Braving The Waters

I have received several emails from community members sharing with me the profound meaning the Good Friday service and the words of my meditation had on them or someone they know(because they were unable to attend). It is a joy in ministry to hear that something you preached has impacted someone. The Community Good Friday Service sponsored by the Oskaloosa Area Association of Churches (OAAC). IT was held at St. Paul's Congregational United Church of Christ. Following the opening prayer and singing of "Were You There?" We heard the 7 last words of Christ. They were interspersed with responsive reading, silent prayer, and meditative singing. After the final words "Father, into your hand I commend my spirit." the community choir offered an anthem. As one of the newest clergy in Oskaloosa, I was charged with the task of giving the meditation for this service. A stressful honor- how would I offer hope through the words of the cross, how would I share with others ...

“Do you have big plans for this holiday weekend?” I was asked as I stood in the check out line at the grocery store earlier this week. Before I could answer the person asking me the question started telling me what they had planned for this “long weekend”. First it starts; “I’m so excited to not have to go to work on Friday I’m not going to do anything Friday-sleep in, lounge around, do you have to work Friday? Saturday I’m not sure what I will do but probably finishes getting things ready for my kids Easter baskets and if it doesn’t rain maybe an egg hunt. Sunday I have my whole family coming over about 11:30 for lunch and we will probably eat more than we should. I am glad I get Monday off too so I can recover.” She takes a breath, “Do you have plans?” she asks me again. Prime opportunity-we sometimes pray for these moments. “Please God give me the opportunity to share my faith.” We don’t ever think it will happen. God can’t use me, we think to ourselves. Here was my opportunity, thi...

I am deeply rooted in the Campbell side of the Stone-Campbell movement that has flourished into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). However, I have a firm grasp on the Stone side of the movement as well. I do not always agree with Barton Stone’s theology, I do not always agree with Campbell’s either. While preparing for the community Good Friday service, I came across these words from Barton Stone. “Behold the Love, the Grace of God” Behold the love, the grace of God, displayed in Jesus’ blood; my soul’s on fire, it yearns to prove the fullness of redeeming love. The cross I view—O wondrous love! My sins expire, my fears remove; my native enmity is slain. I’m reconciled—I’m born again. Our God is love—O, leap, my soul! Let warm hosannas gently roll! Love gave a Son to save our race, and   Jesus died through sov’reign grace! What love has done, sing earth around! Angels prolong the eternal sound! Lo, Jesus bleeding on the tree! There, there, the love of God I see!  ...