The Three Women
A few Sundays ago, I walked across the Cross Schools parking lot to join The Chapel service for communion after having completed the necessary tasks to prepare for the nearly 600 congregants and visitors who would join me an hour later in the school gym. This is a sacred time to slip over and remember. Coming to the table to break bread remembering the Body which was broken for you and for me. To give thanks for the cup Jesus took and said, “Whenever you drink, do this in remembrance of Me.” Beautiful. Sacred. Precious.
The Rest of the Story
My December 31, 2023, sermon on the Historic Campus was entitled, “Christmas: The Rest of the Story” (click here to listen). Using the second chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel as my primary text, I focused on the truth that we must move beyond “the sentimentality associated with Jesus’ birth” to grasp “the reality associated with Jesus’ death” . . .
Meeting Life’s Necessities
"Meeting Life's Necessities", Father Chuck Owens
Fight, Flight, and Faith
"Fight, Flight, and Faith", by The Rev. Dr. Nathan Weaver
War Surplus
Wars and rumors of war set the context for my early childhood years . . . I suspect I would have hardly noticed the transition from World War II to the Korean War were it not for two events: my father (a career naval officer) was stationed ashore and I discovered the Army-Navy Surplus Store on King Street in Charleston, SC.
You Who Witness
Every year one of The Church of the Cross’ shining moments is watching dozens of congregants wade down to the May River to be baptized. Many others join them as they recommit their lives to Jesus Christ.
You Can Make A Difference!
Some of my favorite childhood memories come from the time I spent with the men of the church. Almost weekly, the church I grew up in hosted dinners, men's groups, and other times of fellowship. The men took me under their wing, and I would help do the dishes in the kitchen or sing with them in the choir.
Be Still, My Soul
Recently in my message titled “The Swan is Not Silent”, I referenced the ancient hymn “Be Still, My Soul.” Its lyrics are poetical, theological, and deeply moving. God’s purposes in sometimes allowing the unthinkable are largely shrouded in mystery and can at times appear senseless.
Hear the Master’s Call
While watching the PBS Memorial Day Special which aired the night before Memorial Day, I heard the remark that over the course of the years the United States has been engaged in a war effort, over 1 million have died while serving. This televised program tells stories that always bring tears to my eyes. When Taps is played, well, I just about come undone.
Ponderings From My Perch
With coffee in hand, I’m seated on the second-floor front deck of the home my family has rented for our annual week together at Edisto Beach. It’s 9:15am and below me the day is beginning as it has the previous four mornings.
MOMENTS THAT MAKE AN ETERNAL DIFFERENCE
This week we are wrapping up the 2022-2023 academic year at Cross Schools. Nearly 700 students are finishing finals, writing papers, and celebrating finishing another grade. This morning was our "8th Grade Celebration" where 8th graders celebrate finishing middle school and prepare for the rigors of upper school. During this service, I charged the students to choose to be counter-cultural members of their generation.
Where Do You Go?
"The Lord replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest'" (Exodus 33:14)
