In a conversation after worship someone suggested to me that we show the film clip of the Rev. Dr. William Barber II during worship instead of before or after worship. What a good idea! So, as part of the sermon this Sunday I will use a short clip of Dr. Barber and then give an… Read more David’s Diary
My birthday is coming this week, July 27th. Birthdays are equal opportunity events. Everyone has one. Yet, birthdays are special events because they come only once a year. No matter who you are or where you are, you only get one birthday. You get to celebrate your birth day every year. It’s an annual event.… Read more DAVID’S DIARY
This week I am attending the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, NC. It is an honor to be invited to present a workshop on the themes of my book. This festival, which you can learn about online, runs from July 13-16. There will be a total of 250 workshops during the course of this… Read more David’s Diary
The following Independence Day prayer was written by Reverend Sandhya Jha and published by Chalice Press. I have modified it a bit for the sake of brevity. God of all nations and ours, As we ask the long-posed question, “does that star spangled banner yet wave/ o’er the land of the free and the home… Read more David’s Diary …
My DOC calendar reminds me that today, June 5th, is “World Environment Day.” June, 8th is “World Oceans Day.” These are good reminders of our responsibility to care for the earth. These important observances also remind of us the need for faith communities to stand with all who support the Paris climate accord. Checking the… Read more David’s Diary
Wear red to church this Sunday to celebrate Pentecost. Thanks to Ken Schwartz we will have a flame on the communion table. Come early if you want to participate in our adult class at 9:00am, and stay after worship to join in the Agape Feast. It will be a full day as we celebrate the… Read more DAVID’S DIARY …
The first congregation that I served as pastor was in a small town in Wisconsin. On Memorial Day weekend we gathered at city hall for a procession led by the high school band. We marched down the street to the city cemetery, where a religious service was held. Local dignitaries spoke, we honored members of… Read more DAVID’S DIARY … MEMORIAL DAY
I love my Disciples of Christ calendar. It goes well beyond the basics of dates and days of the month. I did not know that May 5th was “Friendship Day,” or that May 13 was “International Migratory Bird Day.” May 19th is “Bike to Work Day.” The 21st is “Mental Health Sunday,” and the 22nd… Read more DAVID’S DIARY
Sally and I had a wonderful trip to Illinois. We visited friends and family and had a great time with Pastor Scott Oberle and members of Downers Grove Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. In many ways their style of worship reminded us of PVCC. I was delighted to be able to accept their invitation… Read more David’s Diary
An Easter People Easter is coming! That’s the Good News. But before we get there we have to go through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. But these difficult days are also part of the Good News for they are the important affirmation that we live, move, and have our life in the presence of God.… Read more DAVID’S DIARY