This Little Light of Mine

What a great week!  140+ kids and over 60 volunteer leaders have filled every corner of the building since Monday morning.  This year’s VBS has been a good one!

Our junior high kids, 25 or so strong have filled their week with fun, service, and study, but are often “off-campus” to allow room for their younger brothers and sisters to enjoy their program of crafts, games, snacks, stories and singing.  They have learned that God is with us, God is powerful, God does what he says he’ll do, God gives new life and God care for us.  Bible stories have mostly been from the story of the Exodus with Thursday’s lesson from the gospel account of Jesus’ resurrection. Continue reading →

Sometimes Limping, Sometimes Skipping; God is Always Good
 
I am writing this edition of the E-pistle from Montreat, North Carolina, where I have been since Sunday evening.  Three former seminary colleagues and I have formed a seminar group sponsored and funded by the Foundation for Reformed Theology.  For five days we have lived together in a summer house in the hardwood forest and among the rhododendron on the grounds of the PCUSA conference center.  Our study has centered on the writings of one of our professors, the late John Leith. Leith was a great champion of the Reformed Tradition and his vision for the foundation was that it might provide theological resources to equip pastors for the task of preaching, teaching and pastoral care.  Through his writing – we have focused on four of his books – Dr. Leith has been a good companion and teacher for the week. Continue reading →

Emotionally Connected to a Honda
 
I bought a new car in March.  In April I started receiving various owner-satisfaction surveys.  They tell you that you might win $20,000 just for completing their survey, so I have been diligent about doing so.  I haven’t received my $20,000 yet, but I will let you know when I do.  Continue reading →

Red and Blue Worshipers? Red, White and Blue Worship?
 
A piece from the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life this week raises what is sometimes a controversial question, “Should churches celebrate Independence Day?”
 
The article presents its argument by comparing a church in Texas where, “Last year, Marines rappelled into the sanctuary, church members in uniform stuck rifles and helmets into a Styrofoam grave site made by a Broadway set designer, and indoor fireworks exploded over a packed house in back-to-back services.” The music director at the church describes it as “just a big patriotic, feel-good moment." Continue reading →

The Bell Tolls for Michael Jackson … and for me
 
As of this hour (9:30 on Friday morning), CNN’s homepage is still dominated by the death of Michael Jackson with the kind of graphics and in-depth reporting that is usually reserved for the most important news stories.  “’King of Pop’ Michael Jackson is Dead,” the somber headline reads.  When I turned on the television after I got home for our Worldview Forum last night, it was all Michael all the time.  Continue reading →