[Note: I am working on assignment for the Denton Record Chronicle to visit different places of worship weekly and write about my experiences. Those columns can be found here. Full disclosure: I am affiliated with the church described below and both know and am known by many. Several greeted me saying, “It’s our turn to be written about!] I looked up the steep, stone steps to the sanctuary at First United Methodist, Denton, and thought, “While I know there is... Read more
An hour and 10 minute service, including high-sound Christmas music and a high-speed 40 minute sermon, left me a bit overwhelmed when I emerged from early worship at First Baptist Church, Denton this past Sunday morning. I had been greeted at the door by the friend of a friend, who happily welcomed and escorted me into the large sanctuary. The green carpet, green pew cushions, brick walls and the simple buff colored pillars set off the Christmas decorations. The stage,... Read more
In dismay, I looked at the grocery total I had run up at Trader Joe’s and said, “I only came in here for a few things.” The checker responded, “Welcome to the number one impulse buy store in the nation.” Yeah, no kidding. How does anyone keep their heads above the financial waters this time of year? I’ve not had broadcast TV in over a year, but recently, thanks to a handy friend who purchased and installed an antenna, I... Read more
“Advent is not Christmas. We want the celebration of the day without the hard work of preparation.” With these words, the Rev. Kathryn Thompson, Rector, began her first Sunday in Advent message at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Lewisville Texas. Car trouble delayed our arrival, so the service had already begun by the time we walked in. Our footsteps echoed on the ceramic tile floor of the simple brick and stucco sanctuary, which seats approximately 150. It was... Read more
This time of year when the acorns and pecans cover sidewalks liberally here in North Texas, I start thinking about how nature, with its powerful urge to reproduce itself, shows us much about the nature of God’s love. There is so much of it that we can trample on it and still have plenty left over to feed wildlife abundantly and see many new trees sprout in the spring. The nuts fall apparently without discernment–they are not parceled out or... Read more
The entire set up of the mosque says, “Women have no value.” Body language, the hiddenness of that which is female, the building structure all say, “Women, don’t bother.” “It’s God’s will that a woman’s head and arms be covered.” Well, I had worn a headscarf, but it was sheer, and realized too late that my three-quarter length sleeves were also inadequate. That was my beginning of a fascinating, but personally challenging, worship service at the Denton Islamic Study Center.... Read more
Happy holiday time has arrived. Way too many folks suffer unnecessary stress during this time, mainly because of a lack of focus on the really important center, which is, of course, Santa, gifts, family and fun. However, we all face multiple distractions which dilute the reasons for the season. So, below, you will five suggestions that, faithfully followed, will guarantee a relaxed, fun Christmas celebration free of distraction. ONE: MUSIC Choose carefully the kinds of seasonal music surrounding you and... Read more
A VERY Republican friend of mine, knowing all too well my more liberal leanings, just sent me this. I have no idea who wrote it, but thought it was worth a Friday afternoon laugh. the nightmares In the nightmare I found myself nude in bed, and I was looking at a mirror. On the ceiling, and I discovered that I am a Negro, and I’m circumcised! Quickly I sat up, found my pants and looked in the pockets to find... Read more
I’m rarely ill, but last weekend reminded me that I am nonetheless not invincible. Honoring my shut-in status, I turned on the TV for my church, choosing local broadcast TV offerings. At 9 am, the glamorous, perfectly perky blonde Victoria Osteen burst on the screen, reminding us that she “can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” quoting Philippians 4:13. The broadcast segues to a promotion of Joel and Victoria’s soon-to-come Night of Hope (January 2, 2015, American Airlines... Read more
As we learned more about the Society of Friends, I began to see why it had been so influential in the formation of the culture of the United States. In 1693 William Penn gave the property, now in the prime section of downtown Philadelphia, to the Society of Friends, known as Quakers. The meeting house was built later. Betsy Ross, that intrepid upholsterer who performed the renegade act of creating the first American flag, worshiped here. And I worshiped in that... Read more
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