Pastor’s Blog (Page 2)

More than ten years ago, I was working with a coach who began every one of our monthly sessions with the same question: “What are you reading?” At first, I found her question annoying. Mainly because I’m not a big reader. I don’t breeze through novels, nor do I have a book on my nightstand. I tend to stick to reading that’s closely tied to my trade: books about theology, church leadership, Bible study resources, or spiritual formation. That’s my jive. If I have a book in my hand it’s usually for a utilitarian purpose. So after hearing the question a few too many times,Read More →

As August approaches, I begin gathering my notes, working on my packing list, and getting ready to head to Colorado to get off the grid to spend a week planning for the coming year. It’s far more work than it is rest and relaxation. I work from dawn to dusk daily on the kind of work I need in the stillness of that mountain air. I listen for God to speak and lead me as I seek to lead us as a church. I go up the mountain with a Bible, my laptop, two close preacher friends, and something else I treasure: your input andRead More →

Every year, as fireworks fill the sky and flags line the streets, we gather on the Fourth of July to celebrate the birth of our nation. We remember the courage of revolutionaries, the ideals enshrined in our founding documents, and the ongoing pursuit of liberty and justice for all. For many of us, the holiday also comes with a deep sense of gratitude: for freedom, for opportunity, for community. But for Christians, Independence Day also invites a deeper question: To whom, or to what, do we ultimately pledge our allegiance? This isn’t a new question. Scripture is full of wrestling over divided loyalties. One ofRead More →

As you’re reading this, my family and I are just beginning our first short vacation of the summer. We’re heading northwest —to the woods, the lake, the trails—and more importantly, to a gathering that’s been two decades in the making. For the past 20 years, I’ve had the incredible gift of walking through ministry and life with a group of fellow pastors I first met in seminary. We formed a covenant group way back when we were just students—full of hope, coffee, idealism, and theological fire—and we’ve stayed committed to each other through the highs and lows of ministry, parenting, loss, change, and celebration. EveryRead More →

This Sunday at UMCG marks an exciting shift in how we live out our calling as a church. As many of you know, we are welcoming Rev. Heather Connor as our new Minister of Formation and Outreach. You’ll be seeing more of Pastor Heather—in worship, in classrooms, around the building, and especially in our community. But you’ll also be noticing something else: this isn’t the same pastoral structure UMCG has had in the past. And that’s by design. For many years, UMCG has faithfully served as a “finishing school” for associate pastors; newer elders placed here to grow, learn, and eventually move on. These associateRead More →

A few weeks ago, I found myself in a full-blown mission impossible trying to secure Ella’s birthday gift. It was one of those high-stakes missions that, while ridiculous in scale, somehow takes on mythic importance when your daughter’s big day is involved. UPS attempted delivery while I was out—missed them by nine minutes. Not a huge deal, except the package required a signature. They’d try again, the Post-it note said. We had time for a second attempt but not a third. So, I cleared the schedule, only for the driver to arrive two hours early. I missed it again. Cue the frantic scramble. Maybe you’veRead More →

Earlier this month many of you stopped by the Pepper Valley parsonage for an open house. It wasn’t a housewarming party or a peek into your pastor’s home life — it was a celebration of faithful work. Our Board of Trustees has been working hard on that property, and they were proud (as they should be!) to show the results of their care and stewardship before the next clergy family moves in. That family is the Connors — Rev. Heather Connor, their partner Adam, and their three children — who will be arriving in just a few weeks to begin full-time ministry with us. We’reRead More →