Yesterday, I met with 3 people who will be baptized in a couple of weeks to talk about that decision. At the table was a young girl of 11, a middle-aged Mom, and a teenage boy. My heart overflowed with… Continue reading

In his column for the New York Times, which is titled “Not In Control,” David Leonhardt admits that the way we have approached the virus in this most recent pandemic needs to change. We must, he writes, “avoid believing that… Continue reading

For a year and a half I have known that the moment was approaching when I would step away from pastoring the church I have served for 21 years. On September 1, I will no longer be the pastor of… Continue reading

My phone rang in the evening last week and a cheerful voice said, “Hi. I hope I’m not disturbing you. This is Jack Winters.”   Jack’s voice trembled with emotion when he said, “I’m so glad your Dad wouldn’t give up… Continue reading

Doomsday preaching is not my style. I hate it when preachers and politicians scare the life out of people and then say, “Trust me to keep you safe.”   I see that as manipulative, and yet … there is a sharp… Continue reading

I try to listen. Do I agree with every conclusion in every conversation? Not at all. Does listening imply that I believe that the person who is speaking is properly informed? Not always.  Listening without criticizing, correcting, or even confirming… Continue reading

When we pause to extend a sincere word of thanks to another, it is like a tonic. It lifts the heart, brightens the day, and improves the life of the one giving thanks. Try it!  Gratitude is powerful. The inspired… Continue reading

When a high wire performer at the circus walks daringly out on a line suspended 30 feet above the ground, generally something called a ‘safety net’ is strung between the wire and the floor! It is there to catch her… Continue reading

As I close the season of my life given to pastoral ministry, I am given to reflection about that part of my life.  What does it mean, will it matter? There are markers of worldly success that are easy to… Continue reading

  This Monday morning I want to urge you to find soul strength in beauty. Take some time to appreciate beauty – in music, in the natural world, in the soul of another, in a sunset, in a photograph, a work… Continue reading