A little over a year ago I reflected on the first 9 congregations I served and on the 10 denominations that have shaped my theology. Today, on the final day of the month of thankfulness, I pause to give thanks for the 10 congregations I've served (I started serving #10 in June 2024). In chronological order: Denominations I've served congregations affiliated with five denominations: Location These communities of faith are located in the Dallas - Arlington - Fort Worth area Read More …
2024 in Exactly 100 Words (#2173)
After sending Christmas letters back in the era when postal mail was just called mail, I shifted that annual correspondence online many years ago. In 2016 I condensed it to 100 words recognizing that most people simply skim the longer format of what often becomes a family newsletter. Every year since, I've written a 100 word year in review summary. And, I started sharing that content here on So What Faith last year. This year’s edition follows. 2024 in Review After starting a new job Read More …
Choosing Thanks: Don’t Give Thanks, Choose It (#2172)
This morning I preached a Thanksgiving themed sermon at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). Sermon My message, “Choosing Thanks” was based on Deuteronomy 8:7-18 and Luke 17:11-19. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Thanksgiving is just a few days away. To prepare, I’ve been asking people to share some of their family traditions. Most of what I’ve heard so far focuses on the location of the gathering, the guest list, or the menu. And, in it isn’t just Read More …
Top 10 Dining Moments aka Amazing Food Pics (#2171)
I like to eat. I enjoy eating out. I've brought these two things together in a manner that can be shared with the world by writing Google restaurant reviews. In recent years I've written 80 reviews that include 444 pictures. And those pictures have now been view just over 11 million times (up from just over 4 million a year ago and just over 1 million two years ago). Leading up to Thanksgiving in 2022 I shared my then Top 10 Plates (based on total views). This time last year, I shared an Read More …
You Belong: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (#2170)
Today I wrapped up a six week sermon series inspired by Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on belonging. Sermon My message, “Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity” was based on John 14:1-14. Belonging You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt In fact, this morning’s modern reading was an excerpt from the book’s introduction. A Faith of Many Rooms begins with Read More …
Goodbye Twitter, X, or Whatever You’ve Become (#2169)
Yesterday I deleted my account on the platform formerly known as Twitter and now renamed X. After investing thousands of hours on the platform over the last 15 years, it became clear that it was time to part ways. Memories I've reflected on my experience at several points along the 15 year journey, including: So What? Social media has changed a great deal over the last fifteen years. Importantly, the platform formerly known as Twitter has changed dramatically only over the last Read More …
Giving Thanks – Top 10 Experiences in 2024 (#2168)
Welcome to the month of giving thanks, a month that includes the Thanksgiving holiday. In recent years (2023, 2022 2021), I've taken time in early November to reflect on all of the life experiences I had since the prior November. Below you'll find my Top 10 Experiences from the past year along with links to any relevant blog posts here on So What Faith. I invite you to consider crafting your own list and sharing it with someone dear to you. Read More …
Wrestling with God (#2167)
This morning, just days after the elections in the United States, I preached the fifth message in a series inspired by Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on wrestling. Sermon My message, “Wrestling with God” was based on Genesis 32:22-31. Wrestling You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript (while I was informed by the manuscript I ended up preaching without referencing any Read More …
My First Year as an Ordained UCC Minister (#2166)
One year ago today I was ordained to ministry in the United Church of Christ and installed as the CEO of White Rock Center of Hope through a four way covenant (for more on that experience from my experiences as a Member in Discernment to the ordination service see My Ordination and Installation). On the occasion of the first anniversary of my ordination, I decided to reflect on some of what this first year included. White Rock Center of Hope I serve as CEO of White Read More …
Beyond Simple Answers (#2165)
This morning, on All Saints' Sunday, I preached the fourth message in a series based on Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on paradox. Sermon My message, “Beyond Simple Answers” was based on Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, and John 11:32-44. Story You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Presbyterian Pastor Richard Hansen captured how widespread paradox really is Read More …