“Hard Things” Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 55 years ago, on July 20, … [Read more…]
Mission To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Vision Nelson Memorial UMC seeks to be a place where all God’s broken, hurting, and imperfect children discover wholeness and community while experiencing the warm and welcoming love of Jesus Christ. We seek to connect with one another to grow in our … [Read more…]
“Ordinary Time” So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.” Romans 12:1 The Message Recently I had someone ask me about the current liturgical season the church finds itself in. While you may not … [Read more…]
“What Defines You? When Jesus saw him lying there and he learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” John 5:6 While making his way to the Temple on a visit to Jerusalem, Jesus happened to be passing by the pool at … [Read more…]
Pumpkin Moons Last night, I saw a pumpkin moon. Well, I’m sure it wasn’t technically called a pumpkin moon, and it wasn’t actually last night because we were in the wee hours of the morning–but in my itchy-eyed newly yanked from dreams state, leading a giant horse of a puppy with an upset tummy around … [Read more…]
“Lies, Dang Lies, and Statistics” If you’ve spoken with me at all in the past couple of weeks, you’ve likely heard me talk about the statistics class I am currently taking. I have always been one of those strange people who enjoys mathematics, it has always come naturally to me. And since statistics is essentially … [Read more…]
“Milestones” That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize … [Read more…]
“Hanging By A Moment” It was a quick cut—a passing comment, really, that served as a glancing blow among preteen girls around a sticky Formica table in a crowded middle school cafeteria. Faces are now fuzzy, a kaleidoscope of teased hair and blue eyeshadow and jean jackets and Swatches. But the words are as searing … [Read more…]
“Changing Lanes” Coming to his hometown, (Jesus) began teaching the people in the synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with … [Read more…]
“Psalm 139 and the Whole Person” I’ve shared before that one of my favorite emails each week is a devotion written by a friend from college and a colleague of mine, Heather. Heather serves as a hospital chaplain in North Carolina. Heather’s message, part of a message she shared in a memorial service, is a … [Read more…]