This one was different. Instead of following the ME-WE-GOD-YOU-WE format inspired by Andy Stanley, yesterday’s message began with the text itself, Luke 22:47-51.  Actually, it began with the texts before the text, exploring how Luke 22:36-38 and 39-45 put swords and temptation at the center of the story under consideration. And that story, the one Read the full article…

We’ve got . . . Swashbucklin’ Sword swingin’ Ear choppin’ Jesus lovin’ all in store for this Sunday. In a story that makes so much more sense when you know the story behind it, we seeing what Jesus “finishes” next as he heads to the ultimate “It is finished” moment. Sunday. 8:30, 10, 11:30 on Read the full article…

It’s the fall of 1994.  Taylor has just started kindergarten. Riley has just turned two. I like wearing pleated khaki slacks and plaid short sleeve shirts. Julie, apparently, is the photograher. We’re in the Mt. Carmel parsonage in what remains one of our family’s favorite pictures.  

This may be wishful thinking and it is admittedly anecdotal, but I’ve noticed a shift in the kinds of new people coming into the life of Good Shepherd these days. In earlier seasons of this church’s life, we seemed to get a lot of people who were looking for “a better church” than the one Read the full article…

I remember that time several years ago when I told a friend I wasn’t sure I’d still be in ministry once I turned 55 because I didn’t think I’d still have anything of value to contribute to the church or to the world. Wooops.  I’m now 55.  And a half.  55.5 if you’re more digital Read the full article…