Catch Up...

Sorry I haven't written in awhile, but my doctoral project changed. I am now interviewing church members about how they grew up and how they see things in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. I do so appreciate each person who joined this blog to help me out. I will be blogging later, but not right now. Thanks again and shalom to all. Dan

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Remembering

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Today is Maundy or Holy Thursday. This Holy day is all about remembering. Christ tells us, "Do This in Remembrance of Me." I believe this day to be one day were Jesus struggles with his own humanity.  As the story continues Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane were he asks God to "take this cup from him," meaning don't make me go through this event causing my emanate death.   The majority of theologians wants us to act as if Jesus was always superhuman, but while on earth with us, he struggles as we struggle. Jesus being both human and divine gives me a source of comfort knowing that its normal not to have all the answers to all the questions.  Everyone wants to be remembered, and Jesus is no exception. So, tonight at 7:00 pm the people at Immanuel United Church of Christ will do just that. We will have a dinner before @ 5:45 pm and then celebrate Jesus' love for us in the sanctuary after dinner. PLEASE join us for this event of forgiveness, grace an...
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“Talking to Yourself” Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord , my rock and my redeemer. - Psalm 19:14   (NRSV)             I believe sometimes there is great value in talking to yourself. When you hear the words come out of your mouth it can cause a reaction simply by giving your words life. Also, It can help you to cut down on those “foot in the mouth” moments. I cannot count the times I have said something, even in a sermon, and then thought to myself, “Did I really say that?” Numerous times in the Bible it talks about taming our tongues.             There is worth in stopping and thinking, even meditating on our words. I enjoy taking time and offering kind words to people as I am out in the community. It’s amazing how people respond. Even as I am in a checkout line, o...
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Sabbatical...

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After 28 years in ministry I will be starting my first Sabbatical. It's funny, everyone keeps calling it a vacation. I guess I don't see it that way. I see it as a way to do others types of ministry and to take a little time to renew my love for ministry.  One of the things I will be doing is taking a silent retreat. Being an extrovert people see this as an almost impossible event. I always feel renewed when I take time to step back and try and hear the voice of God. Jesus did this many times as he took time to step away from life's journey to renew his Spirit. Its very important for everyone to take time away and try things that will help them to refresh their spirit's and see God's love more clearly. One of the places I am looking forward to looking for God is this church pictured above.  (St. Peter's United Church of Christ) This congregation was founded by one of my ancestries many years ago. Down the road from this church is a family h...
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