Calvary is such a goldmine of interesting and talented people . . . I am constantly amazed at the creative ways I am challenged to live my faith with the help of folks in my congregation. One of those folks is Caroline Armijo, who, in addition to having numerous artistic gifts, has this amazing passion to mesh faith and artistic expression. Whenever I am with Caroline, the creative part of me (a very small part, granted) just wants to sing.... Read more
I thought it notable that I came across something in the Washington Post today that left me speechless (very unusual). I am happy to report, however, that I’ve recovered and that I’m now searching for said product, as I could knock out a good portion of my Christmas list with its acquisition. P.S. I know Jesus said all those things . . . but did he actually look like that? Read more
One of the many obliga . . . , uh, joys of parenthood is attending recitals.We had a little different experience Saturday. It was not the typical piano recital (though we also have, uh, get, to attend those as well). No, our daughter Hannah is particularly gifted in the dramatic arts (pause here for anyone who knows her to shout, “Amen!”) and has been taking an acting class every Saturday for the past few months. Yesterday was the final class... Read more
Wow . . . amazing writing in a book I am reading: Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen. I’m shocked that I can read a passage like this . . . and identify. Sigh. “I am ninety. Or ninety-three. One or the other. When you’re five, you know your age down to the month. Even in your twenties you know how old you are. I’m twenty-three, you say, or maybe twenty-seven. But then in your thirties something strange starts to... Read more
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for... Read more
Who writes a song like Patty Griffin? Nobody. Here are some lyrics from her song Nobody’s Crying, which, ironically, always make me cry: May you dream you are dreaming, in a warm soft bed May the voices inside you that fill you with dread Sound like thousands of angels instead Tonight where you might be laying your head I wish you well On your way to the wishing well Swinging off of those gates of hell But I can tell... Read more
Yesterday we had the honor of participating in the ordination of our friend, Elizabeth Evans (left). Elizabeth has been like a member of our family, walking with us through the last few months of family and church life as she waited to begin her work at First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg, Maryland. Elizabeth, we are so proud of you, so glad to be walking this journey of faith along with you, so happy you are part of our family. Read more
I’m a little late posting for All Saints’ Day, but we Baptists are not so swift on those liturgical holidays, anyway. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it. Truth be told, I never have given much thought to All Saints’ Day, other than addressing thorny problems like how to keep my mom’s bunched up nylons attached to the sides of my head in an effort to look like Princess Leah on Halloween. But I digress. I started thinking a... Read more
What can you do with a crumpled ball of aluminum foil, a clump of different colors of modeling clay all smashed together and various treasures discovered in Dad’s tool box? Sam discovered this week you can do a pretty fine job of constructing a 3D model of an insect for your 3rd grade science project.Please notice the careful detail included on this anatomically correct bee: hinged legs painstakingly constructed of nails and scotch tape; strategically placed tacks for labeling; dramatic... Read more
I guess I always knew church was a place folks came to hear assurances about the way the Gospel intersects their personal lives, but for whatever reason our recent sermon series in worship, called When God Hides, has struck a chord somewhere deep inside a whole lot of people. I regularly receive feedback on worship but I don’t think I have had so many calls, emails, letters and conversations from so many people representing every spectrum of our congregation. These... Read more
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