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Emergence Christianity: Now What?

Jan 19, 2013 | General, Leading the Church, Methodism, Pop Culture

A few days ago, I posted an ‘catch-up’ article about Emergence Christianity. At the recent gathering in Memphis, Phyllis Tickle noted that the idea had been around long enough that we were now ready to decide if this is a movement or a conversation or...

Emergence Christianity: A Primer for New Arrivals

Jan 14, 2013 | Leading the Church, Methodism, Pop Culture

I made it to one day of the Emergence Christianity: A National Gathering featuring Phyllis Tickle in Memphis this weekend. I was one of the “Friends of Phyllis” who helped out with the event. My contribution to the proceedings was minimal: I handed out the...

Not Under a Party Hat

Jan 8, 2013 | General, Leading the Church, Methodism, Pop Culture

Christmas has been great. Laurinda and I enjoyed all the facets of the holiday with one exception. We didn’t find any mistletoe. Granted, we don’t exactly need it. But it’s traditional to “kiss under the mistletoe.” It’s also...

Disappearing Christmas Trees

Dec 27, 2012 | General, Leading the Church, Methodism, Pop Culture

Raise your hand if your Christmas Tree is still up. Okay, both of you can go read something else. This is for the folks who took the tree down when the last gift was unwrapped. 😀 I know what you are thinking. “Why would we keep the tree up if Christmas is...

Doing What We Can

Dec 17, 2012 | Leading the Church, Methodism

I just left a Finance Committee Meeting for Grace UMC, the church I’m presently serving. And I just witnessed a very admirable act. “Heroic” is a little too strong a word, but not by too much. Let me offer some background. Grace has had some...

Dave Brubeck Says Hello

Dec 6, 2012 | General, Leading the Church, Methodism, Pop Culture

Yesterday marked the passing of one of my heroes. Dave Brubeck was just shy of his 92nd birthday, and a phenomenal influence on musicians of every caliber and genre. He was an arranger par excellance and did almost perfectly what I talked about in a recent blog piece...