Is it possible to have fun - a lot of fun - with that long list of often unpronounceable names at the beginning of Matthew's gospel that comprise Jesus' genealogy?
Read MoreThe Game of the Name!
"My Friend, Joy"
in Advent, Corinthians, Joy
This essay, by Nicole Johnson, is the best explanation and exploration of "Joy" I've yet come across. And that's saying something!
Read MoreLocust Bits
They're one of the few specifically-mentioned foods in our "Christmas scriptures." Wouldn't it be great fun - and more - to include at your next Holiday Open House?
Read More"Joy to the World, The End has Come!"
in Apocalypse, Advent, Christmas, Fun, Holidays, Jesus, Matthew, The Revelation
Apocalyptic Christmas Carols are but one fun and festive way to get your Advent Season off to a theologically correct start! Here's more!
Read MoreWhy We're Grateful for Gourds
in 1 Thessalonians, Food, God's Call, Grace, Holidays, Joy, St. Paul
Thanksgiving - and the Bible - invite us to be grateful for some pretty weird things. So how great there are gourds in our Thanksgiving centerpiece! (If not on our plate....)
Read MoreHave Some Fun with Philippians
in 1 Thessalonians, Fun, God, Philippians, St. Paul
Maybe it's a little goofy, but it's also really fun to explore what Paul might imply with his command to "rejoice always," especially with a dictionary in hand. !!
Read MoreGrief Relief: Looking for Laughter in Loss
in Laughter, Joy, Irony, Healing stories
Following Tuesday night's election returns, there are a lot of deeply grieving people. It's important to grieve, and there are additional important tools for handling times such as these, too. Laughter expert Allen Klein poignantly shares his experiences as he struggled with his father's death. Hope this helps.
Read MoreGame 7, Inspired Saints, and Unexpected Angels (starting with Jason Heyward, natch): My Sermon for 11/6/16
Here is my sermon from last Sunday. For All-Saints Day, Election Day, the Cubs (and even a little celebration that we got an extra hour of sleep Saturday night). By request!
Read More"Fun With Rummage!"
in Church, comedy of the Bible, God, Jesus, Kitsch, Kingdom of God, Parables, Luke
Here's a sermon of mine that made it into print! As an example of "Comedy and Preaching", I compare the Kingdom of God to a church rummage sale. Seems that now is a good time to share this sermon for a number of reasons, including the beginning of the Cubs-Indians World Series....
Read MoreThe Kingdom of God is Like a Presidential Campaign
in comedy of the Bible, God, Irony, Jesus, Kingdom of God, Luke, Parables, Prayer
It's crazy to even begin to compare God's Realm to what's going on right now.... But maybe Jesus would suggest something so absurd that it's funny. Like with his "Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge" (among others...).
Read More