I never imagined saying a permanent goodbye to a University that deeply impacted me. Today, I take this action for the second time in as many years. Last year, I said Goodbye to Hardin-Simmons University after that University choose a new path marked by dishonesty and that exclude all people who do not wholeheartedly endorse a new and troublingly specific statement of faith. Today, I say Goodbye to Hodges University upon the recent news that it has stopped admitting new students and will Read More …
Great New Books – September 2023 (#2077)
The best new books I’ve read in the last 30 days are listed below. (5.0) Positive Communication for Leaders: Proven Strategies for Inspiring Unity and Effecting Change by Julien C. Mirivel and Alexander Lyon (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023)(4.5) Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun (Broadleaf Books, 2023)(4.5) On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to be Good by Elise Loehnen (Dial Press, Read More …
Preaching Identity (#2076)
This morning I preached at Northridge Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. This is one of many ways the congregation has continued to expand its partnership with White Rock Center of Hope. I'm especially grateful to the Rev. Betsy Swetenburg, Northridge's Pastor and current WRCH Board member, for the invitation. Sermon My message, “Who am I?” was based on Psalm 8. The passage was selected as the congregation is in the midst of a sermon series titled Psummer of Psalms. Sermon Read More …
UCC: 1 Out of Every ____ Americans (#2075)
Most data related to Mainline Protestant decline focuses on one of two measures: Absolute decline (how many fewer members are in the denomination today as compared to a specific year in the past)Percentage decline (how much smaller the denomination has become as understood by expressing the membership decline as a percentage) In this post, I'll consider these before exploring what I find to be a more helpful measurement of decline. This new measure is also an easier way to understand the Read More …
Look Again (#2074)
It's time to look again. Eyeball Sometimes I don't see things, even things that are in plain sight. This is the case when it comes to a 30 foot tall eyeball located in downtown Dallas. This piece of art was created by Tony Tasset who modeled it after his own eye. Originally displayed in Chicago, it moved to downtown Dallas in 2013. Despite dozens of visits to downtown Dallas in recent years that took me right by or brought me close to the Eye, I had never actually seen it. Last Read More …
Abiding Contentment (#2073)
Passage for Reflection: Philippians 4:10-15 My wife and I reside in a beautiful home with ample room for everyday living and to provide hospitality for guests. Last week a larger house across the street was listed for sale. How might our life change if we had 20% more square feet? I serve a ministry supported by many generous individuals and congregations. Recently I was contacted by a determined headhunter. She attempted to lure me with the promise of financial security, “How much more Read More …
Great New Books – August 2023 (#2072)
The best new books I’ve read in the last 30 days are listed below. Only Work Sundays Pastoring local congregations is rewarding yet challenging work. In recent years there has been considerable reporting on pastor burnout and the unreasonable expectations placed on many clergy as COVID-19 transitions from pandemic to endemic. Liz Miller, a Millennial United Church of Christ pastor who recently concluded seven years of service as the pastor of Edgewood United Church, shares her Read More …
53 Years of Hope: Celebrating Cathedral of Hope’s Anniversary (#2071)
I was excited to be able to worship this morning at Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ after missing out the last several weeks to worship with other area congregations that support the work of the faith-based non-profit I serve (for my sermon at St. James Episcopal Church see Preaching Hope or for my message at Eastminster Presbyterian Church see Preaching Difficult Discipleship). Celebrating 53 Years! 53 years ago something new happened in Dallas. In July of 1970 a group of 12 Read More …
My Ministry in the United Church of Christ – Ordination Update #12 (#2070)
In this series on my journey to ordination in the United Church of Christ, I’ve shared some of my experiences as a Member in Discernment. In the last update, I shared that I submitted the final item requested from my by the North Texas Association Committee on Ministry: an ordination paper. The paper consists of three sections: My Theology (an exploration of what I believe)My Understanding of the History and Polity of the United Church of ChristMy Ministry in the United Church of Christ Read More …
Preaching Hope (#2069)
This morning I had the opportunity to preach at both worship services at St. James Episcopal Church and share more about the ministry of White Rock Center of Hope during the education hour. This was a special joy as I've gotten to know this congregation better and better through my relationship with their WRCH Board Member, Russ Pate and their Rector, Fr. Jonathan Melton. Sermon My message, “Sowing Seeds of Hope” was based on the lectionary passages (Isaiah 55:10-13, Romans 8:1-11 & Read More …