I'm getting ready to step into the middle of it this Sunday.A stand-alone sermon that I pray deals honestly, delicately, and forthrightly with the prickly subject of Church and State. And Christian and Government. And GSUMC and the DNC.Why would I do such...
I read with interest those things that Jesus takes for granted.For example, in Matthew 5:16, he says, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting."Not "if you fast." Not "please think about...
Many times in speaking or in writing people try to reinforce the strength of their points by adding the words clear and obvious.As in, "it's obvious from the context that John 3:16 means . . . "Or: "this is clearly the direction our church needs to follow . . ....
I grew up just down the street from a college campus (see below). Since it was so close and since my father worked there, I spent a lot of time as a child walking around it.I suppose that's why I still like investigating and appreciating what it is that makes...
As part of yesterday's message in the Money Talks series, I shared these words from Mary John Dye, who served as the Superintendent of the Statesville District of the United Methodist Church for four years:If churches would advertise the worship of God half...
It's a cliche, but it's also a question.As Good Shepherd has a series called Money Talks, does this church put its money where its mouth is?Are we doing as an organization what we want you to do as individuals?Find out this Sunday.8:30. 10. 11:30.
This is a busy week around the Good Shepherd campus when it comes to the fight against human trafficking.First, we hosted a Breaking The Chains Conference on Tuesday, August 21. That event filled our church with social workers, law enforcement personnel, and...
As some of you know, the United Methodist Church elected a new slate of bishops over this past summer. The elections and subsequent assignments involve a lengthy process that has grown more and more complicated in the 200+ years Methodism has been in the United...
When it comes to modern television, I can't watch reality shows.I'm not big on most current sitcoms.The Office isn't the same without Steve Carell.And I'm not going to watch America's Next . . . Top Model, Food Network Star, Wedding Dress Designer or any of the other...
I spent Saturday at one of the neighborhoods near our church in which a large percentage of the residents speak Spanish.So our Latino ministry team descended upon that community and hosted a Back To School Block Party.We had crafts and school supplies for the...