The Work of Christmas Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayPermit me to share the words of Howard Thurman as we have sung our Silent Night this week: “The Work of Christmas When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work […] Read More
Sing with Mary Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day500 years ago this year, Martin Luther wrote a commentary on Mary’s Song that we call the Magnificat. Mary, inspired by the Holy Spirit, sings of what God will do in her son, Jesus: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the […] Read More
Where God’s Word Goes Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayThe gospel we heard yesterday began in this way: In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of iturea and Trakonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during […] Read More
Lighting Candles Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayWe begin the season of Advent. We light a candle. We do this as our Jewish brothers and sisters also light their first Hanukah candle. It is such a simple act. How odd that we feel this makes a difference. But in times when it is difficult to see a way forward, a single flame […] Read More
Still New to Many Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayDo we assume that everyone knows the story of Jesus because we do? I recently found myself robed for worship in a space that held several children whom I suspect have not spent much time in churches. I sat down to talk with them. The leader of the pack, a six year old, looked me […] Read More
Three Feet or So around you Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayThis past week Carrie Newcomber sang her delightful brand of hopeful, truthful music at a concert held at Grace. She offered us a spiritual feast of insights, wisdom, mirth, and melody. She also spoke powerfully of the challenges that face us without becoming cynical about them. I felt like a man who only realized how […] Read More
We had hoped … Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayOne of my great joys in life is seeing students whom I once taught surpass me in excellence. For example, these words by Pastor Jessica Cain were the ones I needed to hear today. I suspect them will move you too! Jessica, the blog is yours this week: One of my favorite verses in the […] Read More
Leading God’s Worship Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayWhen we prepare to come to receive communion, I often say, “This is not our table, but the LORD’s, and he invites all who are hungry to come, take, and eat.” What is true of the Table is also true of the whole gathering. God’s hosting and showing up and this makes all the difference […] Read More
Interruptions Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayThis week as I thought about the Gospel of Mark, I was struck by often Jesus’ ministry happens in the interruptions. His preaching and teaching frequently are interrupted. Also his moments directed at rest and restoration are interrupted by the pressing needs around him. Urgent interruptions disrupt his plans. Yet some of the most holy […] Read More