Advent on the Internet Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayAdvent Options We live in a world of possibilities that allows us to hear voices far and wide as they seek to articulate the hope that is in them. The internet allows you to find resources that will expand your world this advent season. Here are a tiny smattering of the options available. Our synod […] Read More
Kathy’s Example Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayLast week at the funeral for Kathy Pahl I was moved at what her granddaughters said about her. Their words were punctuated in turn with tears and smiles and then more tears. “She saw and loved us all. But just as importantly she saw and loved each one of us for who we are.” I […] Read More
Writing Wrongs: My favorite student typos Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayBefore coming to Grace I was a college professor for almost twenty years. As former colleagues are watching papers to grade stack up, I’m recalling how students could make me laugh with errors they slipped into their writing. So it is time to entertain you with their unwitting wit and wisdom. I will quote them […] Read More
Crazy Busy! Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DaySometimes life gets so busy that something has to go. I feel crazy busy right now. Overwhelmed. So this week I’m letting go of writing a normal length blog. Don’t worry. You’ll survive. How are you doing? Do you need to let go of something to make life more sane? Take a moment and figure […] Read More
Moralism’s Menace Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayWhen people think about the bible, too many assume it is a rulebook given by God to make us behave. Vast swaths of Christians hold to this view. Many who do not embrace Christianity also assume this perspective. Some of those people reject Christianity precisely because they have seen Christians use the bible as a […] Read More
For All the Saints Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayAs we approach All Saints, a day during which the church remembers our loved ones who have died, I invite you to think of the people who have shaped you. Today’s blog is intentionally short, because I want you to use your time to remember the people who have made you who you are. Who […] Read More
Restore My Soul Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayIt is interesting how having a particular focus in front of you can change the way you see other things. This past week I did a funeral for a man who restored classic cars. He had a sweet Studebaker he would drive around to car shows. He spent a lot of time looking at cars, […] Read More
Wrestling Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayThis coming Sunday we will listen to an odd story from the first book of the Bible (Genesis 33:22-31). A man named Jacob has an experience with God that changes him forever. What brought the man named Jacob to that place? A good hint comes in his name. Jacob’s name means “the Cheater”. For the […] Read More
Welcoming Those Whose Memory Fades Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayLong ago my mother-in-law’s friend Sandy helped her settle into her new and difficult role as mother. This friend would come over and walk the floors in the midnight hours with that crying baby. She also dried the tears of this new mother who felt that her inability to calm her infant’s tears was proof […] Read More
Plastic-covered Sofas and Beds for Bouncing Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayI had two grandmothers who approached our family visits in very different ways. One welcomed us as long as we remembered her home was HER home. The other made us feel like her place had been built with us in mind. I have pleasant memories of both, but if six-year-old me were asked who I […] Read More