(Goldenrod on a Jamestown Beach) We have a rule at my house: no fall decorations until October 1st! Most years my daughter would have me decorate for fall before August has waved its last goodbye. But, I’m a summer person who, as many of you know, walks rather [...]

My desk is piled high with theology and philosophy books as I explore what a faithful Christian response to AI might be, write my sermon on the Apostle Paul’s continued travels, and explore how we might build better neighborliness through shared religious practices. I am thankful today for the gift [...]

(Jesus checking out the loaves and fishes at Costco) This past week in worship, we handed out “Flat Jesus” to all the adults (the kids and youth got theirs in Sunday School). I asked the kids during the children’s story what advice they would give to the adults [...]

Mt Hood (Oregon) We find ourselves today in the in-between season of summer and fall. Today’s forecast is calling for a high of 87 and the coffee shops are pushing pumpkin spice drinks. The other day I stacked wood for winter on an 82 degree summer day. I’m [...]

I’m sure I’ve told this story before - but indulge me once again. Every time Labor Day circles around I remember the year my mother was pregnant with my younger brother David. She was due in June, but we kids (there were four of us at this point) were convinced [...]

(Sunset at Camp Wightman last week) As you find yourself breathing in the sea air, contemplating the profusion of summer flowers, biting into a perfectly ripe garden tomato, or listening to the nighttime chorus of crickets, may peace find its way into your hearts. Then may it find [...]

Camp Wightman I’m writing this from Camp Wightman, where really heavy rains have driven us all inside for crafts and games. I hear that the waterfront will still be open later today for swimming. I’m still undecided on whether or not I’ll swim. I’m weighing being cold against [...]

In the 2nd century, the theologian Hippolytus of Rome wrote about the church as a ship: the sea is the world, in which the Church is set, like a ship tossed in the deep, but not destroyed; for she has with her the skilled Pilot, Christ. And she bears in [...]

(My 43rd birthday cake - a few years ago) When I was a child I was intrigued by my mother’s coin collection. She had bicentennial quarters and wheat pennies, both of which were minted before I was born. I was especially intrigued by her stories of celebrating America’s bicentennial. [...]

(Bissel Cove) 1 Thessalonians 5:17 exhorts us to “pray without ceasing.” That’s a pretty tall order. Afterall, we do have other things to do! Prayer, however, is something we can do with each breath. Each step we take through a day can be a prayer - a connection [...]

(Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista) This past weekend I was in San Juan with my daughter and had the opportunity to sit for a while in two beautiful Catholic churches. In those quiet, cool spaces I found myself praying about some things I had been wrestling [...]

I’ve spent a bit of time in church camps this week. Earlier this week Laurie Mokaba, moderator, and myself toured ABC of CT’s Camp Wightman and today I am writing this from ABC’s Green Lake Camp and Conference Center. I’ll talk more about how close to my heart camping is [...]