Here is the text of a letter signed by our congregation tonight in worship that will be sent to the Islamic community here in Boise. This is a beginning of efforts, not the end. Dec 12, 2015 To our brothers and sisters in the Islamic Community in Boise, We would like to extend our love…
Today’s word is voice. This picture of me testifying at the statehouse this past winter on behalf of Add the Words is the image that comes to mind for me about voice. It is a privilege to live in a society where people can share their voice with their elected leaders. There are many ways…
It is a common response to tragedy. “My thoughts and prayers are with you”. We say it to people we know and love when their loved ones die or when they are facing surgery or some other difficult situation. It has become an all too familiar refrain from politicians after mass shootings. And since we’ve…
This is a sermon preached at Montreat Youth Conference this summer. It seems relevant today as yet another shooting fills the news. The theme of the conference was This is Our Story. Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 The Prophet Jeremiah is a bit of a drag, truth be told. If you read through his whole book at…
Our Advent Word of the Day for today is “honest”. I was pondering what to lift up, of the many illustrations of honesty that cross my path each day, when the mail woman delivered a package from Doe Martin. She is the genius behind two of my favorite stoles (or “scarf things” as people call…
I shared this on Facebook, but here is an idea I stole from my friend Teri Peterson. Each day during Advent and the Christmas season, here is a word you can use in your prayer/devotional time. Take a photo, write a poem, reflect on how each word is preparing your way during Advent and Christmas.…
A sermon preached at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho November 29, 2015 2 Kings 22:1-10, 23:1-3 As we talked about last week, God’s love song to us is long, and has many verses. And we need all of those verses. As the intro video reminded us, Israel and Judah split, the Northern kingdom…
A devastating wind storm went through the Spokane area a little over a week ago. Pictures and updates can be found here. My parents were without power for a week, but extended family members took them in and they are okay. I am thankful. Our family’s lake cabin, which my grandparents purchased many, many years…
I used my Sabbath morning to go on a hike today. And since I was alone on the trail, I was able to walk at my own pace. I didn’t even have a time constraint, so my speed wasn’t effected by that sense of “you have a lot to do today, so get moving”. If…
A sermon preached at Southminster Presbyterian’s Sabbath Worship service November 14, 2015 Hosea 11:1-11 The Book of Hosea is a good illustration of why we should take the Bible seriously, but not take it literally. Because Hosea is filled with all kinds of metaphor and imagery. In the beginning of the book, God gives Hosea…
Glass Overflowing 