From God – 1 John 4:1-6

This week's text gives us a guide to discern the spirits. In other words, John is giving his congregation, and us today, a way to determine whether or not the inspiration behind a person's message is from God or from the world. From the spirit of truth or the spirit of error. We need this … Continue reading From God – 1 John 4:1-6 →

Thursday Thoughts: Spiritual, but not religious?

"I'm spiritual but not religious." I've heard this phrase often. Anecdotally, I usually hear this from religiously unaffiliated people (atheists, agnostics, etc.). In some ways, this makes me sad, as I believe religion and religious activities are necessary for one's spirituality. But, as a pastor, I'm more concerned about my fellow Christians living out this … Continue reading Thursday Thoughts: Spiritual, but not religious? →

Tuesday Prayer

July 3, 2018 The psalms help us pray. I use them to give me words I cannot express, either out of speechlessness or ignorance. When I am speechless due to joy or grief, the psalms give me words to pray. When I am ignorant of what needs to be prayed, the psalms gently guide me. … Continue reading Tuesday Prayer →

Walk in the Light – 1 John 1:5-2:2

Below is a PDF of my sermon from July 1, 2018, titled "Walk in the Light." In 1 John 1:7, we are invited to walk in the light, meaning to live a life (walk) that follows and testifies to God's character (the light). Central to this walk is confession and forgiveness. We are called to … Continue reading Walk in the Light – 1 John 1:5-2:2 →

Thursday Thoughts: First Funeral(s)

This week has been busy and heavy. Thankfully, it's been busy and heavy with sacredness. Last Thursday, I was on the T heading to Logan Airport in Boston. I was flying to Los Angeles to join Cassie there, who was working in LA during the week. The reason for the trip was twofold: to celebrate … Continue reading Thursday Thoughts: First Funeral(s) →

New Blog!

I am starting a new blog to share sermons, prayers, and thoughts from my desk at First Presbyterian Church, Quincy. I loved it when congregants began asking me to share sermon manuscripts, so I wanted to create a central place to find those. I also figured this would be a place to share prayers (from … Continue reading New Blog! →