Pastor's Blog

I find that even in the midst of storms and/or troubles, helping others always brightens the day. We get outside of ourselves and remember what blessings God has bestowed upon us.

The National Youth Gathering was a blast! It was truly a great event and a wonderful time to share with our youth! I would like to say a huge thank you to our leaders and adults who helped make the trip possible.

Nineteen high school students in the Xperience recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans.

When I walk with new Christians, people who, for the first time, are learning about God in their life, they are bombarded by miracles. I have no other way of saying it.

Instead of putting Christ Concord on the market through a broker, the Council decided instead to seek out specific organizations like Habitat for Humanity as a partner for affordable housing.

There is power in naps…I know what you might be thinking. Power naps, right? Power naps are great. You can take 15-20 minutes to rest and feel completely rejuvenated once you wake up.

On a cerebral level I understand that once upon a time Christians had it rough. Like, literally, being killed for the faith rough. I appreciate those Christians.

Have you ever heard a sermon and thought, “Yeah, but. . .”  You had questions, you wanted to go deeper on a certain point, you needed clarification on a topic?

I had always heard of “Southern hospitality” while growing up in Buffalo NY, but I was struck by the warm smiles and “bless your heart’s” that abounded upon my arrival to Charlotte more than 30 years ago.

A few years ago, I stopped watching the news. I had thought that being a grown up meant I needed to watch the 11 o’clock news before bedtime so I was informed for the next day, but eventually I stopped when I realized it was disrupting my sleep.

Unless you are the Unibomber, living in a shack in the middle of nowhere, embedded in the woods of Montana wearing tinfoil on your head, can you really, truly be off the grid? 

What is the greatest sacrifice you’ve ever made? I know sometimes it can seem like sparring even a moment is a huge sacrifice. But, really, when we think about it our time is a fraction of our lives.

This weekend I graduated from United Lutheran Seminary in Pennsylvania. I finally finished my Master of Sacred Theology degree (STM), and it only took me ten years!

I was in a group and a beautiful sentiment was offered in our conversation: there is no such thing as a bad prayer. They’re right.

When I introduce Family Ministry in our New Member class, I like to ask the question, “What are your first memories of church?”