I wonder when I won’t be surprised that something in my life happened decades ago? Aging is an odd thing. This came up for me the other day because as I was preparing to take my dogs for a walk I needed to put on a hat because it’s already winter and where did fall… Continue reading The Memories Held in a Hat
I met him when he was in elementary school. His parents were very excited about the youth program I was leading and couldn’t wait for him to join in on all the fun. The summer before he started sixth grade, I went to his house to learn more about him – what he enjoys, what… Continue reading New Dreams: T’s Quilt
I have so much to process from the last seven days. It’s possible I’ll go on another mission trip with Appalachia Service Project and North UMC someday, but for now this was my last trip. My 9th ASP. I think my 18th or 19th weeklong youth ministry trip. It was a big week for me… Continue reading Bridges
I preached this sermon today at North United Methodist Church, the place I've called my church and my job for the past nine years. This sermon is a reflection on the Parable of the Sower as well as my time in ministry with the youth, parents, volunteers and congregation of North UMC. +++ Luke 8:4-8… Continue reading Seeds, Fruit and Roots – A Sermon
When I chose Gratitude to be my one word for this year, I really had no idea how appropriate it would be. I initially chose it because I wanted to be happier with my life and by focusing on gratitude I figured my attitude and perspective would change. I was right about that. Each morning… Continue reading One Word Check-In
Yesterday I listened to the most recent episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast by Alan and Gem Fadling. This first season of the podcast is focused on themes from Alan’s newest book Unhurried Leader that comes out next month. In the latest episode Alan had a conversation with Doug Fields – a well-known leader and… Continue reading Anyone
As I’ve been preparing for tonight the only thing I had in mind was this: It’s Josh’s last youth group and we need to make it awesome for him. Josh was my intern for the past two years. Over my time at North I’ve had a college intern most years – some for a semester,… Continue reading Lasts
The younger kids in the youth group were 2 or 3 years old when I started working at North. So, most of the youth group don’t have a lot of memories of church without me somewhere in them. Don’t get me wrong – I am not under any illusion that North won’t be North without… Continue reading Teach
At the start of my sabbatical last fall I had a plan. (Of course, I had a plan!) I would spend the first month decompressing. The second month would be for reflection. Finally, in that third month I would make some decisions. By the end of my sabbatical I wanted to know these things: -… Continue reading Leaving
Being a youth minister for the past thirteen years, I’ve done a lot of high ropes courses. I’ve watched young people overcome their fears and achieve goals they never thought they’d reach. There’s just something about a high ropes course that brings out the cheerleader in me – well, it doesn’t take much to bring… Continue reading Edge