Author: Pastor Nick
Forty-seven years of ordained ministry, beginning for twelve years as a Jesuit priest, thirty-two as a United Methodist Pastor.
“God’s Vision of You”
Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30 The challenge of the parable shifts from taking a risk to trusting in God. From the Firestarter that introduces today’s Gospel: Do you bury your talents with judgments a... Read More
The Power of the Anointing
How oil became sacred in so many spiritual traditions. Closing quote and prayer. The eyes of the future are looking back at us and they are praying for us to see beyond our own time. They are kneeling... Read More
Joy Amid Adversity
Ordinary language tends to keep one in the mind alone; a language of the Spirit allows the recipients to yield the heart to those communications from the Lord that transcend the limitations of the min... Read More
Worship and Hymn Sing
Whenever there are five Sundays in the month, such as today, we offer a special service of Praise music. Today, we lift up our voices in a Hymn Sing. Enjoy the children’s message.... Read More
Don’t Walk Away!
“The Spiral of Violence” Injustice leads to Rebellion and then on to Repression. Hélder Câmara Archbishop in Brazil Olinda and Recife, serving from 1964 to 1985 From Nick’s Notes: ... Read More
“Back to Basics”
The Beatitudes offer an even, level place where we can return to basics. Amid the violence that breaks in upon us to threaten inward peace, these eight blessings from God flow down to us and uplift us... Read More
“To Whom Do You Belong?”
A slow reading of the sermon title, “To Whom Do You Belong?” With these two foundational prayers for the two traditions that are part of my life: Take, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memor... Read More
“The Curve of Emptying”
Two of the three Jewish celebrations find their corresponding Christian celebration: Passover – Easter; “First Fruits” – Pentecost. Today is Day Two of an eight-day festival. W... Read More
“Ponder a Punch Line”
Parables, like jokes, have punch lines. Feel the punch at the end of this familiar parable which is so much like other punches we receive in life. This Spanish saying will help. “Calladita se ve má... Read More
“AS We Forgive”
We seek to stretch the “AS” in the phrase from the Lord’s Prayer, “AS we forgive those…” The story of Joseph and the Parable of Jesus about Forgiveness are the two ... Read More
“How Not to Take for Granted”
Enthusiastic sharing of quotations from the book, “The Dawn of a Mindful Universe” by Marcelo Gleiser. Readings from Colossians and Ephesians form the ground of the mystery and the source ... Read More
“Joy in Suffering: How?
How we can experiences joy in sustaining God’s love in our hearts no matter want pain we may be going through.... Read More
“Beckoned Beyond Your Boat”
A joyful celebration of the Baptism of Jaxson and Chase Stolz offers the opportunity to find personal meaning in the Gospel of Jesus walking on the water. The beckoning of Jesus to Peter to step beyon... Read More
“After This: WHAT?”
Whatever is your “NOW” in you life’s movement, the Holy Spirit can move you to deeper, more joyous spaces when you stop and listen in the silence.... Read More
“A Worship Service with Music, Readings and Prayer”
July 30th was the fifth Sunday of that month. We have a custom at Matawan UMC to present a special program of music and readings in those months with five Sundays.To view the video with the lyrics of ... Read More
Weeds in the Soul
I propose that there are two tracks in today’s Gospel. One is a vast, comprehensive level of wheat and weeds as Jesus envisions. The other track is our own souls where weeds fester among the good wh... Read More
“The Word Made Flesh in YOU!”
A refreshing understanding of the Parable of the Sower.... Read More
“Gliding into the Kingdom”
Gently acknowledge the emotions that you have, whether positive or negative. Do not wrestle with them. Step back, and pray to the Holy Spirit, “We have a situation here!” Let the Holy Spir... Read More
Images of Mutuality
Various images offered to capture the intent of our Creator in sharing Divine Love with us. We return this love to our Creator through love and care for one another.... Read More
From Cross to Sword
Various images of how the cross became the sword over the centuries. Godfrey of Bouillon wore the Jerusalem Cross on his chest in the First Crusade in 1096; Pastor Nick has worn this image in a neckla... Read More
“Heaven’s Grand Opening”
The gift of Jesus refusing to resist the forces of darkness that pressed against him in his death, brought the power of the Resurrection which is now ours. Peter Paul Ruben’s great painting of S... Read More
“What’s In the Way?”
The story of the woman with the issue of blood offers itself as a powerful image of overcoming what is in your way preventing you from coming close to Jesus? Audio of the sermon... Read More