop Schnase suggests that churches that seek to excel at these [...]
January 17, 2009 – 11:10 am
“Oh the weather outside is frightful…” so the words of the song go. But Creation is so delightful! This morning plump and cheerful robins filled the back patio. Some shook the branches of the pyracantha while others plucked the red berries right from the branch. Another dozen or so gleaned berries that fell pecking around [...]
January 17, 2009 – 8:20 am
Have you ever gone to someone else’s family reunion? I have gone to maybe one or two. They were tolerable, at best; and just confusing and uncomfortable at worst. I didn’t know the people there, I didn’t know the stories that everyone found so funny, I didn’t understand the family connections. I felt like [...]
January 15, 2009 – 8:35 pm
“My dad is a superhero,” my son, Stuart, pronounced. Headline: Raleigh, NC – In an unfortunate confluence of events, children and adults alike are being traumatized by an unidentified man wearing tights and a cape, and calling himself “Captain Shares-A-Lot”. “It was so terrifying,” one witness said, as she clutched her sobbing child. “My poor [...]
