Category: worship & messages

(Message given at Newberg Friends Church on February 21, 2016) Have you thought much about what you want your last words to be? I’ve thought about making a will, and about doing financial planning. I’ve thought about what I’d like to be remembered for. But …

(Message given at Newberg Friends Church on February 14, 2016) ‘Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’ Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious …

(Message given at Newberg Friends Church on February 7, 2016) Farming metaphors are so wonderful for the spiritual life! This is a bit of a problem for me, because…I’m not a farmer. I’m not a gardener even. I don’t naturally speak “farm”. But I think …

(Given at George Fox University on January 25, 2016, as part of the LACI lectures) Thanks for the chance to speak here tonight! Here’s what I hope to do tonight. I want to explore these ideas about pop culture: Flee, Embrace, or Sift?  Taking Back Agency …

(Message given at Newberg Friends Church on January 17, 2016) I was an extremely picky eater when I was a kid. I did not like things that were different. I can still hear my dad’s voice in my head as he would order for me …

(Message given at Newberg Friends Church on January 10, 2016) If you would, take out the sheet that you received when you came in. There’s a question and some space to respond: What is the gospel, the good news? What is it that Jesus brings …

(Message given at Newberg Friends Church on January 3, 2016) Just a couple of years ago I learned for the first time that the 12 days of Christmas aren’t the ones leading up to Christmas. Instead, day one is Christmas day, and the verses of …

(Message given at Newberg Friends Church on December 20, 2015) You know how hard it is to find a particular scene in a movie you’ve seen before, when you have tricky fast forward and rewind? You know what I’m talking about…when the first fast forward …

(Message given at Newberg Friends Church on December 6, 2015) There are so many times we wonder where God is, and why God hasn’t acted. Tragedies like San Bernardino can prompt those feelings. Cancer can too. Loss of job, accidents, violent acts, not being able …

It started at the Slug and Lettuce. Well, wait. For me it started at the Slug and Lettuce, jet lagged and grinning, straining to hear all the words spoken at the table amid the joyous din of the pub. Five American students (my daughter and …