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No, I’m not talking about the marriage version of “leaving and cleaving” (Genesis 2:24). What I am about to say may sound odd, but its profundity must be heeded! Very soon I will be new to you, and you will be new to me…in a new way! Here’s what I mean. Starting June 24th (the first day after my last day on June 23rd) I will no longer be your “pastor,” and you will no longer be my “congregation.” ...

I raced back from my clergy meeting this morning to write my blog before I race off to the Oak Harbor Police Precinct. My article is about….slowing down. I have a confession to make that won’t surprise anybody: I walk too fast; live too fast, think too fast, eat too fast, and contemplate too fast. The life I have lived for the past 34 years in ministry has often been characterized by speed, scanni...

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”Psalm 33:12 Throughout my ministry, I have always sought to participate in the National Day of Prayer movement in our nation. This non-partisan movement of Christians from every walk of life seeks to gather on one day, the first Thursday in May, as our Nation’s Day of Prayer. There will be three events throughout the day: 10-11 am at Regency; 12-1 pm at...

For the past eight years, I have been making regular “deposits” into the “spiritual accounts” of people’s lives at OHFUMC. It is my deepest hope that I have only operated as a “transfer agent,” receiving my orders from heaven and passing them on. Paul put it this way: “For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you” (1 Corinthians 11:23). As always, sometimes ingredients get in that wer...

Some of you may remember the rock group called “The Beatles” who made famous this notion of saying, “Hello, Goodbye” (1967). I am now thinking again about how LOVE has learned to speak in this language! Beginnings and endings are so important, especially in relationships.It is, of course, customary for us to say GOODBYE for a variety of reasons on a daily basis. People say things like “See ya late...