Digging Up the Roof: The Kingdom Moment and the Paralytic in Mark 2:1-12

This is the sermon I gave this past Sunday on Mark's story about Jesus and the paralytic.

"When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; …

Plan B: The Church (John Caputo)

In preparing for a sermon the other day I came across one of my favorite quotes from John Caputo's book, "What Would Jesus Deconstruct?" (see also here):

"The name of 'Jesus' is too often a mirror in which we behold our own image, and it has always been easy to spot the …

New York Quakers On Torture

The New York Yearly Meeting of Quakers put a minute together on torture and then made a video of people reading it. I thought it was good enough to share with all of you.

Great New Tunes for 2009

Last year, I felt, was kind of void for me when it came to new music. That is one reason why I asked my good friend Matt Hoopes to guest write his list (and also I was interested in learning about new artists). But already for 2009 I've been really excited by a bunch …

A 21st Century Good Samaritan: Deidox's Story of "Robert"

Last week I heard about the new project Brent Gudgel, Dan Portnoy and clan have been working on called "Deidox" from twitter. I've posted about some of Brent's work before:

The Paralytic as Missionary (Mark 2:1-12)

I'm putting together a sermon on Mark 2:1-12 where Jesus meets, and heals, the paralytic. As I was talking this passage over with a friend it dawned on us that the paralytic, after he is healed, is the one sent out like a missionary, while the rest remain in the house. …

Is It The End Of Our SUV Lifestyle?

I just finished reading Tom Sine's recent book, "The New Conspirators: Creating The Future One Mustard Seed at a Time," for a review in a Friends' periodical. It's a book I highly recommend for those of you involved in ministry currently, or are interested in getting …

Witnessing History: Barack Obama Becomes President

Yesterday, we witnessed history-in-the-making; NY Times headline reads:

What is a Quaker? Reflections on What We Might Become

A few weeks back I was invited to talk with some college-age Friends during a weekend retreat. It was my first visit to Plainfield, Indiana and I had a nice time meeting these students and their adult leaders from Western Yearly Meeting. I was invited to sit on a panel …

Barclay Press: Convergent Friends and Quaker Renewal

I've published another Barclay Press article, this time it's a very basic (though a bit long) introduction to convergent Friends called: Beyond the Boundaries: Convergent Friends and Quaker Renewal. I wrote it with Evangelical Friends in mind, I know all of you who read …

A Tribute to Herbert R. Dymale

The other day a friend emailed to let me know that our Bible and Theology professor from Malone College (now University), Herbert R. Dymale, passed away this last week.

Join Us at the Convergent Friends Retreat in February

Robin, Martin and I will be co-leading a weekend retreat on convergent Friends we're calling "Reclaiming the Power of Primitive Quakerism for the 21st Century" at the Ben Lomond Quaker Center this February 20-22. We're getting pretty excited about the weekend. …

Dress-Down Friday | Peace in the Holy Land

We got back safely into LA this past Monday from a great vacation with our families in Ohio, but since then it has been a whirlwind week of things to do. But just because there's lots to do doesn't mean there aren't cool things happening around the web, here are a few …

Heeding God's Call - Peace Gathering in Philly

Next week I will be going to Philadelphia for the peace gathering there: Heeding God's Call.

On Disciples: Forgiving George Bush And/Or the Church

I ran across a website yesterday via Good Magazine called "Forgive George." It's not really surprising to see something like this, with the inauguration only a few weeks away, the end of Bush's presidency is on every one's mind (there are a number of "tribute" sites to …

Newbie's Guide to Seminary

Over the course of the last couple years I've done a number of posts on tips and tricks with regards to studying, using computers more efficiently, and productivity/organization. It's not a main focus for my blog, but when I am inspired with an idea and I see a …

MacIntyre And Church Renewal

I came across this Alasdair MacIntyre quote not long ago and thought it was a fitting reflection for the much-discussed topic of church renewal. Part of MacIntyre's point is to say that if a tradition is to overcome its own crisis of knowing, it will be through …

Guest Post: Matthew Hoopes' Top 5 Albums of the Year

Since he spends so much time immersed in music, I asked my good friend, and fellow Canton, Ohio native Matthew Hoopes of Relient K to share his top 5 Albums of 2008 with the gathering in light community. This is his first guest post here, and it's a a pleasure to have …

Dress-Down Friday | Happy First Birthday L Edition

This is a "Dress-Down Friday" in honor of our daughter L, who's celebrating her first birthday today. I can't believe it has been a year since the arrival of this wonderful gift from God. This past year has been incredible! Over the past year we've experienced the …

New Gathering In Light: 3rd Edition

Three years ago I bought gatheringinlight.com and started hosting my own website and blog. It was an attempt to establish more of a presence online, work on my writing, and try to make connections with other people interested in the same kinds of questions I am. Over …