May 31, 2023
Dear friends in Christ, Today we celebrate the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We remember the time that St. Mary visited her cousin St. Elizabeth and St. John the Baptist leaped in St. Elizabeth’s womb. You can read the account in Luke 1:39-57. The scene with these two strong women coming … Continue reading Forward Today: Fulfillment of the Lord’s promises
May 24, 2023
Dear friends in Christ, We’re coming up on our annual celebration of the Day of Pentecost, when we give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit in the church. My sense is that we have domesticated the Holy Spirit. When something happens in the church that we like, we may say, “The Holy Spirit … Continue reading Forward Today: Let’s not tame the Holy Spirit!
May 17, 2023
Dear friends in Christ, Tomorrow we celebrate Ascension Day. Rather than getting hung up on the logistics of how Jesus returned to his Father in heaven, I hope we can focus on the truth that this day celebrates. In returning to heaven, Jesus has blessed his followers to carry on his ministry of reconciliation. He … Continue reading Forward Today: We are not comfortless
May 10, 2023
Dear friends in Christ, We’re just about two thirds of the way through the Easter season. So let me wish you a Happy Easter! By my count, we have about 18 more days to celebrate the glory of Jesus Christ’s resurrection with special intention this season. How are you celebrating? If you stopped celebrating, it’s … Continue reading Forward Today: Happy Easter… still!
May 3, 2023
Dear friends in Christ, After a few months without much travel, I’ve had several back-to-back trips these last few weeks. As I write this, I am in Portland, OR to speak at a conference for church leaders. In the last few weeks, I’ve been to New York City; Hendersonville, NC; St. Louis; and Mt. Pleasant, … Continue reading Forward Today: Anchored by grace