'pastor's corner' Tagged Posts

PPUMC Family, June 15th will mark three years since I was called to this community. Reflecting on these three years, we have come a mighty long way. Since coming back from the annual conference, I am still resting on the theme “Jesus. Redeemer,” which is based on Isaiah 43:1, which states from the Common English Bible: But now, says the Lord— the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel: Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you;…

Good Family, May 2, 2022 at 6:30pm was when I walked into the doors of PPUMC and met with Pastor Chris, members of the SPRC and District Superintendent Rev. Dan Johnson in community hall. The Bishop and members of the cabinet through prayerful discernment concerning me coming to Prospect Park as the next lead Pastor. I received word a week before I went to Germany that by unanimous vote, it was approved. June 5th was when I graduated from Luther…

Good Family, Welcome to the season of Lent, a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the resurrection of Jesus. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. Lent has always been my favorite season of the liturgical year because of a few things: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the space to pause and reflect. I need this reminder daily because sometimes I can get so wrapped up in the daily routine that I miss what…

Beloved Community, Today I plan to eat a peanut butter, bologna and lettuce sandwich on white bread, with the crusts cut off. I’m thinking to serve it on a favorite vintage plate (photo included) with a few potato chips on the side. If I can come up with some red licorice, it will be dessert. If you follow pop culture, I imagine you’ve figured out why. 1) It was Betty White’s favorite sandwich, and I’m curious.2) I learned about it…

Jimmy Fallon has a running bit that has lasted through both of his late-night television shows, in which he writes thank you notes. Each is written to a flourish of music provided especially for the moment. He’s been writing them for years. They’re funny and sometimes pointed and very occasionally sweet. Mine are none of those things. They are simply sincere. Thank you PPUMC congregation, for encouraging me to take time away from work. David and I traveled some, and…

Beloved community. There is a paraphrase of a Mary Oliver maxim that captures something of communal worship: Show up. Be amazed. Tell about it. There are many ways we worship! Each of us may do so anywhere, anytime, alone or in bundles, and indeed we do. We worship separately in songs and prayers and actions and choices and gifts, every day. And, then, once a week, we gather to worship all at the same time. Of course these days, the…