Category Archives: My Life as Pastor

The Strange Case of the Unpopular Bible Study

Posted on May 8, 2020 by

In my long tenure as Pastor and Teacher at Old South, Bible study groups have never been especially well-attended.  Over the years, I’ve led short-term as well as long-term groups, on a range of topics.  I’ve offered studies that have … Continue reading →

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I’m Working!

Posted on April 28, 2020 by

In the midst of all of the difficulties, uncertainties and unpleasantness of the current pandemic, one of the more minor issues, yet still a persistent one, is that I find myself being asked, one way or another, about what I’m … Continue reading →

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Not Counting Pets (or puppets)

Posted on April 1, 2020 by

And those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.        Matthew 14:21 Old South has now held two online worship services, one on March 22 and the other this past Sunday, March 29.  … Continue reading →

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It’s Time to Self-Isolate . . . from the New York Times

Posted on March 23, 2020 by

Like a lot of people, my usual morning follows a routine.  First, coffee. Second, make toast.  Third, drink coffee.  Fourth, say good morning to others who may be in the kitchen at the same time.  Fifth, open computer, review the … Continue reading →

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Can This Old Dog Learn New Tricks?

Posted on March 18, 2020 by

Ministry in the Age of COVID-19 My twenty-year-old son blames his twenty-three-year-old sister for everything that is happening in the world, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.  For Christmas, Margaret gave her brother a t-shirt from Venice, Italy (where … Continue reading →

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Getting My Non On

Posted on February 15, 2020 by

At some point during this year’s annual meeting at Old South, I experienced a moment—an instance that I can only describe as almost terrifying.  I was looking out at the assembled group of good, dedicated church folk and realizing that … Continue reading →

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Identity Crisis

Posted on January 31, 2020 by

Last Sunday’s sermon was on unity, focusing on the lectionary passage from the beginning of First Corinthians. The title of my sermon was “Give Me a U.” The plan was to talk about Paul’s encouragement regarding unity, to remind us … Continue reading →

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Don’t Sit There!

Posted on January 11, 2020 by

And you may ask yourself, well How did I get here? —Talking Heads, Once in a Lifetime During my homily last Sunday, on our first winter worship service of the season in Old South’s parish house (where worship is a … Continue reading →

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This Writing Life 3: Creating Community

Posted on November 20, 2019 by

At first I wasn’t sure how they all seemed to know who I was.  I was greeted by name by more than one person.  One reached out a hand, “Susan, it’s nice to meet you,” before I uttered much more … Continue reading →

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The Remarkable Sound of Silence

Posted on April 5, 2019 by

Many years ago, when I was a second year divinity school student trying to figure out what sort of ministry was the right path for me, I took a field education assignment at a local church, after a year spent … Continue reading →

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