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Sitting in the right spot

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Scheduled to give a lecture at the 2018 Festival of Homiletics, I arrived at the designated venue well before my slotted time. I worshipped twice, listened to a good lecture and even had time to grab a quick lunch. I looked at my watch: 30 minutes until I was up. Not enough time to retreat to the hotel, too much time to sit eagerly on the front pew. Reading through my manuscript one last time couldn’t hurt. I looked for a spot close to where I needed to be in a quarter of an hour, but not so close that the organizers might want to go ahead and test the mic. Somewhere in the sanctuary? I could sit inconspicuously in the back. Nope. People had gathered to meditate with the contemplative music. Downstairs? Nope. Too many people shopping for books, getting swag from sponsors, eating lunch. Outside on the church steps? Nope. Too hot while wearing my “I’m a professional” jacket. I spotted a folding chair, unfolded, just inside the narthex. Perfect.   I settled in and began to flip … [Read more...]

The issue of homosexuality — 40 years ago

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40 years ago — June 26, 1978 With the United Presbyterians having held the national headlines on the issue of homosexuality in their recent San Diego General Assembly, there was some interest in what Presbyterians, U.S., might do about the same question. True, there was no major report coming before the Shreveport meeting to force a position, but there were eleven overtures from as many presbyteries, seeking some kind of clear statement. It was apparent that it could not be avoided. The issue appeared on Thursday afternoon with the report on Justice and Human Development … . The standing committee proposed that the overtures, with their varied topics, be answered by referring them to the Council on Theology and Culture which has been working on a report on this subject for submission to the 1979 Assembly. Second, it called for a reaffirmation of the 1977 statement: “That the 117th General Assembly express love and pastoral concern for homosexual persons and the need for the church … [Read more...]

Prayer for Independence Day

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Lord of all, we recognize that true freedom comes through you, that our ultimate loyalty belongs to you and that our real identity is bestowed upon us by you. Every day is a gift, every breath a moment to give you praise, every hour one in which to live what you command. Knowing that you are Alpha and Omega, we ask for the wisdom to properly order all else. On this day when we celebrate our country’s independence, we give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy in this land: the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; the ability to speak what is on our minds, even when what we have to say is contrary to popular opinion or public policy; and the freedom to worship (or not). Help us to recognize that such marks of human dignity are for all people and that you, O Lord, love and value every person and place you have made. May our patriotism be subject to your law, our loyalty to country never higher than our obedience to your will, our pride of nation always secondary to … [Read more...]

What’s right about Markham Woods Presbyterian Church?

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Markham Woods Presbyterian Church — Lake Mary, Florida We have a lot of folks at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church who respond to needs without hesitation. One example is our support of Love Missions, a local ministry that began as an organizer of short-term mission trips, but later focused on rescuing victims of human trafficking. Personal hygiene items are one of the immediate needs of those rescued — as is something to carry those items in. Tina, the founder of Love Missions, designed the first “Freedom Bag,” but she needed someone else to sew it. Her friend Patti, a member of Markham Woods, said, “Let me take it from here!” Patti organized a group to sew the bags. They meet regularly to fellowship and work together for this great cause. Tina fills the bags with the hygiene products, teddy bears and Bibles. Freedom Bags symbolize more than freedom — they are tangible evidence of the love of Christ. – Jody Mask, pastor (mwpcusa.org) … [Read more...]

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