Pastor’s Blog (Page 6)

I recently received a meme—a digital image with a funny or poignant caption. I don’t have the rights to share the original meme here, but I found the central image of the meme that I can publish. The meme revolved around a billboard just like this, except that the roadside billboard had a common campaign flag placed in such a way that it literally put the name of a political figure above that of Jesus. The image described serves as a poignant reminder of the phenomenon known as Christian Nationalism—where faith is used as a vehicle for political power, often distorting the gospel’s message. InRead More →

As many of you know, my family and I recently returned from a much-needed vacation, a time of rest and rejuvenation that was truly a blessing. In returning as soon as we walked through the door of our home, we were greeted not by the peace we had left behind but by the organized chaos of ongoing construction. The parsonage is currently undergoing significant updates—new roofing, siding, and window replacements, all essential improvements that we’ve eagerly anticipated. I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation to Tom Wetmore and Wetmore Construction for their dedication and professionalism during this project. They really wentRead More →

As my family and I continued our Colorado camping adventure, we found ourselves drawn to the ancient Pueblo dwellings scattered throughout the region. Sites like Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde and Painted Hand in the Four Corners region offered us a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans, whose ingenuity and resilience left an indelible mark on the landscape. These awe-inspiring structures, perched high on cliffs and nestled within canyons, with their wall art (handprints) tell stories of a people deeply connected to their environment and each other. Modern anthropolgists theorize that the Ancestral Puebloans left these homes due to diminishing resources, such asRead More →

As the summer sun blazes its hottest, we find ourselves in what many call the “dog days of summer.” This period, traditionally marked by oppressive heat and lethargy, often evokes images of lazy afternoons and a collective sigh as we seek respite from the sweltering temperatures. For my family, this year’s dog days took on a different, more adventurous meaning as we embarked on a camping trip through the majestic landscapes of Colorado. Camping under the vast Colorado sky, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine lakes, I couldn’t help but reflect on the essence of these dog days. While the term may carry connotations ofRead More →

Many of you know that I take a week at the end of summer with a preacher friend or two and head off to the Wet Mountain Valley. We use a cabin that is off-the-grid and in the trees where I can quietly pray and prepare for the coming year. Bringing other preacher friends helps each of us refine our ideas. This annual sermon planning retreat isn’t quite like when Moses goes up Mount Sinai where God dictates the law and then he came back down. My process is far more democratic and drawn out, but no less divinely inspired. First, I spend a wholeRead More →

Every once in a while, our staff have to remind me that I’ve been digging into tough topics in my blog and perhaps readers would benefit from something lighter. They’ve been right so far. I’m sure that this is true in this season of blogging as well. This week, I want to tell you about a very special cookbook and leave you with one of our favorite summer recipes from our Hamilton Family Cookbook. Just over 19 years ago, the church that raised me, Plattville United Methodist Church, threw Meghan and me a wedding shower. One of the gifts we received was a recipe book.Read More →

I share our Bishop’s concern about the rise of White Christian Nationalism and so I am continuing my writing on this topic that started on Memorial Day weekend, finding Independence Day to be apropos. Beyond the fireworks, parades, and social gatherings that marked our observance of this important day it’s important to consider how we can continue to honor our country’s principles while remaining vigilant against ideologies that distort them, such as Christian Nationalism. Let me take a moment to define the distinctions and ground us in our faith. Understanding Patriotism Patriotism is a deep love for, and commitment to, one’s country. It is aRead More →

This past week at our Northern Illinois Annual Conference, Bishop Schwerin appointed me to serve as your pastor at the United Methodist Church of Geneva for the fourth consecutive year. It is with joy and gratitude that I share this news with you. Each year, our bishops and their cabinets review the appointments of every pastor in our conference, ensuring that the needs of both the churches and the pastors are met in the most effective ways possible. You might be curious about how this process works. In the United Methodist Church, clergy appointments are made on an annual basis. This tradition is rooted inRead More →