Category Archives: My Life as Pastor

The Toll

Posted on September 30, 2020 by

On a Saturday early in September, I got the call that the church matriarch was gravely ill.  On Sunday, I went to the hospital to see her and to be with her family.  On Monday, I was on the phone … Continue reading →

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For Louise

Posted on September 9, 2020 by

Like many churches, Old South had a matriarch.  I use the past tense here, as our matriarch passed away a few days ago.  It’s a very sad time for Old South.  In the midst of the many challenges we face, … Continue reading →

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The Looming Season

Posted on August 25, 2020 by

There always seems to be a certain moment, sometime in August, when the end of summer comes into focus.  I’m not sure what exactly happens, but it always feels like there’s a clear turn in the sense of the season.  … Continue reading →

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The Church in These Days—Hungering and Heartbreak

Posted on July 20, 2020 by

On July 8, the New York Times published a story entitled, “Churches Were Eager to Reopen.  Now They Are a Major Source of Coronavirus Cases.”  The article offered a litany of churches that reopened in various ways, some trying to … Continue reading →

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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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