Pastor Log

In the light of this week’s tragic murders, an Advent theme of “Joy” can seem impossible to reconcile. But the gospel was “good news” not to those who’se life was untroubled, but came to those who knew (and know) brokenness, sorrow, and despair. The words of the angels “Fear Not” portend not some “pie in… Read more.

Advent is one of my favorite seasons! It is the season of promised hope, and of expectations beginning to be fulfilled. How apropos that our construction phase is drawing to a close at exactly this time of year. Truly, “the hopes and fears of all the years” are about to be met as we finish… Read more.

For this week’s prayer, we borrowed from an old favorite, the Prayer of St. Francis.  May God be with you all this week.  — Rev. Rachel   God who is constantly calling us toward your redemption, open our ears this Advent season.  Help us to hear your joy, your love, your call to serve: Make… Read more.

In a week of homecoming, we were reminded of an image of God who came to us in Jesus in order to bring us home to God.  Here is a prayer for this week.  Blessings on you all.  — Rev. Rachel God, who entered into full humanity in order to bring us closer to divinity,… Read more.

My dear friend and colleague, the Rev. Dr. Sandy Johnson (retired), and I have shared thoughts over many elections since we were in seminary together all those decades ago. This year, as in every election year, we are reminded that as the 2012 events conclude, the work of campaigning may be over, but the work (given to each of… Read more.

On this very rainy Wednesday, we took the bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima. After so many years of exposure to the documenatries, images, and reflections on the detonation that killed over 140,000, I was still unprepared for the impact of the site and city. In the intervening years, Hiroshima has rebuilt and regrown into… Read more.

We wrestled this week with the story of the rich man who wanted to know what he needed to do to gain eternal life.  Jesus first told him to follow the commandments, which he replied that he has done all his life.  Then, Jesus told him lovingly that what he lacked was to sell all… Read more.

Well, after months of planning, the day has finally come to pick, pack, and pull my travel kit and kaboodle into a plane and fly about as far as you go from Berea. Thanks to all of your generosity for my 15th anniversary, I’m headed off this morning to Hokuto, Japan, our sister city, and… Read more.