Jan and I enjoy spending time together, reflecting on life and ministry. In recent years we have been invited to return and preach in five congregations in which we ministered full-time. (We have worked full-time in only six churches, and one no longer exists because it merged with another church.) The opportunity to “go home” …
Category Archives: Friends
Friends are Friends Forever
The first part of this week, Jan and I were blessed to spend a couple of days with our long ago friends, Bill and Betty Sims. Our friendship formed over 40 years ago when we were both in Plymouth, Michigan, and our paths have crossed briefly a few times since. I am reminded that Jan …
Dr. Bill Jones: A Tribute
With the passing of Dr. Bill Jones, the last of my major professors in my undergraduate studies has gone to be with the Lord. The time spent at the feet of Dr. Raymond Kelcy, Dr. Hugo McCord, and Dr. Bill Jones was rich and rewarding. It is hard to believe that 40+ years have passed. …
Friends are Friends Forever
So says the song–so says our experience! We were blessed yesterday and today beyond measure to spend a little time with our forever friends, Rod and Lynne Boydstun. The conversation picked up where we left off several years ago, as is the case with friends. Beautiful memories, shared lives, intertwined and yet distanced geographically, faith …
Don Vinzant: Celebrating Today
Today is the funeral for Don Vinzant. Just a week ago, I received the following as a “daily communique” from Emergent Village. When I read this thought, it gave me pause. Today, it seems especially appropriate. Celebrating Today I walk down the steep hill through the trees to the creek. Emily, the mother dog is …
Don Vinzant: A Tribute
This morning’s CaringBridge update brought the news that my friend, colleague, mentor, and brother in Christ, Don Vinzant, has finished his course, fought his last battle, and gone to receive his reward. In a special way, Don was one of a kind. His contagious smile and laughter, his sharp wit, his knowledge of the world …
We Are Grateful
Jan and I are grateful for the response to our announcement of a new phase of our ministry. We have heard from friends and renewed friendships that go back 40+ years. We are grateful for the love expressed and the desire to reconnect. We are genuinely looking forward to what God will do in and …
Healthy Friends and Healthy Places
One of the more difficult aspects of our Christian walk is learning how we maintain passion, momentum, and participation within our own contexts. We do this with like-minded individuals. Who are your like-minded faith companions? I have always liked attending preachers’ luncheons and lectureships. It is a great experience to be a part of a …
My Mother
Today is my day to write about my mother. Through the first 23 years of my full-time ministry, I wrote about mother around Mother’s Day–a bulletin article, another sermon, even a poem or two. All of that changed with my mother’s death over 15 years ago. Now I write about my mother on Groundhog’s Day. Not …