I'm current seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ. And, I've been sharing updates as I progress through the discernment process that I hope will culminate in ordination. My last update was about two months ago: My Ministry in the United Church of Christ – Ordination Update #12 (July 2022). In that post I shared parts of the third section of my ordination paper, which focuses on my experiences in the United Church of Christ and plans for ordained ministry. Preaching One Read More …
Discipleship
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 …
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 …
Learning from 9 Congregations & 10 Denominations – Update #11 (#2067)
In this series on my journey to ordination in the United Church of Christ, I've been sharing some of the specifics of what my life has been like in recent months as a Member in Discernment. In this post, I explore how my current theology has been informed by lessons I've learned from 10 denominations or traditions. As I engage in this reflection I'm mindful of the nine congregations I've served, which are shown below: (1) First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) - Duncanville, TX; (2) Central Read More …
Ordination Paper Submitted – Update #10 (#2066)
I'm in the process of seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ. This is my 10th update about that journey. Submitted Today, I submitted my ordination paper. It is a twenty-five page document that is divided into three sections: theology,history and polity of the United Church of Christ, andand my calling to and ministry in the United Church of Christ. So What? In nine prior updates I've shared lists of what I've been asked to do as a Member in Discernment (UCC-speak Read More …