Pastor Bob's Blog

A RITE OF HEALING

2011-12-07T17:28:00.000-05:00

During a Sunday worship service each Lent and Advent, we offer a brief RITE OF HEALING. Oftentimes, people who have not experienced it ask about it! This Sunday, as part of our service, we will offer this rite. Here is some brief information:

1. The actual service of healing is a brief part of our regular service. NO ONE IS REQUIRED TO COME FORWARD----During this time, a person may stay in her/his pew and pray. Music will be played during that time.

2. If a person comes forward, he/she will be anointed with oil,in the Biblical tradition, and the pastor and our church deacons, again in keeping with Biblical tradition, will lay hands upon him or her.

Whether no one comes forward or many do, it is a time in the service in which we pray for healing------of the body, of the emotions, of the spirit, for ourselves and others.WE MAY DO SO IN SILENCE OR IN SIGNS. This time of healing is a time to ask forgiveness of sin as we pray before our God!

There is no pressure to participate in anything done outwardly, but many, over the years, have said that it is really a beautiful rite to witness and in which to participate.

A FEW NOTES:
* It has been a longstanding rite within the United Church of Christ
* It is found in the UCC Book of Worship
* It is part of the worship life of many Protestant as well as Catholic churches.

Again, it is a significant short part of what we do as a community in worshiping on Sunday morning....

In this season of joy, we realize that many people live with pain and hurt and grief.........

Jesus Christ came to bring joy...and healing....
He is, in the words of the Christmas carol---'RISEN..with HEALING in his wings!'( hark, the Herald angels Sing!')
By His stripes, we are reminded....WE ARE HEALED!

Hope to see you Sunday-
Pastor Bob

ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US FOR WORSHIP!

2011-12-06T18:01:00.000-05:00

As we move to the THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, I would like to invite you to join us at 10:45 Sunday worship.....

DECEMBER 11--------We light the candle of JOY, we sing carols and Advent hymns, our choir sings and i will preach a sermon entitled ON THE WITNESS STAND. We will also celebrate a time of prayer for HEALING. More about that in a post this week.....

DECEMBER 18- On Advent's fourth Sunday, the Sunday before Christmas, we light the candle of LOVE

JOIN US AT CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP--7 pm DECEMBER 24

Ideal for all ages-candlelight service, carols, choir, soloists,and my sermon:
EVERY PLACE AND TIME

Invite someone to join you!!!!
Pastor Bob

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CHURCH YEAR

2011-11-20T16:09:00.000-05:00

Next Sunday is THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT~ Seen by many as the beginning of the church's season of preparation for Christmas, it also marks the beginning of a new 'church year', a year which ended today with the Feast of the Reign of Christ, also known as the Feast of Christ the King.

Some might see this as a piece of religious trivia. I would like to suggest that it is much more than that!

When we celebrate a 'church year', also known as a 'liturgical year', what we are really doing is recognizing that the REAL TIME in which we live has been infused with God's actions among us, actions that have taken place in history yet which contain the power to live within us as we live out our lives.

Today's feast of the Reign of Christ serves as reminder that when all is said and done, Christ HAS reigned and DOES reign, that when the cycle of seasons are over, the victory is also won. ADVENT reminds us that, though we know this and though we know that Christ HAS come, we yearn for WHO He is in our daily lives. We yearn for the peace, joy, hope and love He has embodied.

The church year reminds us of an ongoing paradox......Though in reality Jesus does not really get born at Christmas because he has already been born and died..and MORE...in some other sense, He does! There is the potential for His birth in us. Though the objective facts have occurred, we live as subjects who experience birth, suffering, death and resurrection in the events of our lives, the events the church year expresses...

SO---HAPPY NEW CHURCH YEAR!!

Your thoughts?
PB

DAYS OF SADNESS IN HAPPY VALLEY

2011-11-11T15:41:00.000-05:00

The Penn State campus is a legendary place among those who follow college sports. This week is a sad one there as allegations have unfolded regarding the horrors of sexual abuse perpetrated by one of its coaches and the silent complicity of those in authority who held positions of prominence and supervisory responsibility within that distinguished university, one of them a living coaching legend himself!

Sad also is behavior driven by the role that football has played upon this campus. This includes the reaction by many students to their beloved coach's firing. This is a time to understand that there are priorities in life and in universities far greater than football or football tradition! There are also priorities far more important than winning!

It is also a time to realize that sports is all too often placed on too high a pedestal and its stars, be they coaches or players, sadly immune from the consequences of despicable behavior.

PENN STATE is in the business of education, an enterprise that speaks of virtue and value and character. It is sad that this educational institution which has done so much good over the years must now face this tragic series of events. Yet even more tragic would it be if people did not learn the lessons of this series of unchecked abuses and, if somehow, winning football games or honoring past successes seemed more important than protecting innocent children.
PB

AFTER THE STORM

2011-11-06T12:36:00.000-05:00

My prayers and best wishes to all who have been so deeply affected by this storm! I know how much impact it has had on many lives in so many ways. As we seek to get back on work, school and personal schedules, I encourage you to check out this BLOG as well as www.facebook.com/allarewelcome for an updated, accurate posting of church information and changes that have been made...

NEXT SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13------
9:15- Sunday School
9:30- YOUTH GROUP meets
9:50- CONFIRMATION STUDENTS MEET WITH PASTOR
10:45----Worship with Jim Purnell leading music, celebrating Laity Sunday together and my sermon: A LOOK IN THE MIRROR....

Please bring PASTA or SAUCE to be distributed to those in need as part of the UCC Mission 1 initiative!

After worship: DEACONS meet
NOTE: ADULT EDUCATION WILL NOT BE HELD SUNDAY!

Note these upcoming dates:

NOVEMBER 20---THANKSGIVING SUNDAY with family Worship and Pot Luck
NOVEMBER 26---HANGING OF THE GREENS- 9 am
NOVEMBER 27- ADVENT BEGINS with our Advent theme: WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS

Hope this helps!

Spread the word..and stay tuned!!

Pastor Bob

REFORMATION SUNDAY IS OCTOBER 30---

2011-10-23T16:35:00.000-04:00

On October 31, 1517, MARTIN LUTHER ( pictured below) posted 95 THESES on the cathedral door in Wittenberg triggering a series of events collectively known as THE REFORMATION...

If you can, please see the film LUTHER for background....

Next Sunday at worship, I will explore where we are at in terms of relations among Christians hundreds of years after these Theses were posted....

In my sermon THE CHRISTIAN CENTER, I will draw on themes I am developing in my new book CROSSING THE STREET to be published by Energion Publications in May[

WORSHIP WITH US ON OCTOBER 23

2011-10-19T15:36:00.000-04:00

Join with us this Sunday as I preach the message A CREDIBLE FAITH...
It is a sermon requested by a member of the congregation and deals with issues of religion and science and faith and reason....

PB

WORSHIP WITH US ON OCTOBER 16

2011-10-10T14:38:00.001-04:00

FAMILY WORSHIP SUNDAYS are special days-------the service is IDEAL FOR ALL AGES with a shorter message and soem special music...

THIS SUNDAY, we will have ERIC HUTCHINSON lead our music and we will gather for a POT LUCK LUNCHEON----

Check out the listing on the right for upcoming events----

PB

UNFAIR

2011-10-09T21:06:00.000-04:00

The following is NOT intended as a statement of political preference. It is intended as a pastoral observation:

The fact that so many 'evangelical' Christians would not vote for Mitt Romney because he is a Mormon is fair neither to Governor Romney nor toward Mormonism. It is our duty as citizens to elect leaders who represent the ideals of this democracy. Governor Romney has made clear, as did John Kennedy in 1960, that he is committed, if elected, to serving people of all faiths as well as those who do not call themselves believers. His convictions as a Mormon are clear and they are also clearly compatible with the principles of this democratic republic.

It is unfair for Christians to reject candidates because they are Mormons. It is as unfair as it was to refuse to vote for a Catholic because of his Catholicism. I wish I could say that the Christian community is well beyond this sort of thing~

PB

JOIN US AT WORSHIP~ SUNDAYS 10:45

2011-10-07T10:20:00.000-04:00

Join us for 10:45 worship

OCTOBER 9----I am away and Jan Parsons is preaching on COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS
OCTOBER 16----I'll speak on Psalm 96 at our FAMILY WORSHIP-ideal for all ages
OCTOBER 23---I am speaking on issues related to religion and science. A requested sermon topic!
OCTOBER 30---On REFORMATION SUNDAY, I will speak on THE CHRISTIAN CENTER, a message that will include work I'm doing on my new book CROSSING THE STREET to be published in May by ENERGION PUBLICATIONS---

SPORTS AND THEOLOGY

2011-09-29T07:47:00.000-04:00

As I have said from our pulpit, theology pops up everywhere!

Last night, as I was absorbing the Red Sox defeat, the culmination of a horrendous September collapse, Adrian Gonzalez, the Red Sox first baseman, was shown on TV declaring in essence that ' God just didn't want us in the playoffs this year'. Most likely, without really knowing it, Gonzalez expressed a theological position that has been around for a very long time and which has been espoused by many within the Christian community i.e. the idea that God, in effect, CAUSES certain, specific things to occur. It's a position which melds the concepts of predestination and Providence together in a rather interesting combination.

Much as I admire Gonzalez' hitting skills, I feel a need to put something else on the record as well since he opted to go theological! What I wish to suggest is a very simple notion: THERE ARE OTHER WAYS OF LOOKING AT THE ISSUE OF GOD'S PROVIDENCE. Gonzalez' theology is not representative of all who believe in God. Within the community of those who ponder the meaning of life's big questions, there are those who would give more weight to matters such as human decision making and skill e.g. 'why did the pitcher throw this pitch to this batter at this time ?' or why didn't the left fielder give the necessary effort'? In other words, culpability would shift to those who did not fully utilize the abilities with which they have been graced.

There are also others within the community of believers who get a bit nervous with those who think they can explain God's purposes for EVERYTHING. There is Biblical precedent for this concern, for sure!

Cutting Gonzalez some slack......It's not easy facing the press after such a terrible September in Beantown. Good for him not to be afraid to talk about what he believes. Under the surface of many of life's issues lies THEOLOGY-----and Adrian Gonzalez' is one theology among many in the believing community.....the community of those who seek to relate ordinary, daily life to the bigger picture of God's interactions with us mortals!

RED SOX 2012!!!!

PB

ROSH HASHANAH-AND OUR SHARED HERITAGE

2011-09-28T19:00:00.000-04:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Tonight the Jewish community throughout the world celebrates Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the New Year. We wish this community a wonderful celebration and a joyful year! Understanding our Jewish heritage and the magnificence of this great tradition, the tradition of Jesus, is essential for those who follow Jesus.

The sad history of Anti Semitism is a great tragedy. Jews and Christians have so much in common! As our Jewish brothers and sisters enjoy this holiday, may Christians grow in depth and understanding of our shared background and common spiritual roots!

SEE BELOW FOR AN EXPLANATION OF THIS CELEBRATION!~~Pastor Bob

Rosh Hashanah

Significance: New Year

Observances: Sounding the shofar (ram's horn trumpet)

Length: 2 Days (Some: 1 Day)

Customs: Dipping apples in honey; Casting off "sins" into a river

Greeting: L'shanah tovah! (For a good year!)

...In the seventh month, on the first of the month, there shall be a sabbath for you, a remembrance with shofar blasts, a holy convocation. -Leviticus 16:24

Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American midnight drinking bash and daytime football game.

There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one: Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making "resolutions." Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. More on this concept at Days of Awe. The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. A total of 100 notes are sounded each day. There are four different types of shofar notes: tekiah, a 3 second sustained note; shevarim, three 1-second notes rising in tone, teruah, a series of short, staccato notes extending over a period of about 3 seconds; and tekiah gedolah (literally, "big tekiah"), the final blast in a set, which lasts (I think) 10 seconds minimum. Click the shofar above to hear an approximation of the sound of Tekiah Shevarim-Teruah Tekiah. The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice. One that has been suggested is that the shofar's sound is a call to repentance. The shofar is not blown if the holiday falls on Shabbat.

No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. In fact, there is a special prayerbook called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays.

Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. This was the second Jewish religious practice I was ever exposed to (the first one: lighting Chanukkah candles), and I highly recommend it. It's yummy. We also dip bread in honey (instead of the usual practice of sprinkling salt on it) at this time of year for the same reason.

Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d's sovereignty.

UPCOMING SERVICES/SERMONS

2011-09-25T17:33:00.000-04:00

ALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR OCTOBER SERVICES:
Here is sermon information:

OCTOBER 2-------On World Communion Sunday, my sermon is called A WORK IN PROGRESS
OCTOBER 9- Janice Parsons is our guest preacher. She will speak on the topic: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
OCTOBER 16---FAMILY WORSHIP SUNDAY. I will focus on Psalm 96
OCTOBER 23---I will deliver a 'sermon on request' about RELIGION AND SCIENCE
OCTOBER 30---My sermon is based on themes is my upcoming book and will be called THE CHRISTIAN CENTER..

Please enjoy the video clip below and check us out at www.facebook.com/allarewelcome
Pastor Bob

Here I am to Worship

2011-09-25T17:27:00.000-04:00

JOIN US FOR 10:45 worship on OCTOBER 2.........May this song inspire you as you prepare for worship! SEE INFORMATION ON SIDE FOR SUNDAY SCHEDULE-PB

Ga. high court rejects plea to stop Troy Davis execution - Chicago Sun-Times

2011-09-21T18:10:00.000-04:00

Ga. high court rejects plea to stop Troy Davis execution - Chicago Sun-Times

Unless there is a last minute reprieve, there will be an execution in Georgia at 7:00 pm tonight. Many people have expressed concern that Georgia will be executing a man who did not commit the crime of which he is accused. As I have said quite often, I think there are a lot of problems involved in capital punishment. There has to be a better way...
PB

OCTOBER 2 ADVANCE READING

2011-09-19T17:35:00.000-04:00

On October 2 , my message A WORK IN PROGRESS is based on the Exodus passage which enumerates ' The Ten Commandments' as well as selections from Philippians 3.....

Hope to see you at 10:45.....

This weekend, we welcome REV. SHIRLEY ANDERSON to Union as our Guest Minister/Preacher-

PB

SEPTEMBER EVENTS AT OUR CHURCH

2011-09-08T15:23:00.000-04:00

JOIN US FOR THE FOLLOWING SEPTEMBER SUNDAYS:

SEPTEMBER 11- 9:45---SEE BELOW
SEPTEMBER 18---10:45 worship and Sunday School begins! I will deliver the message :
WHAT GOES INTO WHAT YOU HEAR
SEPTEMBER 25- Guest Preacher and Minister- Rev. Shirley Anderson

See you at worship!

PB

NEW BOOK TO BE RELEASED IN SPRING

2011-07-22T18:10:00.000-04:00

Watch here for information on a new book I am writing. It is tentatively titled Crossing The Street. The plan is for a May 2012 release. It is going to be published by ENERGION PUBLICATIONS and will deal extensively with the way we as Christians need to understand each other...and ourselves. It will draw heavily upon my own experiences in different faith communities within Christianity....witha n underlying emphasis on UNITY....

Stay tuned!

PB

The Rev. Dr. Robert LaRochelle - Practical Advice for Making Part-Time Ministry Work - Day1.org

2011-07-05T08:06:00.000-04:00

The Rev. Dr. Robert LaRochelle - Practical Advice for Making Part-Time Ministry Work - Day1.org

This article is the third in a three part series on www.day1.org

I would be interested in any comments-

PB

The Rev. Dr. Robert LaRochelle - Reinterpreting Roles Within the "Part-Time Church" - Day1.org

2011-06-28T17:59:00.000-04:00

The Rev. Dr. Robert LaRochelle - Reinterpreting Roles Within the "Part-Time Church" - Day1.org---

Here is a link to my current article about part time pastors and local churches......
Would love your feedback....

Halle, Halle, Halle

2011-06-12T18:40:00.000-04:00

RECENT NEWS

2011-05-03T15:26:00.000-04:00

The killing of Osama Bin Laden is one of the most memorable stories in my lifetime. The horror of September 11, 2001 has hovered over our world since that awful day. The pain caused by such awful terrorist activity has left an indelible mark upon us all. The collective sense that justice has finally been done is completely understandable.

The follower of Jesus is a disciple of one whose message was love and nonviolence. Over the course of history, there have been committed Christian believers who have claimed that in the name of love for all of humanity and the prevention of further violence , there ARE times when life must be taken. During the Holocaust, the great Christian theologian and pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer enlisted in a plot to assassinate Hitler. One can make a strong moral case that the decision to kill Bin Laden is a similar ethical situation and can be justified.

Yet, even if we can in conscience hold this position, it is important to be tempered in our emotional response. We stand under the word found in the Biblical book of Ezekiel:
For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies- Ezekiel 18:32

There are times, in life's various stages, when the taking of human life is legitimate. Yet, there are also moral distinctions which must be made between enacting justice and extracting revenge. Likewise, the taking of any human life is a very solemn and sobering matter for it is GOD who is the author of all that is created and it is in the image of God that human beings are made.

It is in the attitude and in the spirit in which the individual person acts that determines the moral character of the person's action. In our legitimate contentment that terrorism has been threatened, let us hold to our moral compass as followers of Jesus.

PB

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK

2011-04-05T18:47:00.000-04:00

Visit us on our new facebook page...

www.facebook.com/allarewelcome

LIKE US and check out what is going on at our church!
PB

Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church, by Robert LaRochelle | The Christian Century

2011-03-28T18:58:00.000-04:00

Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church, by Robert LaRochelle The Christian Century See this review....If you have read the book, please indicate what you think.. PB

EXERCISING CAUTION AND MODERATION

2011-03-15T16:26:00.000-04:00

First and foremost, our hearts go out to the suffering people of Japan. Whatever we can do to aid relief efforts and to hold them in prayer is so, so important. As is so often the case when terrible tragedies strike, there are people, including religious leaders, who interpret these happenings as a sign of the 'end times.' I have seen these statements in the press and have heard them in daily discourse. I am writing to urge caution and moderation with respect to claiming Biblical prophecy. I wish to introduce several points:

1. MANY times throughout history, individuals and religiosu groups have claimed that the end of the world is near. Some religious denominations have had their origins in that claim. Others have made it a centerpiece of their teaching. Even moderate evangelicals such as Billy Graham have interpreted ' the signs of the times' as being indicative of an impending end. Rev. Graham was doing so, albeit moderately, in the late 1950's and 1960's.

2. Traumatic occurences in the world have often triggered these claims which theologians call 'eschatological' or 'apocalyptic.' If one traces the history of these claims, one can link them to difficult times in history. As recently as the late 50's and the 60's, the ' Red Menace' and the threat of nuclear war was in the forefront. In the secular realm, wasn't Barry McGuire singing about an 'Eve of Destruction' in 1965?

3. To put it simply, NOT ONE of these predictions and interpretations has yet to come through. Which is NOT to say it never could, only to state incontrovertible fact.

4. When predictions ( 'prophecies') have not come to pass, those making them have usually found some way to REINTERPRET their original predictions to explain why something did not happen which was so abundantly clear. Many of these individuals and groups eventually move up the date and establish a new time for 'the end.', the latest, of course, being 2012, just 12 years after the most recent 'end' i.e. 2000.

Now, here's the key: Many of these predictors, who lean toward literalist, fundamentalist Biblical interpretations, have just slid past a fundamental of Jesus who reminds us that NONE OF US KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR.......ONLY THE FATHER ( Matthew 24:36)...

Friends: There is much of which we should be frightened in our headlines. The tragedy caused by tsunamis and earthquakes is scary, as is the potential fallout from nuclear material. Past threats have been real and the presence of some weapons still renders the world a dangerous place. BUT...when it comes to making clearcut claims that THIS WILL HAPPEN...or THIS IS HAPPENING BECAUSE...........I suggest that followers of Jesus do what the title of this post suggests.......EXERCISE CAUTION AND MODERATION......and place our trust in God and do what we can to make this a world that exists in God's image...

PB

DILEMMA

2011-02-27T16:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to read a very interesting book. DILEMMA by Albert Cutie is a true story written by an Episcopal priest who grew up Roman Catholic and became a Roman Catholic priest. The book deals with his decision to be married and to leave the Roman Catholic church and be accepted as a priest within the Anglican Communion.

While I HAVE read better books dealing with some of these struggles ( ex: James Carroll's work as well as James Kavanuagh's seminal piece in the 1960's), I see this as a very moving piece of writing which would be highly informative to Roman Catholics and non Roman Catholics alike.

Rev. Cutie is quite impressive in the way he embraces with gratitude the gifts of his Catholic heritage while affirming the necessity of moving in a different direction within the church of Jesus Christ. As a compelling personal story of real life struggle by a man whose heartfelt desire is to do right and to serve God, this is really worth the read.

In addition, the book makes a significant contribution to the body of literature concerning the post Vatican II church. I recommend it highly!

Pastor Bob

WITH GREAT THANKS!

2011-02-21T12:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was such a joyful day in our congregation! I wass overwhelmed by the incredible day our church planned as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our relationship to one another as pastor and congregation.

The gifts, the luncheon, the spirit of worship......words can not descrribe them.

How blessed I am that on February 25, 2001, I was able to begin a ministry in Union.

See you at worship!

With thanks,
PB

Only Light, Only Love

2011-01-13T19:34:00.001-05:00

Only Light, Only Love As our nation prepares to celebrate MARTIN LUTHER KING day on Monday, let us pause and reflect upon this video...
Please click on the link above...

PB

CANTICLE OF THE SUN

2011-01-10T19:01:00.000-05:00

Psalm 19 reminds us 'The heavens are telling the glory of God!'......Enjoy this song and please join us at worship Sunday as we explore the mystery of God. My sermon is entitled: GOD-PART ONE......

BRYAN NURNBERGER SPEAKS IN UNION JANUARY 9

2011-01-08T08:28:00.000-05:00

Our church is pleased to welcome Bryan Nurnberger of Simply Smiles to speak with us at worship. Please see the post and video clip on this blog.
Bryan will speak at our 10:45 service and be around to answer questions after. At NOON, he will meet with our youth as well as invited youth from other churches..........

This is a real opportunity to hear about important service to others...........

It's a busy week at our church......This Saturday night, we are having a great concert by CURTIS BRAND...More info throughout this blog....

PB

AMERICAN GRACE

2011-01-05T19:12:00.000-05:00

I have just completed the book AMERICAN GRACE. If you are looking for a detailed exploration of the current state of religion in America, you will find no better resource. The book is thorough and thought provoking. I recommend it highly!

While on the topic of books, would anyone care to share some books that you have read that you find helpful and why?

PB

ETHICAL REFLECTIONS FROM THE WORLD OF SPORTS

2011-01-03T15:17:00.000-05:00

As much as I enjoy sports, I tend not to write about them very often on this blog. Yet, with Connecticut headlines zoned in on football Coach Randy Edsall's decision to leave UCONN and go to Maryland and in light of the reaction this decision is getting, I have to stop and suggest that 'big time' college athletics, as with all areas of life, is a place which is in need of sound ethical practices. Now, Coach Edsall has a great track record as a really good human being and leader of young people. How he handled the death of his player last year is evidence of this fact. However, the events surrounding his departure raise issues for me....and I want to provide some other corroborating information to point in the direction of the same concern.

Last season, Brian Kelly, highly successful football coach at Cincinnati, upset many of his players because they heard their coach was leaving for Notre Dame not through him but via ESPN and other sources. They felt betrayed that he, who had so close a relationship with them, had not told them face to face. Similar sentiments are being shared around Storrs, Connecticut over Coach Edsall's move.

I would like to suggest that college coaches and administrators take a different route when it comes to hiring practices. Here are some specific suggestions in this case:

Was it that important to Maryland to wrap up their coaching decision yesterday afternoon? Why couldn't they have allowed Coach Edsall to:

a. fly home with his team?
b. Go to Maryland the next day to interview?
c. Come back to CT to meet with his players or find some way of connecting with as many of them as possible?
d. Be introduced as their new coach WEDNESDAY instead of MONDAY?

Is this not something that would have been worth Coach Edsall suggesting?

Now, if you are reading this and you are saying: 'Why is this pastor commenting on a 'sports story'?', I want to explain something:

EVERY REALM in life is one in which it is important that we act ethically. As a long time coach, I will be the first to tell you that:
a. the world of sports needs sound ethics
b. the world of sports often suffers from bad ethics.( I could writea book on all of this; actually, I hope to!!)

While sports DOES involve keeping score and winning and losing, it is about more. It includes RELATIONSHIPS, the BONDS between people and TEACHING individuals ( oftentimes youth) how to handle real life situations in ways that honor those relationships and bonds.

Personally, I have no issue with Coach Edsall going to his 'dream job' at Maryland. Good for him! And.....let's commend him for the great work he did at UCONN! My issue is that it could have been handled differently by Maryland and by him......

Acting in the best 'business' interest, whether one is a coach or an institution, is not always acting in the best interest!

Some food for thought............
PB

PS: If you don't follow sports, don't worry...I will write on lots of other topics .............but, please, hear my point: Ethics covers ALL REALMS of human living, sports included!!

HAPPY 2011!

2011-01-01T09:13:00.001-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I am deeply grateful to all of you who read this blog and contribute comments, either posted here or stated to me.....

For more information on our church, you may go to http://www.unioncc.com/

For those interested in current issues regarding full time/part time ministry in the church, I'd encourage you to take a look at my new book Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church ( Pilgrim Press, 2010). If you have questions about it or comments, feel free to post them on this blog...

See you in Union, CT!
PB

Everyday Heroes - Bryan Nurnberger and Simply Smiles

2010-12-27T19:54:00.000-05:00

We look forward to welcoming BRYAN NURNBERGER back to the Congregational Church of Union, UCC, on January 9. He will speak at 10:45 worship and will meet with our Youth Group and some other youth groups at NOON! I encourage you to support the work of SIMPLY SMILES- www.simplysmiles.org

An active 2011 at our church....

2010-12-27T11:41:00.000-05:00

2011 will begin with a flurry of activity at our church!

SUNDAY JANUARY 2 at 10:45~ we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany and I will deliver a sermon called EPIPHANIES

On January 9, Bryan Nurnberger of Simply Smiles will speak at Sunday worship. take a look at the work of this great organization at http://www.simplysmiles.org/

On January 15 at 7 pm, we will enjoy CURTIS BRAND IN CONCERT ( see notes on the right column of this blog)

On January 16 from 1-3 we will have a churchwide retreat on the topic THE FUTURE OF OUR CHURCH.

Seeking a church community? Consider checking us out at http://www.unioncc.com/ where ALL ARE WELCOME!

Pastor Bob

CHRISTMASTIDE

2010-12-26T16:39:00.000-05:00

Today's snowstorm in the Northeast provides a wonderful opportunity to just stay in and really ponder the overwhelming and powerful message of Christmas. BEWARE OF THE RUSH TO PACK CHRISTMAS AWAY! Please remember that Christmas is not just a day. It is a season!!! The 12 days of Christmas is more than a catchy song!!!

Suggestions: Take out your Bible and read the Gospel of John, Chapter 1, verses 1-14. In doing so, know that this is really a reflection upon the meaning of the event of Jesus' birth and existence. In its own way, it is
John's Nativity story. Feel free to share any insights on it right here on this blog...

Enjoy these 12 days of Christmas...and enjoy the snow...!!
PB

A fitting song for Advent and Christmas 2010

2010-12-11T16:59:00.000-05:00

Enjoy this beautiful rendition of a song that served as our Advent theme several years back. May PEACE, HOPE, JOY, and LOVE abide in your life this Advent and in this upcoming Christmastide!
PB

ELIZABETH EDWARDS

2010-12-07T19:45:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth Edwards died today. She will be remembered as a courageous and principled woman who faced some of life's most difficult tragedies with incredible grace, resilience and faith. She served as an inspiration to many people, including those who did not always find themselves in agreement with her political positions.

She endured a long standing battle against a terrible disease, the death of her beloved teenage son and a private battle when confronting betrayal in her own personal life. She rose above these difficult and horrific circumstances to be a real inspiration to her children, those who knew her and those of us who watched in admiration from afar. Ms. Edwards was fortunate enough in her adult life to have many of life's privileges. This did not insulate her from maintaining a consistent compassion toward those who were not so fortunate, those on whose behalf she so often spoke and labored.

Her memory will continue to be an inspiration to us who were fortunate to know something of her life and to have had the opportunity to listen to her powerful story, a story which contains the elements of hope we all need as we face our own difficult circumstances along this road that is life.

May she rest in peace. AMEN+

PAINFUL AND HEART WRENCHING

2010-12-04T11:04:00.001-05:00

On the evening of Steven Hayes' sentencing, I sat down and read the entire text of Dr. William Petit's statement to the court prior to the imposition of the killer's sentence. It was one of the most painful and heart wrenching pieces of writing I have ever encountered. The purpose of my comments here is not to engage in discussion about the merits of the death penalty. That discussion, important as it is, is for another context.

I just want to say that in this anguish filled statement, Dr. Petit speaks not only for himself but for all people, regardless of social status, whose loved ones have been taken from them through violence. Day in and day out, our television, newspaper and internet headlines speak of some murder somewhere in our state. They tell of people who suffered in their final moments. Dr. Petit reminds us that there is a horrible human price to all of this that goes even deeper than the deaths of those victims. So often, there are other victims involved.

Dr. Petit, who himself was attacked viciously that morning, is most certainly a victim himself, as are all of those whose relationships have been ruptured by those who have engaged in unspeakbale crimes. In this season of joy, may Dr. Petit and all who suffer be in our prayers!! PB

A RECOMMENDATION FOR OUR READERS

2010-11-22T16:37:00.000-05:00

For the past several years, I have recommended a wonderful daily reading during Advent and Lent published by faculty and students at a little college in Indiana. I have found that these readings are a graet source of inspiration and help me to focus on the season, so necessary a task in this busy world. You can subscribe to them via email or you can just read them online...

Consider going to http://blog.goshen.edu/devotions/

I really recommend it highly! Pass this along to young people too...

PB

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2010-11-16T18:54:00.000-05:00

While all the retailers are rushing toward a season of Christmas shopping, it is important that first we pause to celebrate THANKSGIVING. May this hymn and the one below it on this blog help your reflection upon the wonderful day we celebrate next Thursday, November 25! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! See you at worship this Thanksgiving Sunday!!

THERE ONCE WAS A WORLD.....

2010-11-15T18:53:00.000-05:00

The Alban Institute - 2010-11-15 There Once Was a World

This is a truly fascinating article........I invite you to read it, reflect upon it, and perhaps comment upon it as well. As I told some people, it deals with some issues I allude to in my recent writing as well~

I invite your opinions....

PB

Enjoy the entire song!

2010-11-13T10:08:00.000-05:00

Here is the song in its entirety, but be sure to look at the Johnny Cash interpretation below.......PB

Johnny Cash performs "Blowin' In The Wind"

2010-11-07T17:55:00.001-05:00

On Veterans' Day in 1970, Johnny Cash performed this powerful rendition of his good friend Bob Dylan's timeless song, a song as relevant as ever here in 2010!

PRAYERFUL, DELIBERATE DIALOGUE

2010-11-07T17:46:00.001-05:00

On LAITY SUNDAY in our church( next Sunday NOVEMBER 14)we will hold a prayerful dialogue beyween the pastor and congregation focusing on the controversial issue of the death penalty. It is my conviction that churches need to approach difficult moral questions in this kind of atmosphere.

In considering this issue, I encourage readers to take time this week to read the following Bible passages:

Luke 6: 27-35
Matthew 26: 47-56
Matthew 5: 43-45

Members of the congregation will lead the service.......I will be involved in a reflection and our dialogue........laity and clergy sharing and seeking together..............

Pastor Bob

ps: As noted on the side, from 12-1 , we will hold a discussion and book signing of my new book....

A FEW THOUGHTS............

2010-11-03T18:45:00.001-04:00

While the 2010 elections are finally over at least in most states and races, I think it is appropriate to issue a request for future consideration, a request that I hope will be discussed and supported prior to the next national election and political contests in subsequent years:

Wouldn't it be nice if the electorate demanded elections that weren't nasty and demeaning to the opponents? I understand that American elections have always been intense but media capabilities have raised this lack of civility to an entirely new level. In the Connecticut gubernatorial election, BOTH SIDES just kept upping the ante of negativism. These comments are not intended to cast blame on one candidate over any other. I saw this last weekend when I spent three days in New York State and when my TV viewing was dominated by the negativity so consistently spewed out in those campaigns.

And, while we are at it, both parties in CT have had candidates who spent enormous amounts of their personal fortunes running for office.......BOTH PARTIES.........Ten or twelve or forty or fifty million could well be used in better ways in this needy country and in God's world.....

It's time, I think, for people of good will to demand MORE of those who run for political office and it's time for politicians to take charge of some positive values.

Conventional political wisdom states that unless you respond to a negative ad with a negative ad yourself, you run a greater risk of losing. Well...we need politicians who stand up and say that they will pledge to stick to the issues and avoid character assassination, EVEN if their opponents insist on taking the low road.....

That's political character. That's political courage. Republicans and Democrats alike both need it. I'm disgusted with the behavior of some candidates for whom I voted even as I am at least equally disgusted with that of their opponents. People who believe in the importance of good values have got to stand up and start demanding that they be upheld!!
PB

We can worship God any time and anywhere!!

2010-10-31T21:53:00.000-04:00

I hope you take some time to let this song and its words speak for you........and maybe sing along!! We will do this at worship in Union soon!! ENJOY!!!

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

2010-10-31T19:53:00.000-04:00

Next Sunday, November 7, our congregation will celebrate ALL SAINTS SUNDAY and we will remember Rev. Carol Cordner Howard, our former pastor, on the 1oth anniversary of her death. Please see the remembrance of Rev. Howard on our web site. As we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, enjoy this hymn, one of the finest recordings I have seen!

A POWERFUL WITNESS

2010-10-26T21:41:00.000-04:00

My wife and I just returned from Wesleyan University where we heard a moving presentation by Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Price winner, survivor of the Holocaust and distinguished author. He is well known to many young people for his moving work NIGHT, a classic read in many high schools.

In future posts, I will refer in more detail to this amazing witness. For now, I will just suggest that we all should take the opportunity to read his wonderful works.

Check out http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/

PB

FEEDBACK ON THE BOOK

2010-10-25T17:54:00.000-04:00

Now that my book has been released, I look forward to your comments about it. I wrote this book with the hope that it be useful and practical for local churches. It is also my intention that those who are interested in trends in American religion and in leadership will find it worthwhile.

As you read it, feel free to post a comment here....and THANKS for reading this book.....

PART-TIME PASTOR, FULL- TIME CHURCH
Pilgrim Press, Cleveland
http://www.uccresources.org/
1 800 537 3394

AN IMPORTANT MORAL DISCUSSION

2010-10-20T19:40:00.003-04:00

The issue of the death penalty has been on the mind of Conencticut residents who have been following the Cheshire home invasion case. This is a serious issue about which churches need to dialogue.

This link will bring you to the text of a sermon I delivered five years ago, one which I believe is still relevant today. Please see the sidebar with my introductory note. I invite your thoughtful insights and opinions. Even as i know that many of you may disagree with me, I hope we can approach this topic civilly and with a mutual desire to do that which is right~

It is reprinted from the web site of the Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ

PB www.ctucc.org/resources/sermons/ashininglamp2.html

We prepare for Sunday's family Worship service. Our message will be from Luke 17:11-19. Enjoy this as we prepare!

2010-10-11T12:29:00.000-04:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8--Enjoy a song about the realities and the complexities of life based on the words of the Bible!

2010-10-10T19:42:00.000-04:00

THE CLOSING OF A CATHOLIC SCHOOL.....MY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

2010-09-28T19:31:00.001-04:00

This morning, as I surfed the Internet, I came across a headline that grabbed my attention and gave me information of which I had not heard. St. Mary's School in Putnam, my elementary school in my home town, closed just prior to the start of this school year. On the one hand, it was but another in the steady stream of changes one encounters as one moves on in years, with each one reminding you that you really ARE getting old...or at least older. Good grief, I felt it this morning when I read that George Blanda, former NFL quarterback whom I loved to watch every Sunday when I was a kid, had died. At my age, I am discovering, it's change after change, virtually every day, those things that once were keep moving farther and farther away in life's rear view mirror.

But there was something different about this one. This was MY SCHOOL, a place which I attended ten months a year for eight years of my life, and, even more, it's where so much of what I believe today was so profoundly influenced and shaped. And, on top of that, this was a school that served as the axis mundi, i.e.the center of the universe, for generation after generation of young Catholic boys and girls in a small Connecticut factory town.

Those of you who have read what I've written and know that I'm a Protestant clergyman who gladly and freely embraces Reformation theology may very well be surprised by my emotional attachment to so central a part of Roman Catholic culture. But I'm here to say that so long as I shall live, I will be forever grateful to those good sisters who taught at St. Mary's. Though some would not have been all that pleased with the direction of my own religious choices, as a good number of them lobbied hard for me to be a Catholic priest, if they could read my mind and heart, they would know how deep their influence upon me was. They taught me to think. They taught me to question. They let me see up close women leadership in the church. They taught me by example what it means to love God with one's entire heart and soul.

In a different age and a different place, many of those faithful women would have done other things. But they were faithful in their own time and place. And isn't that what all of us really seek wherever we might happen to be?

Catholic schools have played an important role in the shaping of American education and as a proud graduate of a Catholic college, prep school and St. Mary's in Putnam, I know what they have meant in my life. They served a purpose back in the good old days. They had a mission to fulfill in that world, offering a network of support and access to values driven learning to immigrants, their children and their childrens' children. What's sad is that they still have a mission to fulfill today and in too many places, it's a mission that's being neglected, schools regularly discarded because of bottom line numbers on diocesan balance sheets. And, if you will allow a former Catholic an observation, this neglect has been building for a long time..and it did not have to be!In fact, those forward thinking church leaders who envisioned Catholic education in this country as affordable and accessible for the poor and the outsider would be appalled, I think, that such a day might ever have come where there are still such great needs that must be met.

Despite the protestations ( please pardon the pun!) from those making such decisions, it did not have to be. there could have been a better way, but, as so often is the case as life goes on, it is what it is, even if that is just doesn't seem right!

So, FAREWELL, St. Mary's.....and thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart!!

PB

CALLING IN THE NIGHT

2010-09-28T18:50:00.000-04:00

Join us at worship this Sunday at 10:45 as I will preach the sermon CALLING IN THE NIGHT~ Enjoy the music!!

NEWS FROM OUR CHURCH- WE ARE LEAVING THE LIGHT ON FOR YOU...

2010-09-19T19:41:00.001-04:00

Today was really a very heartening and inspirational day in the life of our church. It was an incredibly energetic and spirit filled celebration. It was also wonderfully intergenerational and filled with children and celebratory balloons.

We kicked off a new program year with a clear and special message, a message for every reader of this blog...

We're the Congregational Church of Union, United Church of Christ.....AND WE 'LL LEAVE THE LIGHT ON FOR YOU!

9/11/2001......9/11/2010

2010-09-11T07:51:00.000-04:00

On this anniversary of one of the saddest days in American history, let us pause to remember those families and friends who continue to suffer from the tragic events of that horrible day. Let us give thanks as well for those who exhibited such courage in the face of such horror.

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, people in this country, despite religious and political differences, stood united. The days and months that followed were marked by remarkable shows of unity. I actually preached a sermon back then with that as the theme. On September 11, 2010, may we work on behalf of that sense of unity once again as we honor the innocent victims who died that day....

PB

ps: My good friend Curt Brand has recorded a moving song on 9-11 which he has sung in our church......It's called ' Dust on the water'.....I'll try to post it on this blog, but if that does not work, you can access it via http://www.curtisbrand.com/

UPDATE

2010-09-09T19:20:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, since my last optimistic post, it has become clear that Pastor Jones is engaging in some bizarre and disturbing behavior...

The news continues to unfold.....and the absurdity remains: America's churches should be doing good things with their time and efforts, NOT this kind of awful stuff!

For now, let us pray that sanity and peace prevail...

PB

GOOD BREAKING NEWS!!

2010-09-09T17:56:00.000-04:00

A few moments ago, Pastor Terry Jones announced that he would NOT participate in burning the Koran on September 11.

As terrible as his threat was and it most certainly was.....it is good to see that reason, civility and good spiritual values are alive and well as was evident in the reaction to this threatened action...

On September 11, let us turn our thoughts to those families and friends who still suffer from the horror of 9/11/2001 and let us pray fervently for a peaceful world...

PB

SAD........

2010-09-08T16:33:00.000-04:00

Several weeks ago, I expressed my concern about the Florida pastor whose church has spread the word that they plan to burn the Koran on the anniversary of 9-11. As of just a little while ago, despite mounting pressure and criticism, including that of General David Petraeus, this pastor has repeated his plan to carry this out.

This is a SAD story...for, in my view, this pastor and his church are misrepresenting Christianity to the world and possibly putting more of our troops in harm's way....

Did you know that his church has a membership of only FIFTY?
Think of all the GOOD that small churches CAN DO ...and that they DO!!

May this willingness to live the gospel of peace, understanding and civility guide the efforts of our little church....and that of all churches of every size...

This pastor's plan is reprehensible...
PB

A study of local congregations well worth examining!

2010-09-05T09:36:00.001-04:00

New Study Identifies Key Factors Impacting Vital Congregations - UMC.org

The United Methodist Church has published a fascinating study of local congregations. It is worth reading and examining. I will also be publishing some commentary about it on this blog!

PB

Enjoy this beautiful song!

2010-08-26T18:59:00.000-04:00

Over this summer, I've encouraged us to try to take the time to read WHAT JESUS TAUGHT through looking at Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Beginning in September, we will have an educational program on JESUS OF HISTORY/CHRIST OF FAITH.

As part of this reflection, please enjoy this beautiful hymn rendition. FYI, we will be singing it in church soon!

PB

LESSONS LEARNED FROM ELIE WIESEL

2010-08-24T16:04:00.000-04:00

There is great relevance in these words from Elie Wiesel, survivor of the Holocaust, when asked whether he hated the German people. It was the Nazis who were responsible for the death of many of his family members and so many of his fellow Jews.

His words are so relevant in today's so often hate filled, demagogic climate:

Elie: I do not hate them. I don't believe in collective guilt. The children of killers are not killers, but children. And they deserve my affection, my efforts to make them human, to give them a world that is worthy of them. Occasionally, I have students from Germany in my classes, and they are the best students I could have. They go back to Germany, and they become leaders who teach their generation the perils of hatred and the danger of indifference. In any society, fanatics who hate don't hate only me—they hate you too. They hate everybody. Someone who hates one group will end up hating everyone—and, ultimately, hating himself or herself. ( My italics)

PB

BEWARE OF DEMONIZATION.....

2010-08-23T19:09:00.001-04:00

In the recent controversy surrounding the building of the Islamic Center in New York, opponents have reacted with deep emotion. They have been troubled and horrified that, in their view, this place where thousands unjustly lost their lives on 9/11/01 would be desecrated by a place held sacred by those espousing the same religion the terrorists practiced. Honestly, if it were really the case that those endorsing the Islamic Center would be engaged in international terrorism, this emotion would be quite understandable.

YET.......the reality is that most of us really don't understand the insides and the intricacies of religions other than our own and are often not at the top of our game in understanding our own either.....and what often happens is that we 'demonize' that which is foreign to our experience, out of fear of what that other stands for.

President George W. Bush was not playing politics when he affirmed that the horrific actions of the terrorists did NOT represent Islam. It was President Bush who started the tradition of a Ramadan feast at the White House. President Bush understood that one could not judge the entirety of a religion by the actions of its extremists. Imagine judging Christians by the actions of some who bear that name.

As has been the case in previous interactions with those who have been feared as other, fanning the flames of fear will not provide the solutions this world needs. Instead, in my view, we need:

1. KNOWLEDGE: Real, factual knowledge
2. A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN MORE AND TO LISTEN MORE
3. A heart to heart with what our own tradition is about......In other words, for Christians, looking at THE HEART AND THE MIND OF JESUS.
4. A heart open to PRAYER...prayer on behalf of ALL God's children...

Just a few thoughts....
PB

A COLUMN WORTH READING

2010-08-23T05:27:00.001-04:00

I think people on different sides on various controversial issues can find common ground in this article which gets to the heart of 2 key matters:

1. Christianity is not about fomenting hate
2. There is a lot of misunderstanding in this 'world of religion'.

SEE THIS COLUMN..... It's my hope that people on different sides of 'ISSUES' can find common ground....

Fomenting Intolerance In Jesus' Name - Courant.com

As always, Susan Campbell is really thought provoking. I'd be interested in your insights on this. I think this column takes us deeper than any individual issue but rather gets us to focus on some basics~

PB

A CHRISTIAN CONTRIBUTION

2010-08-14T13:28:00.000-04:00

Recent stories in the news have shown evidence that certain religious groups are really ratcheting up the rhetoric in opposition to Islam. The most extreme I have read is the congregation in Florida that is encouraging the burning of the Qu'Ran ( Koran) on 9-11, claiming that Islam is 'a religion of the devil.'

While over the course of Christian history, many of Jesus' followers have done some violent and bad things in the name of religion, we need to be reminded of WHAT JESUS TAUGHT.

In a very dangerous and emotionally charged time, we all benefit from looking at the teachings of Jesus for the world needs a reminder that there once was a teacher who taught boldly about the universal love of God and whose dominant ethic was an ethic of LOVE.

May the words of Jesus guide us in this dangerous world...and may they guide His church!

PB

FALL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

2010-08-13T15:02:00.001-04:00

In keeping with my belief that it is important for small churches to offer programming for adults on important issues, i am pleased to announce the following programs that will take place in the Fall at the Congregational Church of Union, UCC:

SEPTEMBER 12- after 9:45 worship: Discussion on Harvey Cox' book THE FUTURE OF FAITH
SEPTEMBER 19- 9 am- Beginning of 3 part series JESUS OF HISTORY/CHRIST OF FAITH
NOVEMBER 14-after worship. Discussion and book signing event regarding PART-TIME PASTOR, FULL-TIME CHURCH

Watch this blog as we draw closer to those dates ..
PB

Theology and UCC congregational life.....

2010-08-10T15:26:00.000-04:00

If you've been reading my blog posts below, you'd be expecting me to move into this topic. My own experience as a pastor has been that in seeking out the UCC churches of which I have been a part, people are not coming in because they are armed with 'UCC Theology' and want to connect with a UCC church. I've found instead that people are seeking a church that meets their spiritual needs and while they may be inclined either toward a Protestant and/ or congregational style church or away from another church, they are looking less for a church that'll pass a 'theological litmus test' and more for one that will be spiritually fulfilling in their own self understanding.

In conducting discussions and classes for seekers and potential new members AND in providing education to the entire congregation, it is important that whoever is doing the teaching, often the pastor, spend significant effort in communicating what it means to be a church of the United Church of Christ. Likewise an Episcopal or Methodist or Lutheran clergyperson/educator should do the same as I indicate in a post below. You see, if a congregation is affiliated with a denomination, the congregation IS incorporating into its own life what it means to be Episcopalian or Lutheran or Methodist or UCC. Therefore, the seeker and the congregant benefits from serious consideration of and reflection on this self identification.

ALL OF WHICH BRINGS US BACK TO THEOLOGY......How would one teach a UCC theology or unique UCC characteristic?

A comprehensive answer to this would take a very long time and, believe me, i'm willing to use that time, but, in this post, I want to start with ONE POINT:

In my view, a key characteristic of UCC theology is found in A WORD used in the title of the church......UNITED. The theology of the United Church of Christ tends toward the concept of UNITY IN CHRIST. This means that built into the fabric of this position is the recognition that there can be a variety of approaches and perspectives on theological matters while focused on a UNIFYING CENTER. Thus, the UCC would have a comfort level with the fact that its members may be inspired by diverse theological sources. Other denominations embrace a multiplicity of approaches also. Though Catholicism is often perceived as monolithic, it is not and within it there are really different ways of being Catholic. In the UCC, this pluralism of theologies centered in the person of Jesus is affirmed and celebrated.

Thus, to a seeker or one who chooses to reflect on her/his church of choice, the United Church of Christ can be presented as a community of faith in the Protestant tradition, a community which affirms a Trinitarian understanding of God and a church for whom the style of governance( congregational) is a strong theological statement in and of itself.

In my view, it's a pretty exciting church to talk about on the local level!!

Hope this is helpful....

PB

I WOULD BE INTERESTED......

2010-08-10T10:59:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:

In keeping with the two blog entries below and in anticipation of some future writing, I would really appreciate if some of you readers could respond to this question:

Why did you choose to attend the church you do?

My sense is that the answers really vary:
* Some because you looked for the church tradition in which you were raised
* Some because it's the church a friend or family member attends
* Some because of geography
* Some because of some other factors related to that church- the preaching, education programs, choir...etc....

You don't need to name the church, but I'd enjoy seeing some responses..

PB

Check out our new poll...and possibly comment!!

2010-08-09T21:00:00.000-04:00

The poll you will see on the right goes along with the entry below....I'm trying to get a sense of the importance of theology in terms of the life of the local church. It's fairly well documented that the choice of denomination or church body ( e.g. Methodist, Catholic, UCC, Baptist, etc.) is not as important in choosing a church as it once was. I'd love to hear what you think about this...

I'll be chiming in with some comments as well.....

PB

NOT TO BE OVERLOOKED.......more musings about theology.......

2010-08-09T18:18:00.000-04:00

In just a few weeks, programs in local churches really start gearing up. People return from vacations, church schools move into full swing and the regular calendar of committee meetings and church events is quite full. I'd like to reiterate that TWO IMPORTANT AREAS which must not ever be neglected are YOUTH MINISTRY and ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION. Even if churches are small and/or have part time pastors, these are REAL NEEDS in the modern church and must be front and center in a church's planning.

In this commentary, I wish to concentrate on the matter of Adult Education. I've written about youth ministry before and most certainly will again. In this space, I wish to make some points that I have been thinking about as I have observed the life of many churches:

1. In planning Christian education for adults, it is so important to help people reflect theologically. By this I mean that churches should be places where the 'big questions' of life's origin, destiny, and meaning are explored.

2. Local churches should help its own members and those who seek out the local church understand the theology of the particular church or denomination to which the church is a part.

NOTE: Some would contend that this kind of emphasis is unimportant or irrelevant and that Christian Education should not provide this focus. They would say that people join local churches for their own reasons which often have less to do with 'theology' than with the kinds of programs the church runs or the quality of the service. It is my strong conviction that local churches, in teaching about the local church, really need to help people get in touch with the theology that has driven the existence and history of that church.

Lutherans need to understand Luther's theology of the Cross, Presbyterians the reformed emphasis of God's sovereignity, Baptists the importance of personal commitment to Christ, Assemblies of God churches the theology of the Holy Spirit, Methodists the significance of Wesley's 'heart strangely warmed.'

Some, as I have said, would contend that none of this is as important as teaching the Gospel and dealing with the application of the Gospel to modern problems. My counterpoint is that this knowledge helps both member and seeker understand better the tradition of which this local church is part.

Which leads to........

3. Mainline churches have great theological traditions which have great relevance to questions that local churches must face in this second decade of this 21st century.....

FINALLY....

All of this raises questions for me about the theological characteristics to be found within the United Church of Christ....

More about that in future writings...

PB

Journal Inquirer Page One EDITORIAL: Facing evil

2010-08-05T12:43:00.001-04:00

Journal Inquirer Page One EDITORIAL: Facing evil

This is a wonderful editorial dealing with the horror in Manchester----NOTE: In order to publish the link, I had to publish all that came with the page. Doing so does NOT constitute an endorsement of ANY ADVERTISING on the web page linked.
PB

A TIME TO PRAY......

2010-08-04T17:51:00.001-04:00

The awful tragedy in Manchester yesterday is so terribly sad. Let's all take some time to pray for those for whom the victims were such significant parts of their lives, for those who work in this warehouse, and for the local communities, including the one in which I live, which are so deeply in pain as a result of this senseless violence...

PB

THERE JUST HAS TO BE A BETTER WAY!

2010-08-03T10:05:00.000-04:00

As a resident of Connecticut, I have been 'treated' to a barrage of negative campaign ads featuring Democrats bashing fellow Democrats and Republicans doing the same to one another. One just knows as one watches these ads that the primary purpose is to help one's candidate 'win'. The greater loss of credibility and civility is most unfortunately ignored.

I'm waiting for a candidate to take a stand and say......' ENOUGH!'......
I'm waiting for a Connecticut candidate to bring some ethics back into the process....

PB

CAUTION: PROSPERITY GOSPEL THINKING

2010-07-29T08:27:00.000-04:00

As you can see in the post below, we are dealing with some passages on wealth this weekend at church. One approach to this issue, which I consider unfortunate, is that held by those teachers and preachers who draw the connection between BEING BLESSED BY GOD and HAVING MATERIAL WELL BEING. In my view, this is dangerous and not in line with Jesus' perspective on this issue.

Religious history is filled with those who have argued that there is a connection between righteousness and being outwardly blessed and conversely between evil and misfortune. These issues permeate the biblical Book of Job and are of great concern to Jesus as well.

Many disadvantaged people in our country and world are vulnerable to the teachings and the preaching of those who draw this close connection between prosperity and righteousness....

As always, it's good to take a REALLY CLOSE LOOK at Jesus.....

PB

' RICH IN THINGS AND POOR IN SOUL'

2010-07-28T09:41:00.000-04:00

The phrase quoted above in the title of this entry is from Fosdick's hymn GOD OF GRACE AND GOD OF GLORY. This Sunday, I will be preaching a sermon entitled ON BEING RICH. Here are the Scripture passages we will be reading:

Luke 12:13-21
Luke 16:19-31
Luke 6:24-25
Luke 12:32-34
AND.....parts of Psalm 49

These passages really take on the issue of WEALTH. What I find interesting is how people define BEING RICH. It's clear that there are some passages in Scripture extremely critical of 'the rich'. It seems to me that when hearers hear that word, they hear different things depending upon their perspectives and circumstances.

And so.........I wish to ask our readers:

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE RICH?
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE BEING RICH?

Final comment.........why is it that so many 'Bible believing Christians' are less inclined to 'go literal' on these passages than on some of the ones referring to sexuality? Interesting phenomenon.....

PB

REALITIES OF THE MODERN CHURCH

2010-07-26T11:43:00.001-04:00

As readers of this blog know very well, I have a book coming out in October called PART-TIME PASTOR, FULL-TIME CHURCH ( Pilgrim Press, Cleveland). Even since the time I first started this project, I have become familiar with many churches in New England and throughout the country who are moving toward considering part time pastors.

This reality, triggered by economic considerations, need not be viewed with a defeatist doomsday attitude. Instead, it is my strong belief that this is an imporatnt time to work at really revitalizing the local church. Most people are unaware that the MAJORITY of churches in our country are SMALL ONES, the churches on the greens in many small towns and the neighborhood churches in many larger cities.

I encourage readers of this blog to engage actively in the work of the local church. This exciting movement we call Christianity very much needs church communities that, even if small, are PROGRESSIVE and ALIVE!

By the way, if you get the chance, I'd love your feedback on the book when it comes out...

PB

READING JESUS IN THE GOSPELS

2010-07-18T21:44:00.001-04:00

Are readers of this blog taking up my suggestion to go to the Gospels and read what Jesus taught and did......I've been making that suggestion in church too.....

For my reasons, scroll down and look at some of my other blog entries...

A QUESTION:

What are you discovering about Jesus?

I'd love it if we could share here...

PB

MAKE YOUR OWN SUNDAY JULY 25

2010-07-18T21:38:00.000-04:00

During this Sunday's service, members of the congregation will select HYMNS that we will sing together.

Please see the POLL on the right ......In it, I ask the question: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HYMN?

Please use this space to comment on your selection AND/OR to cast your vote if your hymn is not on the list...

Just respond to this blog entry...

Pastor Bob

HAVE A LITTLE FAITH~A GREAT READ!

2010-07-14T21:19:00.001-04:00

I just finished reading a great book entitled HAVE A LITTLE FAITH. Written by sportswriter Mitch Albom, who also wrote TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, It is really worth giving a careful look.

If you've read it, please leave your thoughts. If you have not, please consider doing so-

PB

Moyers challenges UCC: 'Drive out the money changers'

2010-07-08T15:45:00.000-04:00

HEAT WAVE.......with a thanks to Bill Moyers!

Our current heat wave got me to thinking about one of the most powerful books I've ever read:
HEAT WAVE: A SOCIAL AUTOPSY OF DISASTER IN CHICAGO

I was inspired to read the book by a talk Bill Moyers gave at the UCC SYNOD in Hartford in 2007, the best talk I heard at that extraordinary synod! In it, he mentions this book and the way he discusses it is worth a read!

See the link below to read the speech in its entirety...It is worth it

Moyers challenges UCC: 'Drive out the money changers'

A VERY SAD STORY

2010-07-07T14:37:00.002-04:00

This morning's Hartford Courant featured a very sad and troubling story about a priest who is alleged to have stolen over a million dollars from members of his congregation. Much of this money is reported to have been used supporting a hidden life replete with extravagant living and sexual activity in clear violation of the standards set by his church for the priesthood and also in conflict with sexual values held in common by faithful heterosexual and homosexual Christians alike.

While this is not the time to launch into an invective about the preponderance of terrible incidents that have been revealed in the past few years and their causation, it is fitting and right to ask what has gone wrong and how this can be prevented.

Most importantly, as we read about human fraility, it is so crucial to remind ourselves that those of us who call ourselves Christians place our faith in JESUS, not in flawed and fallible human beings.

The greatest tragedy of all is if the message of Jesus is ignored because of the way certain public figures misrepresent the faith...

PB

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

2010-07-02T13:08:00.000-04:00

Here's wishing all the readers of this blog a wonderful National Holiday weekend!

With thanksgiving that we are fortunate to live in this great land and with a profound sense of responsibility that comes with that gift....

Pastor Bob

' A JESUS PROBLEM'

2010-06-29T15:21:00.001-04:00

I saw a few heads pop up the other day at worship when I suggested that organized Christianity has what I called a 'Jesus problem.' I was quite serious!
My point is that much discussion about Christianity and Christian churches avoids the big question of exactly what the 'founder' of Christianity taught.

You see, we have lots of THEOLOGY and a lot of CREEDAL statements about Jesus. In the big picture, that is good. It keeps us on track, It gives us parameters. Yet so much church discussion avoids getting right into the heart of what Jesus believed and what He taught...and that is really unfortunate...

So, I'm asking people in my church, people of all ages, to go into their Bibles and read what Jesus taught.......Just see it for yourselves. Of course, there are always questions like: How do we know for sure? How much is interpretation? How much is pure Jesus? There are ways to deal with those questions....and we can talk about them...

This fall, in our church, I'm going to find time to talk to our Sunday Schoolers about exactly what I've just written about here.....and beginn ing in September, we are going to do an ADULT EDUCATION program around two main topics:

1. THE HISTORICAL JESUS
2. THE CHRIST OF FAITH

But, for now, will you please consider reading the parables Jesus taught, the sayings He spoke, the deeds He did?

Organized Christianity has simply got to get in touch with Jesus lest we get lost in a morass of rules and traditions done for the sake of tradition....

Kind of un Jesus like, I'd say, as we speak about the man who said, in essence, that rules are made for people, not the other way around, even the most sacred of 'religious' rules.

What do you think??

PB

INFANT BAPTISM

2010-06-26T09:10:00.003-04:00

Our church, along with many others within the Christian tradition, celebrates INFANT BAPTISM. As I have been preparing for tomorrow's Baptism, I have been thinking about the meaning of Baptism in both the life of those being baptized unknowingly and its meaning in the life of the family and the wider Christian community, which we call church.

My conviction is that the baptism of children brings us older Christians face to face with our own understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. One way of saying this is that if we wish to pass along the 'Christian faith', we ourselves have got to get in touch with that faith.

So, in accord with my theme for tomorrow's message NEEDING JESUS, I encourage the readers of this blog to take time this summer to go into the Gospels and read what Jesus taught and how Jesus lived. I encouraged this in my previous blog entry. The effective raising of children in the Christian tradition is dependent upon this.

FINAL POINT.....

When all is said and done, Christianity is NOT about:

* Religious customs and traditions
* Theology in a vacuum

When all is said and done, Christianity is always about......JESUS....

PB

NEEDING JESUS

2010-06-24T16:53:00.000-04:00

We are going to be celebrating several Baptisms at 9:45 worship Sunday and I will be preaching the message NEEDING JESUS. Watch this blog for more commentary on that early next week...

BUT...FOR NOW...............

I want to encourage everyone reading this blog to take some summer time and to read the 4 Gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Just read about Jesus.....and then watch as the commentary on this blog unfolds.....

PB

The Center For Church Music, Songs and Hymns

2010-06-18T15:29:00.000-04:00

The Center For Church Music, Songs and Hymns

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

This Sunday, we will look closely at this language we use to describe the indescribable God...

Enjoy this hymn!

PB

JESUS IN A TREE

2010-06-16T21:38:00.000-04:00

It seems that every so often someone claims that a particular object contains an image of some important religious figure. Such is the case again this week in Wallingford, Ct. as people claim to see the image of Jesus in a tree. I wish to address these kind of phenomena both seriously and respectfully.

1. First of all, it is obvious that being in touch with a divine presence is a very meaningful part of being human.

2. Secondly, one should not make light of the fact that God is mysterious and we don't really grasp how God manifests divinity among us.

3. HOWEVER, it is important to be cautious:

a. We don't REALLY KNOW what Jesus looked like. We have no photographs. We DO have images in our minds and it is easy to project what we think Jesus should look like onto images we see.
b. Believing or not believing it is Jesus in a tree should NOT be a test of faith.

Finally, I believe God makes God's presence felt ...often in quiet, not so dramatic ways. The existence of God should NEVER be dependent upon belief in a particular alleged apparition. The mystery that is God is far too deep.

If the image in the tree is NOT JESUS, Jesus IS STILL PRESENT AMONG US for in the words of the poet:

Christ plays in ten thousand places. lovely in limbs and lovely in EYES NOT HIS..........

He is risen! He is risen indeed! ALLELUIA!

PB

CHURCH IN THE SUMMER

2010-06-12T07:56:00.000-04:00

At our church, summer worship begins tomorrow with our move to an earlier service. Sunday School is out and the frenzy of 'program year' activity which culminated in Children's Day last weekend has now come to a halt.

While a respite from the demands of the calendar is both good and NECESSARY, I also want to suggest that coming to worship in the summer is a GREAT spiritual experience and that God's season of summer is a big reason for that. In a real sense, summer, in many cultures, including our own, provides that time of rest and renewal embodied in the notion of SABBATH.

Unfortunately, somehow a notion has come into the minds of many that summer is also a time away from church. I'd like to suggest the opposite:

1. Summer can be a time to worship in a different style, a style driven by the tone of the season

2. Summer can be a time to experience worship on the road, renewing in us and suggesting to the young that there is a UNIVERSALITY about this Christian experience and that CHURCH extends beyond 'OUR church.'

3. Summer offers great opportunities to welcome guests to worship and for people to test whether they want to make a move back to church.

4. Summer is a wonderful time for families to worship together and to enjoy some freedom from the restrictions of the school year calendar.

I'm looking forward to the start of summer worship.......and I'm hoping that worship will be an integral part of your summer too!

Pastor Bob

A RECENT CONTROVERSY: Not 'JUST MINOR STUFF' AND OTHER THOUGHTS

2010-06-06T07:26:00.001-04:00

Considering the fact that I work in public education and am also a Pastor, I am often asked my opinion concerning the recent Enfield graduation case. I also happen to work in a school which used to hold graduations at the church in the center of the controversy.

In this blog entry, I want to highlight some points that can easily be missed because of the emotion attached to this issue. I want this entry to be less polemic and posturing and more a source for continued reflection. I write this from my perspective as a Christian and as a Christian Pastor:

1. It is not 'anti Christian' to acknowledge that we are not intended to be a Christian nation. The concept of religious freedom underscores that. The founders of this country are often misinterpreted so as to make them sound monolithic in their religious understanding. In fact, they represented different places on the religious spectrum. Thomas Jefferson was most certainly not a 'traditional Christian' as the term is understood today ( or even then!). I encourage readers to look at Jon Meacham's AMERICAN GOSPEL and also Forrest Church's THE AMERICAN CREED for solid background in this regard. Yes, what have been known as ' Judaeo- Christian' values ARE a huge part of the value system of this country BUT American values can be embraced by those outside of those traditions AND there may well be times when those values conflict with particular laws that have been established in this country. In addition, PUBLIC LAW may allow for things that some personal religious faiths may prohibit. An example would be religious groups that see alcohol use as immoral even as the law allows it. I think we have seen the dangers inherent when one attempts to IMPOSE religious faith on a country's laws! I've written extensively about 'resisting the theocratic impulse'.

2. A young man in Enfield said that the signs and symbols within First Cathedral is 'just minor stuff.' The argument that a church should be evaluated solely as a potential viewing venue and that what is contained within it is irrelevant is a real insult to religious faith. The cathedral contains crosses, Biblical sayings about God and about Jesus, Christian symbols such as a dove and fish. Each symbol and saying has a rich history and theology. Comparing the worship space to the XL Center or Bushnell in terms of convenience and downplaying the religious significance of what is in and around the building is pretty frightening to those who take their faith seriously. In effect, this provides evidence that the separation of church and state PROTECTS religious practice from inappropriate entanglements. The entanglement issue was taken up in the famous Supreme Court case in 1988 which led to what is known as the 'Lemon test' regarding church-state separation.

3. I seriously wonder if the reaction would be different were the proposed graduation site a religious worship space of a religion that is not Christian. I don't know the answer to that but I raise the question in light of my remarks in point # 1.

In summary, I hope this entry contributes to the conversation regarding the issues surrounding this matter-

PB

GREAT SUMMER READING

2010-06-05T09:44:00.001-04:00

With summer so near, I'd like to encourage those interested to check out my recommended church summer reading book:

THE FUTURE OF FAITH, written by Harvey Cox.

For those interested in looking at major issues facing religion in the present and in the future, Dr. Cox provides a tremendous historical background. This is a great read for those who wish to consider seriously what churches might, could and should be like in the future.

In this book, you will also find some amazing facts presented quite clearly.

I will lead a discussion on it and preach about the topic in the Fall...

Available at libraries, bookstores and http://www.amazon.com/

PB

THINKING ABOUT SERVICE

2010-05-31T15:55:00.001-04:00

At this morning's parade several veterans were present and marched. As I spoke to them after the festivities, I thought back to what my father used to tell me and how many young people in his generation, very young people, were called to go off to war. I thought back as well to my own high school and college years and how very present was the possibility of being drafted and going off to Vietnam. All of this led to even more musings as I realized that most of our young people today are not really directly affected by the wars currently being waged in the world. Most of our youth are immune from the possibility of going off to war.

As a matter of fact, those who do join the armed forces and fight these days are either those who have a strong philosophical commitment to the notion of defending the interests of one's country or those for whom service in the military might provide good career options and some financial help as well. The children of the privileged can quite easily be immune from the dangers involved in war. Many don't even really know anyone well whose life is in clear and present danger as he or she lives in harm's way.

I am in no way arguing in favor of returning to the draft even as I freely acknowledge that its existence in my generation sure helped make people aware of national politics! Yet I am convinced that there is incredible value to the concept of service once embodied in the draft, the notion that one has a responsibility to the well being of one's nation. It is this notion of serving the common good that the world's religions hold and value in common.

Politicians pay great lip service, especially at election time, to the idea of expanding the notion of national service. Our current President spoke eloquently of this in the 2008 campaign. Sadly, the rhetoric has far outweighed the performance on this one and America's youth are all the more disadvantaged for it.

On this Memorial Day, the words of a former President are most appropriate for this nation:

' Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country'-

John F. Kennedy
January 20, 1961

MEMORIAL DAY

2010-05-30T20:35:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day is a time to remember that over the course of our history, people have faced tragic death in war. Some of those wars have been well received by the American people. Examples include World Wars One and Two. Others, Vietnam the most noteworthy, have been far more controversial.

Memorial Day reminds us of the human cost of war. We feel deeply for those whose spouses, parents, siblings, grandchildren and friends have died in places so often so distant and far away. We admire those whose actions at a certain point in history made possible a safer world even as we humbly acknowledge that even when war may be justified, it really must never be glorified for its cost is so great.

Memorial Day reminds us of that.

My Dad was a veteran of WWII. He was proud that he served, but spoke humbly and emotionally about the friends he lost. His son was not a veteran. Instead, I argued quite passionately against the war in my generation and the era in which that war was waged, the 1960's, was the most formative period of my life in terms of shaping my thoughts and my values.

It took me up to the time that my father died to really start to understand what his service meant not only to him but to this country. I realized that I was pretty blessed that my Dad came home alive and could become my Dad. Other veterans have not been so fortunate nor have others who have been part of their lives. It is they whom we honor on this Memorial Day!

PB

SAD.......BUT THERE REALLY IS GOOD NEWS!!!

2010-05-26T16:19:00.000-04:00

A group from a Baptist church in Kansas headed up by Fred Phelps, their pastor, plans to protest a student performance in Canton, Ct. this week entitled THE LARAMIE PROJECT. This play is about the terrible murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man. It is a highly respected and regarded production.

This group sees as a major part of its ministry the creation of disruptions at churches and other public places. Their purpose is to denounce the rights of homosexuals with inflammatory words that I won't print here, words that declare God's HATRED of homosexuals. They have protested at military funerals and at Mr. Shepard's funeral several years ago in Wyoming. Just google the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas and you will see the disgusting details!!

It is SO SAD that their activities are done in the name of Christian religion.......To those reading this who wonder why hatred is dispensed under Jesus' name, I have some good news:

There are many, many local churches and LARGE NUMBERS of individual Christians in this country who outwardly reject this kind of hate, all cloaked in the garb of religion. May our prayer be that those who have felt this hate from those who claim to follow Christ will see in the Christian community the deep regard and respect for all human beings that emanates from seeking to follow the Way of Jesus!

PB

THINKING THEOLOGICALLY

2010-05-23T17:14:00.000-04:00

As I have said before, this little corner of the blogosphere has tended to heat up when I have addressed controversial social issues like same sex marriage, abortion and the death penalty. When I turn to topics like Pentecost or in this week's case, Trinity Sunday and the belief in the Trinity, it is much, much quieter.

Centuries ago, if blogs were around, this would not be the case. Battles were fought over the interpretation of doctrine. Many would say that it is a good thing that we don't battle theology any more. Someone whom I respect told me recently that she thinks the old battles of the REformation are over.

I think it is good that so many people within Christianity are unwilling to consider others as outcasts or outside the fold just because they think differently from how they might think........BUT........I am also deeply convinced that THEOLOGY DOES MATTER and that it is good to think about it, talk about it, discuss it and debate it.

Take next Sunday's Christian feast.....TRINITY SUNDAY...

I contend that examining and exploring what this Trinity teaching means has relevance to relating to God today. there is also one heck of a history around the issue, one which ,while I do not want to recapture it, one could find incredibly illuminating in the present moment.

Watch this blog this week for more.......and consider joining us in Union on Trinity Sunday!

PB

EMBRACE THE MYSTERY

2010-05-23T17:05:00.000-04:00

Across the Christian world, the Sunday after Pentecost is designated as TRINITY SUNDAY. Watch this site this week as I will address the importance of this day! My sermon in church next week is called EMBRACE THE MYSTERY. It is inspired by the fact that it is TRINITY SUNDAY!

PB

CONFIRMATION: AN IMPORTANT EVENT!!

2010-05-22T09:09:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow in our church and many others, our celebration of PENTECOST will include the CONFIRMATION of some of our young people. A Confirmation is a significant event in the life of a local church. It is my hope that those who are confirmed in our church and others are deeply touched by the significance of what they are doing!

In Confirmation, one is really saying that he or she is FREELY CHOOSING to be a part of this Christian heritage and that the teachings of Jesus and the community that is church will be deeply significant in her or his life.

Our obligation as local churches is to provide our youth ways and means to put this Christian faith into practice and to be of support to them as they continue to develop and grow.

In this season of Confirmations, may we pray for the future of this community called church and give thanks to God that so many of our young see in it something they wish to embrace and to which they want to be connected.....

PB

Our secular crisis of faith, an article worth reading!

2010-05-17T19:25:00.002-04:00

James Carroll is one of my favorite writers. I encourage you to read his thought provoking piece from today's Boston Globe.Warning!!!! This is serious writing and really takes concentrated reading. Hisanalysis is absoluely compelling and is worth very careful consideration. Even if you happen not to agree with some of what he says, I think you will agree that he really makes one think AND offers one the opportunity to confront complex questions reasonably- PB

Our secular crisis of faith - The Boston Globe

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