New Sermon Series Begins This Sunday

Families look different today than they did a generation ago, but, whether we like it or not, they are still the most important relationship in our lives. However our family is made up, it still shapes who we are, how we view the world, and even how we understand God. Beginning April 18, Light of the Canyon United Methodist Church will explore how families function, how they can function better, and how they can be a source for transformation in our lives. If you are a part of a family, you won’t want to miss this series. Come and work on your own family portrait.

Bearing Witness

I have the privilege of leading a Thursday morning women’s bible study. It is something that I look forward to all week. We have just started working our way through the book of Acts, that great testament of how followers of Jesus became a church. Acts begins when Jesus ascends into heaven. This is known in the church calendar as “Ascension Day” (clever title, huh?). The ladies of the Thursday bible study and I noticed something last week. Even after Jesus’ resurrection appearances, the disciples still did not seem to know what kind of savior he was. They ask him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom of Israel” (Acts 1:6). They still were expecting a political/military messiah. But, Jesus puts the kibosh on that right away. And he tells them, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1: 8). The Holy Spirit did come and the people were transformed. But, remember Jesus words. He calls us not to be conquerors, or morality police, or judges of other people’s souls; he calls us to be witnesses. It is our calling as followers of Christ to bear witness – not simply with our words, but with our whole lives – to the love and grace of God in Jesus Christ. We are true witnesses when we learn to speak the truth in love. Love is the language - the reality - that makes our witness true. It is not logic, or doctrinal correctness, for those can always be argued against. But, the testimony of love is without contest. How do you bear witness?

Like a Rock

We went to Morro Bay last weekend as is my family's tradition after Easter. It was a great time. This year, I got to spend more time than usual at the famed Morro Rock because my son was really enjoying climbing on the rocks, digging in caves, finding various and sundry ways to get dirty before getting back into the car. As I sat and watched Corran play, I could not help but marvel at Morro Rock, which was created like a gazillion years ago by a volcano. My head was full of many wonderful thoughts. If I were a poet, I would write something that began with the words of the old hymn, "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is shifting sand." Then I would have waxed poetic in a cool Kerouac-esque riff that finished up, perhaps, with the refrain from the Bob Seger classic (made famous to newer generations in Chevy truck commercials), "like a rock." The point is this (yes, their is a point). We all stand on some kind of truth. Even people that claim there is no truth stand on that truth.  As for me and my house, we will stand on the solid rock of the love and grace of God in Jesus Christ.

Good Friday

Last night we had a very moving Good Friday service. We did a service of tenebrae (darkness). Follow this link for a sample of the readings. The readings were from the United Methodist Book of Worship. As a reading was completed, a candle was extinguished. There were several musical selections played during the service. We tried something very different this year. We went with a very simple service. We had readings, music, prayer, and the extinguishing of the candles. It ended up being a very powerful experience. Before and after the service, we had prayer stations in the lobby set up. I look forward to a great celebration of the resurrection on Sunday morning.

"The Wondrous Cross"

Isaac Watts said it as beautifully as anyone ever has in 1707 when he wrote the hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." There is little I can say on Good Friday to match Watts poetry. Read these words devotionally, prayerfully. What do they mean to you?


When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.