Labor Day
Labor Day I’ve always regarded Labor Day as an oxymoron. It seems a bit odd to have a national day off to celebrate working. That’s probably why the first Monday in September is often referred to as “The Unofficial End of Summer” and...
"I am Darth Vader"
David Prowse died this week. You might not recognize the name [I do; but the man I know was a different individual, my Command Chaplain in Germany to whom I had to deliver the news that his son was killed by a drunk driver.]. For sure, you wouldn’t recognize his face. But for my...
Still One Nation Under God
On November 5, 2016, the Sunday before the national election, I preached a sermon with the above title. Amid what was a nasty and polarizing campaign with many voters not liking either candidate, I thought a reminder of who’s really in charge was...
Reflections on In-Person Worship
We are now two weeks into worshiping again as a corporate body…sort of. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted so much of our lives that not being able to go to church is just another thing on a long list. September 20th saw us opening up, as before, for the first time in six months...
IPAs and Jazz
India Pale Ales (IPAs) and jazz music are two things I like—but not as much as I’d like to like. More of an aspirational fancy than a passion. For one, I’m not very knowledgeable about either. So just saying, “I like this one,” or “That one didn’t...
Let's Take a Virtual Mission Trip!
The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown a monkey wrench in so many plans. Weddings and funerals are postponed, school graduations and openings deferred, large social gatherings (concerts, sports, political rallies) prohibited, and church has been forced to go online. It’s so frustrating. I...
Missing Church
Dorie wiped tears from her eyes, saying, “That was beautiful. It means so much to me to be here.” She’d gathered with her sister and three others on a Sunday morning to watch our taped worship service, projected on a screen in a virtually empty sanctuary, followed by...
Smile Deficit Syndrome
I really don’t like having to put on a mask when I go to the store. It makes my face sweat and fog up my glasses (if I chose to wear them). I have yet to find one that fits comfortably, that doesn’t make my ears flare out. But those are minor nuisances. The main reason I...
Abundance
I find it incredibly ironic that the past couple of months has seen such a spike in the use of the word “abundance.” Its frequency in everyday speech is up 325% since mid-February. Actually, I made that figure up; but I’m sure it’s close to the truth...
Being the Best
I believe for the fifth year in a row, the Portland International Airport (PDX) has been ranked the best airport in the country. I whole heartedly agree. It’s my personal favorite, as well. I especially love the little lights in the parking garage that show where open spots are, their...