Pastor Nick

Thomas Merton reflecting on suffering. That last line in particular is gold. #Lent

I had a first this morning: med evac helicopter in the middle of the road.

The Costly Message of the Cross An Ash Wednesday message

My message from last night's Ash Wednesday service

The sign of the cross, the mark of the Lamb.
A reminder that salvation, though free, is costly, and crucifixion always proceeds resurrection.

May we walk under the shadow of the cross and repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.

On this Ash Wednesday, we remember:
- You are dust and one day you will die
- You are loved and God offers new life to dust

My Lenten companions

A belated Valentine’s gift arrived today for @dayslikepearls.bsky.social! And Sophie gave it so many kisses (very out of character). We’re excited to read @teawithtolkien.com!

It’s not pancakes, but definitely still works. Happy Shrove Tuesday everybody!

My forever Valentine @dayslikepearls.bsky.social

Getting the atmosphere set to write about Lent and sin

“God is never so strong as when he is most weak.”
- Kallistos Ware

That’s Gospel right there.

“The power of God is shown, not so much in his creation of the world or in any of his miracles, but rather in the fact that out of love God has ‘emptied himself’ (Phil. 2: 7), has poured himself out in generous self-giving, by his own free choice consenting to suffer and to die…”

*deep breath*

Critical comments and snarky memes won't change people's minds.
Actual conversation and good questions do.

*exhales with slight grumble*

Calling someone a “libtard” for speaking against racism is not the flex you think it is.

In fact, it is the very opposite.

If you need a pick-me-up and have Disney+, the Muppet Show reboot is just the thing. I really hope they get that up and going again.

Reminding myself that church group texts and prayer chains are NOT the place for correction and education. Even if people say or affirm dumb things. (i.e. playing the “God has a plan” card as a response to someone’s suffering)

Lord, give me patience.

Okay campers, rise and shine! And don't forget your booties cause it's cold out there! And the big question that's on everyone's lips (chapped lips): do you think Phil is gonna come out and see his shadow? That's right woodchuck-chuckers, it's GROUNDHOG DAY!!!

Gee, thanks for the heads up Tim Gaines.

Tuesday afternoons are for reading (generally). Glad to spend time with good friends.

Something that makes me really sad: in the last week I’ve made a few general posts about loving your neighbor, Christian convictions, etc. Not one person from my church liked it. They like the picture of my dog or updates on my wife, but Jesus stuff about current events? Nothing.

And that hurts.

Listening to Howard-John Wesley and Brian Zahnd preaching is giving me light and hope so desperately needed this morning.

"You can't carry the Bible correctly until you carry the cross daily." - Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley

That'll preach.

I’m going to stand in the pulpit and preach the Gospel today.

I can’t say what I want to.
I can’t say what I probably need to.

But I will preach the Gospel as best I can, and trust God with the rest.

A prayer I wrote and used during my weekly Sabbath time this morning. I share with trepidation, feeling more than a little vulnerable. But I also share trusting it might be a means of grace to others, who struggle with me.

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Going on record: my wife is way cooler and braver than me. And I'm not bothered by that one bit.

Help me with some sermon prep!

What are some of the challenges and obstacles to discipleship in the Church?

Happy 11th birthday to the best dog, the best companion, and the very best Jane!
#JanieBear

On this National Winnie The Pooh Day, I shall heed these life-giving words that remind us to stop, rest, breathe, and not be captive to constant busyness & productivity. There is more to life than doing.

God help us be a holy people of Christian charity.

A reminder from the Church of the Nazarene manual for the days we find ourselves in. And I'm very grateful that just 2 months ago, I was able to discuss this very paragraph with our Bible study and think together about why it matters that it's in our manual.