There is no doubt that Jesus was angry, but what is maybe less clear is where Jesus’ anger was directed. Maybe he wasn’t as angry at the money changing or selling of animals to sacrifice as he was at the state of faith in his community.

I want to break from my normally scheduled writings to share with y’all my observation of what might have been one of the most contentious and heavily attended Lakewood City Council meetings in years.

In elections, in our own lives, and in the church, transition is inevitable.

Are you resting well? What would that look like for you?

Are there still prophets being raised up among us today?

The story of Jonah is a story in scripture that, far too often, is left in the church nursery or the children’s sunday school room.

How can we receive God’s word when it seems rare? How can we receive God’s vision for us when, today, visions are not widespread?

When Paul encountered some disciples of Jesus in Ephesus, he asked them, “into what, then, were you baptized?”

That isn’t a bad question for us to think about as we enter into this new year.

If I am learning anything in these past few years as a Pastor in this unique neighborhood, it is that we have a lot to explore as to what God is looking for in the “Temples” that we build.

Knowing what Joy is should be simple, and yet it can be really complicated to talk about it.

As we come up on the second Sunday of the season of Advent, a Sunday frequently associated with “peace,” I have felt the need to speak to the horrors we are bearing witness to for the past 60 days in the Holy Lands of Israel and Palestine as a Christian pastor.

I will say this--I think everyone should find something to invest in that is not themselves. I don't think we were made not to share what we have in some way.

Rebecca MacIntyre is a novelist and member of the congregation at Lakewood United Methodist Church. She sent me her thoughts on the intersection of the arts and the life of the church and I could not help myself but share it with all of you.

Even in our struggles and overwhelming moments, we are blessed. As blessed people, God expects something of us: to be peacemakers, pure in heart, merciful, and to hunger for justice and righteousness.

It isn't just a gesture we make on Easter and Christmas. Loving God is a life long practice--which means we get better at it the more we do it!

What if we could give ourselves to God instead?

Nothing is more predictable than a pastor talking about money as the end of the year approaches, right?

This month marks the beginning of how we as a church will be looking toward the next year of ministry in 2024.

Forgiveness is vital for our own healing whether or not it leads to reconciliation.

When we get at how we have hurt one another and when we don't avoid the emotional stakes of a conflict, we can transform even painful conflict into an opportunity for healing and true relationship.