When Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation,” he was sending a youthful bunch of followers on a lifelong mission (Mark 16:15). He not only commissioned them but positioned them to impact the kingdom of heaven. A lifelong mission of unashamedly sharing the gospel is on the top […]
My ER visit in the desert
Last week, Cyndi and I got away to the desert for a few days of sun and golf. On Tuesday morning, I got up to take a walk. I realized that the right side of my face was sagging, my right eye could not blink, and I could not spit. (I know, gross…) I came […]
Officer Nominees
These are the officer nominees to be approved at the Chapel Hill in-person congregational meeting Sunday, March 19. Mandy Cuda Hi! I’m Mandy, and I’m a grateful believer in Jesus. I follow Jesus because his way offers me life and grounding when the world inside me and around me shifts, in moments, from complex, to heartbreaking, […]
The incredible impact of prayer
Prayer changes the atmosphere. I remember the first time a mentor couple told me that. And it has stuck with me ever since. It was evident to me that they really believed in and knew the power of prayer. They had seen time and time again how spending time in the Lord’s presence made an […]
The greatest gift in today’s world
“I feel like I’m having a conversation here with two people!” she said. I was doing it again. Sending a text message to a friend when my wife was talking to me. Been there? In today’s world, one of the greatest gifts we can give other people is our undivided attention. The apps on your […]
How to impact tomorrow’s disciples today
Last week, we celebrated my daughter’s 11th birthday. Of course, I am dealing with all those parental emotions of grief over how quickly time flies by, as well as pride watching her grow into this young lady who is so full of life. At her family party, I found myself overcome by gratitude by the […]
Kitsap House is off and running!
I was surprised at how emotional I felt all morning. From the moment I walked in and saw the incredible venue – (a gym with huge cartoon bulls painted on the walls, filled with church “stuff”)—to the warmth of the greetings, to the flood of people walking through the doors…I was a little “verklempt” (a […]
What happens when they walk out that door?
One of the hardest moments in a parent’s life is the day their graduate walks out their door and heads into a future apart from the love, care, wisdom, and, yes, scrutiny, they received while living at home. In that moment, every parent understands what is at stake. All they have poured into their child…and […]
Our daughter is launched!
I still remember clearly the day almost 13 years ago when we drove our firstborn, Rachel, over to Whitworth College (it was “College,” not “University,” at that time) to begin her post-Gig Harbor life. And I remember vividly the moment when all parents were told, “OK, it’s time to leave. Say your goodbyes…and go. They […]
How to finish well
Last week, I got to do something that I have never done before: I took a week off work entirely devoted to study. One of the requirements and, indeed, gifts of being a pastor in our denomination is to take time away from ministerial responsibilities to engage in ongoing learning. This meant doing something I […]