Luke 12:49-56 12:49 “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 12:50 I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 12:51 Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 12:52 From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 12:53 they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her … Continue reading Sermon, “The Transforming Fire of God”

There’s something about the quiet that gives you the freedom and the ability to hear so much more. When I was recently on a day retreat back at Saint Gregory’s Abbey in Three Rivers, Michigan, I was reminded of the power of silence. I say that I was back because it had been a few years since my last visit. When I moved south to Indianapolis, it made a trip north more difficult and less frequent. Even so, from the moment I stepped onto the sacred grounds of the Abbey recently, my soul felt at ease and I immediately entered … Continue reading Spiritual Discipline of Breathing

Sermon for August 4, 2019, “The Abundance of Giving” It’s amazing to consider how and where you learn about life. There are probably substantial moments in your life that would come to mind as you consider something great that you have learned. For me, I reflect often on an experience I had in Manila, The Philippines in 2014. I was travelling to the Philippines to represent the Indiana Conference at the Global Young People’s Convocation of the United Methodist Church. I learned several things during that experience, but I’ll share two with you this morning. First, I learned how to … Continue reading Sermon, “The Abundance of Giving”

Common Council Meeting Invocation- City of South Bend July 22nd, 2019 Tonight I come representing the people of First UMC SB. Our family includes hundreds of people who come to the soup kitchen and food pantry and the men who are a part of our Upper Room Recovery Community. I thank you for this opportunity to lead us in prayer tonight. I will offer a prayer in the Christian tradition, but I invite you to pray in a way that is comfortable to you.  Let us pray: Holy God, thank You for the many blessings of our South Bend community. Tonight, … Continue reading Common Council Meeting Invocation- City of South Bend July 22nd, 2019

Sermon for June 9th, “The Adventure of Pentecost” “And suddenly you just know….it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings!” Those words from the 14th C. German theologian and mystic Meister Eckhart speaks true to this day, both to Pentecost and transition. I suppose you could sum up the entire celebration of Pentecost using that quote. As the disciples were instructed by Jesus to stay in Jerusalem until the Father sends them the gift of the Holy Spirit, they were in a time of waiting. They had been through so much change. The disciples followed … Continue reading Sermon for Pentecost “The Adventure of Pentecost”

For nearly a year, I have spent time with Sister Norma who is a Sister of Saint Francis of Oldenburg. Together we have talked about the history of the order, Franciscan spirituality, and how we live out our faith. Our time together has been priceless to me, as she was so attentive, gentle, and full of wisdom as she shared. All of this was a part of the formation process to become an Associate of the Franciscan Community of Oldenburg. This association is similar to become an Oblate in Benedictine communities. Since college I have felt an affinity toward the … Continue reading It’s Official: I’m Franciscan!

The Scripture reading is from Philippians 1: 2-11 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming … Continue reading Sermon: “Sharing In God’s Grace”