Jane & I traveled to southern Florida recently to see family, and to let our pasty skin see the light of day, for a change. We knew we would be only a few miles from the Florida community where Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School stands, and where the community would be holding a vigil of… Read More »
A Way Forward
A Way Forward Friends and Family in Christ, While vital expressions of mission are happening here at Central UMC and in the World-Wide United Methodist Church, major changes are coming to our denomination. For decades United Methodists have disagreed regarding the acceptance and inclusion of gay persons in the United Methodist Church. Since 1972 our… Read More »
Servanthood is like Medicine
Hello all! For my blog this time, I have the privilege of interviewing Connor Miller from our church. I caught up with Connor who is quite busy in his young career, but makes a priority of being in service to others. Here is our conversation – CHRIS: Hi Connor, I’ve appreciated getting to know you… Read More »
Praying to Dog
Dear Friends, No the title to this month’s blog is not a misprint. Nor did my dyslexia cause me to switch my “G” and “D.” I did something strange the other day and I can’t tell you how good it felt. I’m the kind of person who prays short prayers throughout the day. But I… Read More »
Healing Is Our Business
I believe when we are at our best as the Church is when we are in the business of healing the world. No doubt, it is messy work to better our world, & with few signs the work is ever done. But to labor for healing & reconciliation in the broken places of people’s lives… Read More »
SOARing to New Heights
Recently Central Church hosted a gathering of leaders to envision new vitality for our congregation. It was a fun and interactive morning of looking at Central’s Strengths, Opportunities and Aspirations. A few of the strengths named by the 50 people in attendance included: Welcoming Inclusive Passionate Sense of Mission Many opportunities to serve Outreaching Dynamic… Read More »
Responding to Evil with more than Prayers
WE’RE ALL SHAKEN Many of us are shaken to the core at this week’s news out of Las Vegas, of a lone gunman methodically murdering 59 persons & wounding more than 500 at an outdoor concert in that city. And as I sit to write this blog post, police have learned how this individual had… Read More »
Let Justice Roll
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 5:24 Dear Members of The Body, It’s been a couple weeks now since White Supremacists rallied at Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, VA and clashed with counter protesters, killing one person. Our country is still stinging from the evil and hatred that… Read More »
Had Any Fearless Conversations Lately?
I get excited when I see Central Church connecting with new people outside of our walls. Just recently I’ve seen this happening with children during VBS week at Clinch Park beach, youth inviting friends to a party at the home of a church family, and new guests among hundreds gathering at Church In The Park on… Read More »
Preaching Is Not For Sissies
Friends, There’s something I want you to know and respond to and it is this: Preaching is not for sissies. Here’s what I mean. Most preachers work hard on their sermons and there’s no shortage of good material to make sermons relevant and meaningful. Notice I didn’t use the word “memorable.” I’m not so egotistical… Read More »
