Anabaptist and Quaker essays, sermons, and other writings
How has being busy distracted from my faith life? As a public school teacher, my day is packed with decisions. The most common types of daily decisions include when to help students, making curriculum improvements, and which professional development topics to explore. And several other types of decisions are added […]
When I was in seminary, one of my assignments was to develop a Rule of Life. A Rule of Life is a thoughtful, practical plan for how we arrange our lives, giving special attention to what spiritual practices we are going to engage in to support the work of our […]
The most vibrant night sky that I have ever seen was after a day-long hike into the Burmese mountains. I had no idea that so many stars could be seen to the naked eye—the sky was full and radiant with them. I finally had an understanding of why ancient peoples […]
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 […]
Why join one of the Historic Peace Churches? Jesus is at the center of this question. Jesus is at the center of this passage (Romans 5:1-11). Jesus at the center of our faith. Jesus is the source of our strength. Jesus is the source of our peace. Jesus is the […]
Preached at Highland Avenue CoB, May 27, 2018 Isaiah 6:1-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 6 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six […]
Preached at Goshen City CoB, April 29, 2018 John 15:1-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more […]
Preached at Old South Church Boston June 2014 John 20:14-29 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to […]
Preached at Washington City CoB, March 4, 2018 Due to the length and variety of scriptural passages upon which this sermon is based, this publication does not include the base passage. We encourage you to examine Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2: 13-22 before reading the sermon, […]
Preached at Whitestone Community CoB, May 21, 2017 John 15:1-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more […]