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A Sunday (3) in the Life of a Pastor/Mother: Casualties
Today was one of those days in which I should have just crawled back into bed. Actually, the whole week was like that. Already my energy was low from having to plan and lead a 6-hour presbytery retreat for 50 council members and committee chairs a couple of days ago. With me being presbytery moderator…
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A Sunday (2) in the Life of a Pastor/Mother: Epiphany
“When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2.10-11) Epiphany for me always feels like the…
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What Does Baseball and PCUSA Have in Common? Transformation
You are one body and one spirit just as God also called you in one hope. (Ephesians 4.4) I’m not a baseball fan – not because I don’t like baseball, but because I’m just not a sports fan in general. Having said that, on a flight back from Chicago, I watched the movie, Moneyball, about…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Baptism
8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1.8) The Baptism of the Lord is a wonderful opportunity to remember one’s own baptism. They may not be able to remember the actual moment, especially if they were baptized as an infant. However, they have an opportunity to remember the meaning…
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A Sunday (1) in the Life of a Pastor/Mother: Communion
“I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1.8) Today is one of those days when you wonder how many people will actually arrive at church since it is New Year’s Day. I have long stopped trying to stay awake until midnight to ring in the New…
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Intergenerational Advent Worship
In a previous blog, I wrote about my thoughts on planning an intergenerational worship, a worship that isn’t about being kid-friendly, but about worship for all ages to participate at their comfort and ability level. I’ve been playing around with the concept for a while, but never completely satisfied with the outcome. For one, the…
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Future of Urban Ministry: You Say Potato, I Say Potahto
I grew up watching the Electric Company. I loved the “Hey, you guys!” calling me to watch the show. I loved the Spiderman comic. I loved Morgan Freeman. What I especially remember is the two silhouettes whispering a part of a word and sounding out each syllable until it formed one word. Two people, two mouths, two…
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Interactive Prayer Stations for Advent III
6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. (Luke 2.6) The first Sunday of Advent, my church has interactive prayer stations, an opportunity to engage, reflect, and meditate on this period of expectation, waiting, and preparation for the birth of Christ. Below are ideas for interactive prayer stations focusing on…
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The Intersection between Age, Race, and Justice: It’s Complicated
When my son was in preschool, his teacher said that she thinks my son would make a good lawyer one day because he is so concerned about justice. When I asked her what she meant, she explained that he is very diligent about making sure things are fair especially when it involves him. Now she…
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Interactive Prayer Stations for Advent II
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1.35) The first Sunday of Advent, my church has interactive prayer stations, an opportunity to engage, reflect, and meditate on this…