As I looked out into the congregation last Sunday, I recalled a friendly clergy-to-clergy chat that I had several years ago at a General Assembly while standing in line waiting for the doors to open. After dealing with the perfunctory two questions that always come up as Disciples clergy establish a connection (i.e. Where did… Read more
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After the Storm
The storm last night woke me up. I had a hard time getting back to sleep because I was wrestling with two contradictory thoughts/feelings. Both had to do with the closing of the Interfaith Winter Shelter, which coincided with this first major storm of the spring. First, I worried about our homeless sisters and brothers… Read more
FCC Shines in 2013 “Be More Bloomington” Awards
I felt like I was at the Academy Awards on Tuesday night, and First Christian Church came away as one of the “big” winners. Let me explain. Each April, the City of Bloomington hosts the “Be More Awards,” a ceremony designed to lift up and honor the hundreds of volunteers who pool their time, talent… Read more
What have you given up for Lent?
“What have you given up for Lent?” I never heard that question as I was growing up. The only reason I was vaguely aware of the season of Lent was because the school cafeteria served fish on the Fridays before Easter. However, thanks to the Protestant Liturgical Renewal movement over the past half century, this… Read more
Duruflé Requiem – Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2013 Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra
Update on Planned Metered Parking
I have been following, with concern, the process by which metered parking will become part of Bloomington’s downtown. I have attended meetings at City Hall, and I initiated a meeting with Susan Johnson (City of Bloomington) and my downtown clergy colleagues, where we expressed our belief that metered parking will have a negative impact on… Read more
All-Church Spring Break “Beach Party” Wednesday, March 1, at 6:00pm in Great Hall Dig out your craziest beach hat and sunglasses and come to the FCC Beach on Wednesday, March 13 at 6:00 pm in Great Hall. Dinner for the evening will be a baked potato bar, with the baked potatoes provided by FCC. Sign… Read more
Let’s pray – and play – together
The family that prays together stays together. This catchy slogan, written by professional commercial writer Al Scalpone, can be traced back to 1947, when it was used to launch and sustain a massive Roman Catholic campaign that encouraged families to pray as a single unit. If I were going to adapt this slogan to our… Read more
Employment Opportunity
Seeking Pastor/Director of Outreach and Service Ministries First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is currently seeking a part-time a Pastor/Director of Outreach and Service Ministries who provides visionary, energetic, creative, pastoral, and strategic leadership to and administrative oversight of local outreach ministries at First Christian Church (FCC). First Christian Church understands outreach and service ministries… Read more
Christmas and Advent Memories
On Sunday night, Bruce and I celebrated the 12th night of Christmas by sitting on the living room sofa, listening to some quiet Celtic music, turning out all the lights save the Christmas tree, lighting some candles, finishing the last of the eggnog, and enjoying the tree and the decorated house for the last time…. Read more