I encountered Jesus, or more accurately marketing efforts designed to make me think about Jesus, in two unexpected places in recent weeks. The first came while traveling between Texas and Oklahoma. Two billboards stacked one above the other carried a bold message: Instead of title case, everything was rendered in ALL CAPS, as if certainty itself required volume. Later, driving through the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex, I found myself behind a pickup truck with JESUS CHRIST stretched Read More …
Discipleship
Called to Share, Invited to Belong (#2314)
Yesterday at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, I preached a message titled "Called to Share, Invited to Belong" based on Matthew 28:16-20. And, we celebrated Goofy Glasses Sunday, an annual fundraiser benefitting the Community Eye Clinic. Sermon You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt This passage of Scripture is important. It is given by Jesus as a way of empowering his disciples to continue his ministry. And this is a Read More …
From Palm Sunday to Easter: The Story in Seven Images (#2313)
As I reflect on Holy Week and Easter, I am reminded that words alone fall short when telling the story. Instead, I offer seven images that invite us to see and feel what language leaves unfinished. Note: Church images are from First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth where I serve as Interim Minister. So What? Which image stays with you, whether from those shared here, one you captured yourself, or one you encountered Read More …
Will You Join the Parade? (#2310)
Today I preached my fourth sermon as the Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (you can learn more about this new role here). Sermon My Palm Sunday message, “Joining the Parade” is based on Matthew 21:1-11. You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt . . . So those who chose to travel that day and be a part of this unique experience did so very intentionally. It makes me wonder Read More …
The Story Isn’t Finished (#2308)
Today I preached my second sermon as the Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (you can learn more about this new role here). ermon My message, “The Story Isn’t Finished” is based on Ezekiel 37:1-14 and John 11:1-45. You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I remember lying in the back of an ambulance, unable to see, uncertain about my injuries, and wondering if perhaps this was going to Read More …
Open Hearts, Open Eyes, New Beginnings (#2306)
Today I preached my third sermon as the Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (you can learn more about this new role here). Sermon My message, “Open Hearts, Open Eyes, New Beginnings” is based on 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and John 9:1-41. You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I have much to learn when it comes to all that happens here on our church campus. Every time I am here, I see new Read More …
Living Water is for Every Body (#2304)
Today I preached my first sermon as the Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (you can learn more about this new role here). Sermon My message, “Living Water is for Every Body” is based on John 4:1-42. You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Jesus is taking a trip. He’s heading from Judea to Galilee. For those of us who are accustomed to travel by car, this would be quite the walk. Read More …
Ash Wednesday: Are You Ready? (#2300)
Today I served as the supply pastor for Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas on Ash Wednesday. Sermon My message, “Are You Ready?” is based on Psalm 51:1-17 and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. You can watch on Facebook (sermon begins at 37:10) or read the manuscript. Excerpt Grief is difficult and deeply personal. In our culture, grief is something we tend to experience privately. When we are grieving, we are cautious about who we are real with, and most folks Read More …
Transfiguration Sunday: Listen to Jesus (#2299)
Today I preached and presided as the supply pastor for Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas on Transfiguration Sunday. Central was one of the 13 founding congregations that established White Rock Center of Hope in 1988. As Hope’s CEO, I am grateful for all they have done to support Hope over the years and the many ways they continue to do so today. Sermon My message, “Listen to Jesus” is based on Matthew 17:1-9. You can watch on Facebook (sermon begins at Read More …
My Visit to New Covenant Christian Church (#2296)
This morning I was a first time visitor at New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma City. About New Covenant New Covenant is an open and affirming congregation in Northwest Oklahoma City that is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Since 2021, the Rev. David Wheeler has served as pastor. Currently, the congregation offers once service of worship in its sanctuary each Sunday at 10:45am. This service is livestreamed on YouTube. Additionally, Read More …