Yesterday, I was looking over the annual report for my congregation for 2011. I was surprised to see that only five of our members died during the year. It was surprise to me, because I had done more than twice that many funeral in 2011. Now that I've been here in the community for nine … Continue reading Pastor Note #30 — Death and the Embodiment of Love
Tag: Christian
Pastor Note #27 — Are You Ready?
ARE YOU READY? Rev. Gary Chorpenning It isn’t really supposed to be a happy season – Advent isn’t. But we have tended to make it that way. Well, who can blame us? Our world has been feeling rather grim lately. Who could blame us for grabbing hold of any little occasion for happiness we can … Continue reading Pastor Note #27 — Are You Ready?
Sermon #2 — Exodus 16:1-35
This is now the second sermon in a series on the manna and quail of the wilderness journey. In this sermon, I explore how the values and priorities of ancient paganism aren't all that far away from the modern, westerner's wrestling with faith. Here's a link to the text of Exodus 16:1-35. Here's the link … Continue reading Sermon #2 — Exodus 16:1-35
Prayer Note #26 — A Pastor’s Sunday Morning Prayer
Lord, my emotions are squirming around in me in a very uncomfortable way. I know that that is caused by a wide range of pressures, stressors, foolish thoughts, genuine problems, and a real sense of overload, of having more things in my mind than I can keep track of. Important matters are slipping through my … Continue reading Prayer Note #26 — A Pastor’s Sunday Morning Prayer
Prayer Note #25 — A Pastor’s Prayer for Sunday Morning Worship
Father, we gather today to worship you. That is our identity not merely an action that we take. We are the people who worship you, O blessed and singular Trinity. Nurture that identity in us. Enter our being as a people and as persons and by your Holy Spirit infuse that true identity deep within … Continue reading Prayer Note #25 — A Pastor’s Prayer for Sunday Morning Worship
Prayer Note #24 — Haggling With God–Genesis 18:16-33
In its simplest sense, prayer is conversing with God. The Bible contains lots and lots of conversations between God and human beings. Each one has its own character and tone. Some are quiet and gentle. Some are angry. Some are frightened and frightening. Some are simply fascinating and surprising. This conversation between God and Abraham … Continue reading Prayer Note #24 — Haggling With God–Genesis 18:16-33
Prayer Note #23 — A Bible Study on Prayer, Psalm 84:1-12
The Bible has a lot to say about prayer. Some of the places where we find wisdom and instruction on prayer don't actually use the word much or even at all. In Psalm 84, the word, "prayer," appears once, yet the entire psalm is about communing with God. And communing with God is certainly the … Continue reading Prayer Note #23 — A Bible Study on Prayer, Psalm 84:1-12
Pastor Note #25 — Words of “Wisdom” from One of the Old Guys
Today, I received an e-mail from my seminary alma mater, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. It was sent out to all of their alumni, inviting them to share some "words of wisdom" for those who will be graduating in about a month. Since that sounded like a lot more fun than what I was supposed to be … Continue reading Pastor Note #25 — Words of “Wisdom” from One of the Old Guys
Bible Note #7 — Esteeming Christ
Isaiah 49:1-6 Lord, there are some things about this passage of your scriptures that I don’t think I understand. I know that you want me to understand your word. But sometimes that isn’t easy. Here in these verses someone is speaking about his mission – a mission he has received from you, but who … Continue reading Bible Note #7 — Esteeming Christ
Prayer Note #22 — The God of All Things
My Lord, you are the brightness of light warming the darkness and gloom. You are the great sweeping vista, when I feel stifled and suffocated and trapped. You are the verdant, well-forested hills that embrace me and hide me, when I fell exposed and vulnerable. You are the bubbling spring in the desert, the firm, … Continue reading Prayer Note #22 — The God of All Things
Gary Chorpenning's Notebooks 