“Legalese” – Luke 6:1-16
February 2, 2025

When I worked at Camp Fowler I had to make sure, as a staff member, that campers were not just having fun, but also being safe, and following the rules. Rules like no swimming without a buddy. Or not going beyond the boundaries of Camp. But there were some rules that just didn’t quite make sense. For example, from the time that I was a camper all the way to my second year on summer staff, no one was allowed to walk or sit on the grass on the lawn in front of the chapel. When asked why, the response was often “because I said so.”  Read More

“Prayer Warriors” – James 5:13-20 September 29, 2024

What is clear to me is that regardless of why, people do pray. But, let’s get back to that question. Why do we pray? When there is no guarantee that prayer will “work,” what good does it do? Especially in a world that is full of family members who are sick, sudden life changes that bring stress and anxiety, and a world on fire with war and violence. Every day brings new challenges and fears. Turn on the news and see attempted assassinations of political leaders in the nation that boasts of being the world’s greatest democracy. We see bombs exploding in the skies over a place we call, “The Holy Land.” We see hurricanes that bring destruction and devastation. Every day we send out prayer requests because someone is in the hospital, or a diagnosis didn’t come back good, or a loved one has passed away. The world can be so overwhelming. The problems can feel so impossible to solve. And any power we have just seems to pale in comparison to the power of the storms that slam into the coast. So, what good is it to pray? Read More

“Grounded,with Deep Roots” – Psalm 1 september 22, 2024

When we hear images in scripture about nature, like we get in our psalm today, a tree planted by streams of water, it often evokes images of serenity and peace. And, while that is true, I also think every once in a while, it is important to see this concept of being firmly grounded with deep roots as an act of resilience in times of trouble. Read More