Last Sunday there was a farewell event for our family after the 11 a.m. worship service. It was a wonderful time – heartfelt thanks, earnest wishes, and blessings were shared from one to the other. I shared a few things to those that were there and share them with you here. Thumbnail Sketch If I […]
United Methodist Elders are ordained to Word, Order, Sacrament, and Service. It seems that during times of transition Order is one that takes precedence. In both leaving and beginning, there are a almost innumerable number of administrative items that need to be cared for, passed on to others, or at least communicated in some way. […]
Jesus often tells parables or stories which teach us something that is true about God, about us and how God and humanity interact. Here is one of them from Luke 15. This is the story of a man who had two sons “The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of […]
A few weeks ago, I visited a church where this sign was displayed during communion. The method of serving was passing a tray through the aisle and taking a piece of bread and a small cup of juice, so it would not have been obvious if one chose not to partake. United Methodists practice open […]
Slick makes me consider what we do at church. I am an advocate that you Take Back Your Lunch and Transform Your Day. Will someone be able to use this before I do? is a great question for uncluttering. Advice for those who don’t want to be at annual conference – Go home then! Value […]
Why is it difficult to create effective content for Christian spiritual formation? Because people creating the content are not aware of the answers being sought. I recently read an article in Wired Magazine about Demand Media and the way that they go about creating content. This excerpt from the article gives an idea of Demand Media’s model […]
Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli is accurately described by the subtitle – God’s Annoying Love for Imperfect People. Yaconelli presents an approach to discipleship that is not about clear next steps and unquestionable outcomes. Instead, the path of discipleship that he presents is full of changes, turns and a never failing trust in God. Yaconelli refutes some […]
Matt Judkins writes profound thoughts on ordination at Many Hands Make an Elder. Grace is Gratuitous relates some of deviant monk’s thoughts on the grace of God. Kathy Guy relates a common Marriage Crisis Pattern and supplies an excellent response. She also gives a good response to the question So, you want to start a […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 