As we wrap up our independent study of the Celebration of Discipline and our sermon series God Calling, we know that this is the commencement of a re-focused journey.  We are now in the season of Easter.   In the church, we continue to celebrate for several more weeks.  I mean, should a celebration of the [...]

Some people have asked why we chose a book by Henri Nouwen for one of our independent Lenten studies.  His roots are in Catholicisim.  Some even consider him to be one of the founders of the Emerging Church. There are other more provocative claims.  So why Nouwen?  I can answer that in one short statement: [...]

Sometimes when that alarm clock goes off on Sunday morning that question (the title) is easy to answer.   It takes some self discipline to get things rolling and get everyone out the door.  But that’s really not what we’re talking about in chapter 11 of Foster’s book.  It’s not the focus for Sunday’s sermon either [...]

Lent can be a time of searching, seeking, and hopefully discovery.  It’s not just an exercise in self-discipline or a 40-day diet before spring break.  Our search should focus on God.  The whole idea is to put aside our own selfish desires in exchange for the struggle of experiencing the fullness of love. Not yearning [...]

What does it mean to conform our lives to Christ?  Sometimes I wonder if we really understand the difficult words we read in the Bible… discipline, sacrifice, conviction, transformation.  Lent can be a wonderful time to refocus and remember that in those moments of self-denial, repentance, and change that God’s love and acceptance is still [...]