Author: Pastor Nick
Forty-seven years of ordained ministry, beginning for twelve years as a Jesuit priest, thirty-two as a United Methodist Pastor.
“To Follow Thee More Nearly”
We wait for the coming of Jesus…but stop: Jesus is already here! We are the ones that need to come to Jesus. The sermon has two bookends: “Day by Day” from Godspel, and the familiar ... Read More
“Kings and Queens: ALL OF US!”
Like the parting of the Red Sea, our differences move aside so that the power of Christ our King can lead us to the other side where we live in peace and unconditional love for one another and for all... Read More
The Next Right Thing
Two women decide to give their all to God: the Widow of Zarephath believes that the prophet Elijah was the voice of God; she does what he asks, running the risk of her dying along with her son. Becaus... Read More
“Wisdom from Within”
Our beloved ancestors do much more than merely watch over us. They’re not in some heavenly “treehouse in the sky,” looking down on us; that sounds so ineffectual! Instead, they are within us... Read More
“In-Sight”
“In-Sight” is the capacity which the Spirit gives us to see more deeply than what our eyes alone can see. The baptism of Reina Denise prompts us to return to basics: the most important baptism is ... Read More
From Resentment to Joy
Whatever has been the trajectory in your thoughts and feelings about candidates for the coming election, here’s a way to go deeper. Tune into the Holy Spirit who dwells within you. You need an i... Read More
All In for Jesus
A time of delight for the children of all ages in our congregation. To view the video that was presented, Tap here.... Read More
“The Face of the Sacred”
“Muddy water let stand becomes clear.” (Lau tzu) Look what can happen when we stop—through silence… through waiting… through the gently pushing aside those concerns that we have, the guilt t... Read More
When Wisdom Speaks
Wisdom will well up from within, if you give silence a chance to clear the soul from the various “clouds” that drift into the path of the Light.... Read More
“Gossip—Beware!”
The challenging words of Jesus echo in our minds and our hearts and suggest that we take a good look at the habit of gossiping. Whether it happens in real conversation, it often happens in our heads. ... Read More
“Go Deep!”
Go Deep. Catch the tossings of the Holy Spirit that fly above the noise, the obstacles, the dissension, the struggles. Go deep.Let the Holy Spirit touch you, communicate with you and receive love and ... Read More
When Anger Is a Poison
There is a similarity between the Hebrew words for “anger” and the word for “poison.” “The early Sages said, ‘Whoever angers is as if he has performed idolatry.’ They fur... Read More
A Vacuum for the Spirit
By emptying yourself of inordinate attachments, like the garbage removed from your vacuum cleaner, the Lord will swoop and be sucked into your soul.... Read More
Lost in Wonder
Sink beneath the chaos of broadcast news do that quiet place within. you. Wait inside till earth’s daily wonders touch you: the Sun rising faithfully each day, doing so for another $250 million ... Read More
Loved into Forgiveness
A very wise spiritual director once remarked “people have to be loved into forgiveness.” He likes to ask students to make two lists: one people you need to forgive: and two, people you would like ... Read More
Threading the Needle of Faith
Sermons offer the energy to do some stretching, some longing, some focusing on what you really need, threading the needle of faith till you touch the heart of God.... Read More
What’s Your Hurricane’s Name?
The storm at sea the Jesus calmed, reminds us of the Hurricanes of the Atlantic Ocean. These names stick to our memory with all the feelings that come with their remembrance. Harvey… Irma…... Read More
My Dad’ Clock
I gather the essence of my message to the children and their families in this “Alphabyte” from http://biblethroughseasons.com Clock As old as my memory, the face of a family clock turns toward min... Read More
Eternity Swoops into Now
We explore two understandings of time in the Greek language. Chronos (from which we have “Chronology”) and Kairos, meaning a unique experience right now – an opportune moment. Take t... Read More
The Sweet Spot of Silence
Gently, but with persistence, clear the debris of noise that surrounds you, until you find that ever-present sound of silence; this is the sweet spot of silence in your heart. Lisa engages the childre... Read More
When Joy Is Hijacked
As colors of a rainbow, each of the gifts of the Spirit weave themselves through each other. Joy is hijacked when some other negative disposition, anger or focus on self, gets in the way. These hijack... Read More