Tag Archives: church planting

From expectation to wonder.

This year I have approached the holidays by deciding to take pleasure in small things. By moving from a place of expectation to a place of wonder. We talk a lot at Church Without Walls about how, while there is … Continue reading

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Silenced by love.

Last night during our Church Without Walls Advent bible study, we reviewed the scripture for the third week of Advent. As we read from Zephaniah, we noticed a marked difference between translations. One stated that God will renew us in … Continue reading

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Made holy.

At Church Without Walls, we often end the service with a blessing attributed to St. Clare. It includes the words: “Your Creator loves you, made you holy…” What does it mean to be loved, to be made holy? And how … Continue reading

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Becoming friends.*

It was my privilege to preach this sermon at the 172nd Convention of the Diocese of Florida at Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville, Fl, on Jan. 30, 2015. Micah 6:6-8 Hebrews 12:1-2 Matthew 25:31-40 Psalm 15 O Lord, may only … Continue reading

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Commit your way.

This afternoon, a couple of us from Church Without Walls will travel to a meeting of folks committed to ministry on the fringes. Nearly three years ago now, many of these saints graciously received me as a visitor when I … Continue reading

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Church Invisible

Recently I reread a portion of Evelyn Underhill’s writing in which she speaks of the Church Invisible (those saints known only to God) and its role in making manifest the kingdom of God. She writes: Christian selves are simply parts … Continue reading

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A letter from jail.

The name on the envelop was unfamiliar, but I recognized the return address from the local jail. The letter was sent to the attention of “Mother Beth” of Church Without Walls and made its way to St. John’s Cathedral. It … Continue reading

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Grace breaks in.

There is no doubt in my mind that many sacred things are happening around us at any given time. They may be small, almost imperceptible events. Or they may be life-changing, seminal happenings. I am also convinced that I often … Continue reading

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“Nothing bad.”

This week I visited with a friend who has become very interested in our “church without walls.” Her heart for those on the edge – for those who have been lost, forgotten or rejected – is not new. She has … Continue reading

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Public trust.

This morning I woke up just after 4 a.m., with the words “public trust” clearly in mind.   I asked God what this was about and immediately my cousin Fred came to mind. Fred has a deep and abiding love for … Continue reading

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