Dec 2, 2019 | Christmas at First 2019, Church News, Rustlings
Several Christmases ago, a semi-chaotic crowd of dissimilarly musically trained individuals got together to bring us our inaugural First on Main concert. For weeks, the motley crew of musicians gathered in the Fellowship Hall selecting songs, transposing keys,...
Nov 18, 2019 | Church News, Rustlings
Much of our history has been romanticized. As decades and now centuries pass, it’s easy to reminisce in ways that affirm our current biases and undergird our present cultural idealized values. The truth is, our history is a messy mix of good and bad, justice and...
Nov 11, 2019 | Church News, Rustlings
It was my parents’ primary mantra and mandate during my early days of worship—Be still! It often crossed their lips in a whisper. At other times, it was more of a growl. In a life filled with bicycles, little league, running, bouncing, kickball, freeze tag, and Pong...
Nov 4, 2019 | Church News, Rustlings
Last week, I shared two prayers from my sermon on Sunday, October 27. Both were published in the Jesuit prayer guide Hearts on Fire. Today, I’m sharing the final two prayers from that sermon. The first is also from Hearts on Fire, and the second is God’s words to us...
Oct 28, 2019 | Church News, Rustlings
It is anticipated and beautiful. Whenever I read a prayer or poem in the course of a sermon, inevitably several listeners want a copy. I’m always happy to share. This past Sunday, I read/prayed four prayers in the body of the sermon. And yes, you asked for copies....
Oct 21, 2019 | Church News, Rustlings
Dr. Stan Nelson was a well-respected and much-loved Professor of Theology at Golden Gate Theological Seminary. For over two decades, he spent his days in the lecture hall turning students into theologians. I know some of these students; his work was stellar. Dr....
