The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines doomscrolling as “to spend excessive time online scrolling through news or other content that makes one feel sad, anxious, angry, etc.”i So, why in the world do we do it? It starts out simply enough. “Doomscrolling starts with the goal of becoming more aware of a situation so you can understand what’s happening and prepare yourself for it.”ii The scrolling, whether doom or binge scrolling,…
For the next three weeks, I’ll be offering a series of reflections about Advent and the grief we experience in our lives, in our churches, and in our world. Part One: Singing Silent Night in a minor key Grief’s appearance during Advent and Christmas rattles us like the ghosts who inhabit Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas Eve dreams. While our culture is…
What Pope Francis’ life and death mean to this Presbyterian Pastor While not unexpected, the news of Pope Francis’ death today evoked both sadness and gratitude within me. I gave thanks that Francis’ suffering and ill health were now over, and that he has now joined the countless faithful of the church triumphant. Yet I also join my Catholic family,…
I asked the congregation why they worship at Rock Presbyterian Church and if they are grateful for anything about our small though resilient church. A common theme was the idea that this church has been an extended family for members and has showed up for them in difficult times. Here are some of the answers: “In 1951, when I was…
I was raised in a strong Christian family. My parents were devoted members of the East African Revival Fellowship. This ecumenical revival movement emerged in Kenya during the 1930s. It introduced a new faith ethos after missionaries had established the mainland churches. The movement emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ and repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Fellowship meetings are held…
This blog post was the sermon message at the 190th Anniversary Celebration of the First Presbyterian, Union, on October 27, 2024 I don’t like ‘remembering’. Seems only fair that I should say that. I splashed water on Pacific’s anniversary by saying I didn’t like anniversaries. Seems only fair that I splash water on Union’s anniversary and remember, by saying I…
Do not fear. This is the message around the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Throughout his ministry and the Bible, we hear that refrain in multiple ways. Do Not Fear! But, why? Because fearful people do not act well and can be manipulated easily. Those who peddle fear and lies do a disservice to our society, and…
I have been in love with the church all my life. My earliest memories are sitting on soft cushions in a familiar pew, listening to my preacher father’s warm voice and watching the sunshine streaming through the tall windows. I was never bored – even as a preschooler – because I focused on light and color and sound and touch…
I’ve always had a fascination with words. And that was the frame of mind I was in one day when I read Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Most of us know this portion of scripture; we even have parts of it memorized. But it’s a long sermon, and it’s easy to overlook a part or two. The passage that caught…
Mark’s recounting of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem ends on a note of queasy solemnity. The atmosphere is appropriately shadowy and foreboding. Jesus has paraded into town, surrounded by the hoots and hollers of those who welcomed him as the one coming in the name of the Lord. They welcomed him with acclaim, but now have disappeared. Jesus makes his way…