Baptism
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Sabbath Ritual
This is a simple and easy ritual to do. I used it for a worship theme on Sabbath. I invited people to reflect on things they wanted to rest from. Participants may want to write something they need to let go of – maybe it is the weight of loss or grief that they have…
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Ugly Stories
This preaching series is on telling stories. Previously, BEGINNING, LOVE, ORIGIN, FOOD Stories were shared. Next is Ugly Stories. As important as it is to tell stories that bring people together and share fond memories, it is equally if not more important to also share the ugly stories in the church’s history. We must acknowledge…
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Lent through the Eyes of Luke
1 Many people have already applied themselves to the task of compiling an account of the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used what the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed down to us.3 Now, after having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, I have also decided to write a…
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Worship that Journeys through the Seasons
With my friends and colleagues Rev. Corey Nelson and Rev. Adam Fischer, we had the pleasure of planning the worship services for the NEXT Conference in Charlotte. The theme was John 3.1-21 and this is what it says on their website: NEXT Church has been asking the question: What’s next? We have been asking God, ourselves, and each…
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Interactive Prayer Stations on Baptism 2
And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3.22) 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…
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Connected by Water
Originally posted in PLGRM Volume I Issue 2 Winter 2012 This picture shows everything that is wonderful about being a part of an Asian community. This is a picture of signature stamps, dojang (Korean), or chop (Chinese). If you are Asian, you most likely have a dojang or chop that has your name in Korean,…
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A Sunday (38) in Life of a Pastor/Mother: Weddings, Baptisms, & a Baby Girl
One of the unique privileges I have experienced as a pastor/mother is baptizing my own children. There is something poignant about pouring water over your child’s head and saying “You are special. You are loved. You are chosen. You are a child of God.” It has also meant the world to me to see the…
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Interactive Use of Candles and Meaning of Names
The following interactive activity can be used when exploring different names for God or stories about the meaning of names in the Bible, baptism, or names that we claim as our identity as a child of God. For a recent conference, I made the following candle. I put the logo on a 9″ tall candle…
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Expanding Our Baptismal Community
9 The Samaritan woman asked, “Why do you, a Jewish man, ask for something to drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (Jews and Samaritans didn’t associate with each other.) 10 Jesus responded, “If you recognized God’s gift and who is saying to you, ‘Give me some water to drink,’ you would be asking him and he would give you…
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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…
Still Waters 