Like a lot of congregations, First Christian has been worshipping apart since March. It's been going okay, though I'm glad I had some skills in video editing before this all hit. I wanted to share with you a sample from last week's service. The first is a video from the sermon by my friend Rob.... Continue Reading →
To the Church at Lake Wobegon
Dear Friends and Family of First Christian Church of St. Paul: Last week in the immediate aftermath of the killing of George Floyd I decided to go for a walk. We live in North Minneapolis. It was a nice sunny day, perfect day for a walk. "Be careful," my husband Daniel said as I left.... Continue Reading →
Blood Cries Out
Race relations are better than they were 60 years ago. Ahmaud Arbery reminds us all there is still more to be done to combat racism.
Corporal Punishment, Race and Adrian Peterson
Note: I need to say that this blog post is NOT an endorsement of corporal punishment. The post is reflecting the some of the more complex emotions on this sensitive issue. When the news first broke about Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson being indicted for physically abusing his child, my “official” belief was that... Continue Reading →
The Prosperity Gospel in Black and White
Last winter, I wrote a somewhat contrarian blog post on the Prosperity Gospel. I never did endorse it, but I was trying to talk about the fact that for those on the lower economic margins that happen to think about money, they are more willing to talk about finances and how this relates to their... Continue Reading →
Ferguson and Everything After
In the Summer of 1992, my parents and I went on vacation to Toronto and Niagara Falls. On the day that we were on the Canadian side, we decided to drive over to Niagara Falls, NY to see the American Falls. This meant crossing the border back into the United States. As we cross the... Continue Reading →
Repost: Beyond George Zimmerman (the Ferguson Edition)
I do have something to say about Michael Brown, the police and Ferguson, MO. But while I'm thinking about what to write, I wanted to share a post I wrote in the days following the verdict acquitting George Zimmerman in the murder of Trayvon Martin. Funny how only the names have been changed. Ever since... Continue Reading →
A Few Thoughts on Dave Ramsey and Poverty
I don't follow financial guru Dave Ramsey much. I've heard him a few times on NPR, and I know he's about offering folks some practical advice on debt and basically how to live financially. I also know that he blends his faith into his talks on economics. I think he does a good job with... Continue Reading →
The Clockwork Pastor 