Passage for Reflection: Ephesians 5:1-14 I’ve traveled enough to know when to ask for help. More than once if I had set out on my own, I would have walked and wandered, but been clueless about what I was seeing and unable to understand what I was hearing. With the help of a skilled guide, however, the sights and sounds of the world around me became clear and I was able to more fully experience another culture. While securing a guide to help me make the most of a trip makes sense to me, Read More …
Discipleship
Valuing Children & Youth (#2144)
Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, started anew today. We focused on the value and importance of ministry to, with, and for children and youth. This was part of an ongoing summer series exploring the Jesus Priorities (based on a book by Christopher Maricle) Blessing of the Backpacks The entire service focused on children and youth, including the blessing of the backpacks as many students head back to school tomorrow and others in the days and weeks ahead (begins at Read More …
The Best Sermon Ever (#2143)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, we continued our exploration of the Jesus Priorities (a sermon series based on a book with the same title by Christopher Maricle). Today’s priority was “seek God's will.” Sermon My message, “The Best Sermon” was a passage commonly referred to as The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Seeking God's Will I preached from this manuscript and, for once, tried to stick to it. You can watch a recording of the Read More …
Is Bigger Always Better and Will More Ever Satisfy? (#2141)
On the occasion of my fifth Sunday as the Interim Pastor at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, we continued our exploration of the Jesus Priorities (a sermon series based on a book with the same title by Christopher Maricle). Today’s priority was “treasure in heaven.” Sermon My message, “How Much is Enough?” is based on Luke 12:13-21. Spreading the Word I preached from this manuscript, but didn't convey it word for word. You can watch a recording of the Read More …
Spread the Word! (#2140)
For the last three years I've hosted and facilitated a weekly small group gathering as part of the Life Group Ministry of Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ. Last summer we tried something new by choosing our own book and writing our own curriculum. Throughout the summer we explored Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way and Presence by Diana Butler Bass. This summer we have once again chosen our own book and are creating our own curriculum. We Read More …
Called to Live Highly Relational Lives (#2138)
I’m delighted to be serving as Interim Pastor at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas. This summer we are journeying together through the Jesus Priorities (based on a book with the same title by Christopher Maricle). Today's priority was "spread the word." Sermon My message, “Being and Making Disciples” was based on Matthew 28:16-20. Spreading the Word While I relied on this manuscript, I likely went a bit off script on a few occasions. You can watch a recording of the Read More …
Summer Perspective: Change of Pace (#2136)
Regardless of your life stage, summer offers a change of pace. For the last several years I've started the summer off with a vacation. Each year I've visited my parents in Florida and have used some of this time away to reconnect with friends. This year my time in Florida included helping my parents shop for some new furniture for their condo, enjoying a number of meals out with family and friends, visiting the beach, and attending worship in a congregation I previously served. It also Read More …
Preaching Healing (#2134)
This morning I preached at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas for the second time in my new role as this congregation’s Interim Senior Pastor. And, following the service they held a reception to welcome my wife and I into the life of the congregation. The Sermon My message, “Your Healing Touch” kicked off a summer series titled "The Jesus Priorities." The series was inspired by Christopher Maricle's book, The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits (2007). Today's message Read More …
Preaching Intention or Interruption? (#2132)
This morning I preached at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas for the first time on the occasion of my first day serving as this congregation's Interim Senior Pastor. The Sermon My message, “Intention or Interruption?,” was based on today's Gospel reading: Mark 5:21-43. Intention, Interruption, or Intentional Interruption? While I relied on this manuscript, I'm aware that I went a bit off script on a few occasions. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Read More …
Where’s Greg Worshipping in 2024? 12 Congregations in 3 States (#2131)
In recent years I've worshipped in more than 75 Dallas - Arlington - Fort Worth area congregations (see Visiting 75 Churches in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metro Area). Last year, I reflected on some of those congregations as well as my worship experiences in congregations outside of Texas in June (Where’s Greg Worshipping? 8+ Congregations in 3 States) and December (Happy New Year! Celebrating Visits to 12 Churches). A few days ago I announced that I'll be returning to parish ministry later this Read More …