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At the end of Earth Month, I’ve been reflecting on the growing tree in our Fellowship Hall—not a real one, but one just as alive. As you can see in the photo, you can see what I mean: colorful leaves, blossoms, birds and pollinators sprouting across the branches, each one representing an action someone in our church has taken—or hopes to take—to care for God’s creation. Some of the leaves are simple and sweet:“Turn off lights when leaving a room.”“Walk to school instead of drive.”“Grow my own vegetables.” Others are bolder:“Stop using plastic water bottles.”“Plant a tree.”“Install solar panels at church.”“Switch to cloth napkins atRead More →

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Good Friday is somber. Easter Sunday is joyful. But what about Saturday? Holy Saturday—the day between Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection—rarely gets the spotlight. There’s no big service, no grand tradition. Which sometimes makes it just another spring Saturday, but it’s supposed to be a quiet day. An awkward day. A day full of waiting. And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly the point. The Gospels don’t say much about that Saturday. After Jesus dies on Friday, we’re told his body is placed in the tomb, and then… silence. Luke 23:56 gives us one simple note: “On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.” That’s it.Read More →

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Preaching on the ‘big Sundays’—Christmas and Easter—can feel a lot like performing in front of an audience with high expectations. You see, when I first started preaching those Sundays over ten years ago, I got caught up in the pressure to deliver a sermon that would be unforgettable. I wanted to make sure the message resonated deeply with everyone, no matter how often they came to church. But let me tell you, that pressure can be a bit overwhelming. The tricky part about preaching on these special days is understanding the diversity of the congregation. It’s not just the regular folks who come every Sunday.Read More →

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Last Sunday, my family and I did something that doesn’t happen often—we took the day off. A rare and much-needed sabbath for our household. We spent it in Chicago with dear family friends visiting from out of town, soaking in some of the city’s best: Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza (which never disappoints) and the Museum of Science and Industry. Now, even when I’m not preaching or leading worship, I can’t seem to turn off the part of my brain that’s always thinking about faith, theology, and the church. And wouldn’t you know it—this “day off” turned into a day of sacred discovery. Two exhibits atRead More →