Even before I tell you about the sermon, I must tell you about what went through my mind in at least two of its delivery times. I was preaching away, a bit extemporaneously, when the phrase "trump card" would have fit.  My mind was about two sentences ahead of my...

Here's our Jaw Droppers bumper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw8MoUYO2O4   What's a jaw dropper? One of Jesus' miracles that left its original spectators with mouths open wide in amazement. And over the next five weeks, we're entering into these stories in a...

Good Shepherd staff meetings offer fascinating insights into the natural instincts that people bring into ministry. And recently, as we have been strategizing around the launch of Zoar, the opening of the Living Room, and opportunities for long-term expansion, I have...

I love this photo. The woman in the center is Sheryl O'Brien, part of the Good Shepherd family after having spent much of her adult lifetime as a missionary in Kenya. She is surrounded by the children of our Twin Lakes Outreach ministry.  In case you don't know, we...

I came across this piece about fifteen years ago, but today, February 23, 2016, I realize it never really goes out of style: Obituary Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.  No one knows for sure how old...

Yesterday's message included . . . A title from Olivia Newton-John; A responsive reading that I believe belongs in future editions of the United Methodist hymnal; A quotation from UM preacher colleague Chris Ritter; A bottom line that I feel is especially strong:  You...

Yep, in seventh grade I had a crush on, among others, Olivia Newton-John.   That's when she was singing bubblegum like Have You Never Been Mellow? A decade or so later, however, she gave us the 80s anthem Let's Get Physical.  Part workout video, larger part...

When are you at your best? I asked someone who works at Good Shepherd that question this week. The answer that came didn't surprise me.  In fact, I would likely have said the same thing about him myself. But asking that question got me thinking about two...

. . . but a Good Shepherd friend sent me this via email earlier this week:   And what is that? The song list for his memorial service. Now: my friend is young (well, younger than 54), in good health, and has neither chronic nor critical illness. Yet he's thinking...

There is a certain, seismic cultural shift every February that lets you know football season is over.  Done.  Finis.  No mas. And our culture gives you a number of clues that this is in fact the case. Here are five:   1.  Ice skating is on weekend television. ...