Musings on Faith, Culture and ADHD
Galatians 1:13-17; 2:15-21 and Luke 18:9-14 Sixth Sunday of Easter Losing My Religion Sermon Series May 21, 2016 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN Click here to listen to the audio. It’s been about two years since our congregation voted to become an Open and Affirming congregation, meaning that we openly welcome Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and... Continue Reading →
This morning at church, things are what they are on most Sundays. We had about 15 people who sang, prayed and listened to the sermon. We talked about making sandwiches for the homeless in a few weeks time. But something unusual did happen today. For whatever reason, an elderly woman was dropped off at 9AM... Continue Reading →
Every so often, I've heard an argument that goes like this: "the press only talks about the Christians vs. the gays as if all Christians are against being gay. Don't they know that there are Christians who support gays?" The frustration comes from being ignored by the wider culture, especially the media. When we think... Continue Reading →
Wither the Mainline church? It's a question those of us who are part of a mainline/progressive denomination have been wondering for years. Or, it is a question we continually hear about. Our numbers continue to shrink, as does our monetary reserves. Everyone has their reasons as to why mainline churches seem to be in sort... Continue Reading →
For the last few years, I've been impressed with a growing number of writers and bloggers, mostly from Methodist circles, but from some other traditions as well who seem to be carrying the Neo-Orthodox/Post-Liberal banner that had seem somewhat dormant for a while. I've been attracted to this stream of Protestantism after finding both evangelicalism... Continue Reading →
Start Play Matthew 25:31–46 | Fifth Sunday of Lent | March 22, 2015 | First Christian Church | Mahtomedi, MN | Dennis Sanders, preaching "Not all the sheep are good all of the time. Not all of the goats are bad all of the time. We are sometimes sheep, giving of ourselves to help... Continue Reading →
Start Play Matthew 25:1–13 | Fourth Sunday in Lent | March 15, 2015 | First Christian Church | Dennis Sanders, preaching "God wants us to be faithful to God, to make disciples, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick and visit those in prison. Part of being prepared for Christ’s coming... Continue Reading →
There has been something that has been bothering me for a while. Usually when people start talking about gay ordination or same-sex marriage, someone on the pro side will say something to the effect: "Jesus was inclusive," or "Jesus welcomed everybody." Now, I'm all for welcoming people into our churches in the way that Jesus... Continue Reading →
A few years ago, I was at a local gathering of Disciples (my denomination) in Minnesota. It was a good event overall, a time when our small tribe could gather to worship and fellowship. Somewhere early in the event, there was a slide that showed all of the Disciple congregations in Minnesota that no longer... Continue Reading →
Those of us who follow Jesus are called to leave the saltshakers of our own making and do good works for the glory of God in the wider world.
The Clockwork Pastor 