This Christmas, I Want a Whole Lot More/Less   I was complaining to one of you in the church recently, about my need to downsize the stuff that fills my house. Like so many USAmericans, it is alarmingly easy and seductive to accumulate so many possessions that they begin to sort of possess us. At… Read More »

You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill will not be hidden; … So let your light shine before others.                      -Jesus of Nazareth You ever notice when reading the Gospel that Jesus seems to actually believe his followers can change the world? Not only that, but these same followers… Read More »

YOUNG & STRONG & GOD-SEEKING Nothing we ever do to affirm a young person is ever wasted! I am fresh off of a week helping lead a kayak adventure camp for our UMC conference. There was plenty of fresh air, hikes over mountains, deep conversations around the campfire, and the beauty of Lake Superior. Our… Read More »

GOD SHOWS UP, INSIDE & OUT “God is in all things”   -Ignatius of Loyola This June marks a milestone for me. I’ve served as one of your pastors here at Central Church for a full decade. And while I’ve no interest in using this column to reminisce on  the past,  I do want to name… Read More »

“I know I made some mistakes, but I just want to get out of here and work to support my family”. This was how the 30-something earnest man in orange began our conversation as we sat in the visitor room at the Grand Traverse County Jail last week. I have come to know the names… Read More »

Changes Ahead for the Global UMC – But No Need to Panic Thoughts by Pastor Chris TC Central Church is part of the worldwide United Methodist Church. We are a huge denomination, but one that has been in transition since its original founder, John Wesley, broke away from London’s Fetter Lane Christian Society to start… Read More »

An odd problem I often notice in myself, is when I’m in the act of acquiring / buying / upgrading my stuff, I’m generally less grateful for what I already have. Consumerism is based, in part, on the idea that what I currently have before me is no longer enough. Oh don’t get me wrong,… Read More »

I am more aware this year than ever that our summer in northern Michigan is a precious and fleeting gift, to be savored at all cost. Neighbors in my neighborhood who hardly greet each other are quick to make conversation on the street about the beauty of these warm verdant days. Church programming slows down… Read More »

It was a few years back when our church took a long hard look at our connections to our community neighbors within the few blocks radius of our building, and saw we could be doing a better job. We needed to become more “externally focused” with our vision to love and serve the neighbor. This… Read More »