I remember with an equal mixture of joy and trepidation my first “call” into the ministry. It was at the seminary on Call Day in 1991. It took place within the context of a beautiful worship service in which seminary graduates like me would receive information about the first congregation we were assigned to serve.
Archive for January, 2014
Epiphany 3, January 26, 2014
Posted in Uncategorized on January 27, 2014| 1 Comment »
Epiphany 2, January 19, 2014
Posted in Uncategorized on January 21, 2014| Leave a Comment »
There has been a lot of fair amount of job searching going on at my house recently. It’s not easy to find a job. There are applications to fill out and cover letters to write. There are interviews to schedule and questions like these to try to wrestle with: What are your strengths and weaknesses? What makes you unique? Why should we hire you? There are personal and professional references to be contacted. And then there is the background check and the drug test.
It’s a lot of hoops to jump through. But good HR people know how to filter through all the candidates to find the best person for the job.
Jesus was not good at this kind of thing. (more…)
Epiphany 1, The Baptism of our Lord, January 12, 2014
Posted in Uncategorized on January 14, 2014| 1 Comment »
Today we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord. It’s not strange to celebrate a baptism in church. In fact, baptism is our entrance into the church – the family of God. But why celebrate the baptism of Jesus? Think about it . . . isn’t he already in God’s family? He doesn’t need to be adopted into God’s family – he is God’s only begotten Son! And does Jesus need any sins washed away? I don’t think so.
Christmas 2, January 5, 2014
Posted in Uncategorized on January 6, 2014| Leave a Comment »
It’s nice to visit friends and family over the holidays, right? It may be the only time during the year when we see certain people. And it’s always worth it to spend time with relatives – getting caught up – reconnecting – laughing – playing games – sharing meals together – being a family. And then it’s nice to go back home again. It’s nice to have overnight Christmas visitors in your home or just for a meal or party. It’s also nice when they leave and you have the quiet house to yourself again.
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