Category Archive

07/23, Sydney, Nova Scotia (Canada): Part of Cape Breton Island, voted most beautiful island in continental North America. Historic old buildings and homes from the 1700s teem with stories, but not as much as the wharves teem w/seafood of every kind. Especially known for Bar Clams and Giant Scallops—yum! –appreciating temperatures in the 60s & 70s ~ Psalm 104:24,25, “How … Read More

07/21, Bar Harbor, Maine: First called Eden, we see why settlers thought it attractive and gardenesque. It’s postcard maritime New England. Wrinkled granite cliffs accent a very unusual coastline. Originally known as a clamming spot, today it’s known for fine lobster (yes, we ate some fresh fine lobster.) Quaint though it is, it’s mostly known as a second home for … Read More

07/20, Boston, Mass.: Stayed with friends in Cambridge, just inland down the Charles River from Boston proper, founded in the 1630s by Puritans, home of both Harvard (America’s first college) and MIT universities. So smart. Went to port. Didn’t see any tea in the harbor. Hah. Boarded the ship, met the Cruise Director and Hotel Manager. Explored the ship, the … Read More

07/19, Boston, Mass.: Flew into “Bean Town” a little early trying to see a few historic sites before we board the ship. Anything old here is amazing, as this is where the American Revolution started and many of our notions of freedom were birthed. Artifact discoveries have caused scholars to conclude that the earliest humans were here 7500 years ago! … Read More

Continuing my long-standing, pastoral dual-emphasis on making church meaningful and enjoyable, I’ve been conspiring with some others on this summer’s Crossfire excursion: The Missional Mystery Trip. [Inspiration readily credited to The Beatles and Scooby Doo.] This one will soften the heart, sharpen the mind, challenge the body, and tickle the funny bone. We leave after worship on Sunday morning July … Read More

Well, as I near Annual Conference I often think of a simple and sketchy assessment of the church I pastor because many friends, both clergy and lay, will ask me, “So, how’s the church?” You know I’m going to say, “Wonderful!” But then, depending who’s asking, I will offer some qualifiers. I share all of them with you now as … Read More

Well, what’s on our hearts the most these days is the Will situation. However, we should become less curious about the developments of his case, and become more focused on mending our anxieties and shoring up our safety. To that end, I offer you a few lessons we’re learning the hard way about covert predators. First, though we vetted him … Read More

At a recent Chamber networking luncheon I introduced myself by name and as the pastor of our church. I told them that we’re about “making disciples who make a difference,” briefly describing our Green Project award, hosting the primary vote, Wesley Academy beginnings, and the 16 or so from our church who helped break the Guinness Book of World Records … Read More

Missions! I love missions. Partly because Jesus calls us to do so, “in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and unto the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). He told us He’d send His Spirit for this purpose, to help us. To our church, that’s like “in Cedar Hill, DFW, Texas, and the whole world.” I also love missions because they help us … Read More