Have you considered how dangerous it is to be a Christian? Perhaps not so much for us, but for millions of Christians around the world, the name of Jesus upon the lips of the believer can be life-threatening. From the earliest depictions of martyrdom, to the tragic reports of the victims of modern day terror, we see heroic…
When Your Own Words Won’t Do: Orlando
Driving to church yesterday, I caught the news feed on my smartphone out of the corner of my eye. I clicked the radio on. Shooting. Night Club. Massacre. Orlando. The death tolls was, at that time, about 20. I thought, “…this is like San Bernardino again…this is our own Paris or Brussels…what a tragedy.” Fifteen…
Anglican Worship: The Focus is Not My Experience
At the heart of every church tradition is one priority which shapes the identity of the community. This central aspect is the source of its energy and vision, and becomes the first of all other priorities. This aspect determines much, if not all, of its distinctive traits and eventually becomes the touchstone for every other…
Four Songs and a Sermon All Year Long?
Worship with four songs and a sermon (and a short a pastoral prayer) that varies little over the fifty-two weeks of the year is inadequate. Throwing in the occasional video, drama, or surprising stage prop doesn’t really change that reality. Songs are good. Sermons are essential. Videos, dramas, and occasional visual aids can be helpful….
Fasting and Feasting in Lent
The penitential and preparatory season of Lent includes 40 days of fasting, but if you look at the calendar closely enough and do the math you’ll see that the actual season is a bit longer. Why? Because within those 40 days are excluded each and every Sunday. Sundays are feast days and cannot be fast…
Ash Wednesday: Are You Really Only Dust in the Wind?
On Ash Wednesday, clergy around the world will draw a cross-shaped smudge of dark black ashes on the foreheads of millions of people. It is the ancient rite of The Imposition of Ashes which signals the start of Lent. The words that accompany the ‘imposition’ on Ash Wednesday are simple, sober, and true. Over the years I…
Going Back to Church for Christmas Eve
“Its been a while. Going to the Christmas Eve service seems like the right thing to do. For the kids. For me. For God.” “Its been a while since I’ve been to church, and I’m not sure how I feel about going back. I’m not sure if I’ll feel good or guilty. Not sure if…
Why Do We Kneel in Prayer?
O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! – Psalm 95:6 There used to be a time—and it wasn’t too long ago!—when pews or sitting furniture of any kind were completely absent from the sanctuary. Let’s be honest, we’re a bit removed from the ancient traditions of…
Does Christian Ministry Make a Difference?
None of us want to spend a life in ordained or lay ministry, serving to build up the Church and serve the world, only later to realize that it makes no difference. We don’t want to build sand castles, only to watch the tide wash them away. Sand Castles at High Tide? Even if we…
What is the Sunday Lectionary?
It is likely that you’ll hear a variation of the following words at an Anglican Church on Sunday morning, “Please be seated to be instructed from the Word of God.” It’s clear that the Bible is going to be read aloud for the purpose of teaching and formation, but who assigns the lessons? Is it…
