2017 was a very special year as the world celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. This was not simply a look back, however. As St. Augustine was credited with saying, “The church is always reforming.” We celebrate the gift of Martin Luther’s work in the past, but we also
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A blessed 2018 to each of you! It is my prayer that you would grow stronger in your walk of faith and in your ability to share Gods’ grace with others. The Texas District’s mission statement is, “To strengthen congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and to care
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I have always been intrigued that Jesus, with only three years as Messiah and under high demand, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:6 Solitude with the Father was the pattern of His life and ministry. He also encouraged the Twelve to the same, “Come with
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We filed out of the suburban loaded with youth as a man came out of the house and introduced himself. “Hello Troy,” I said and started a round of introductions during which we told him the names and hometowns of our team. “It is going to be really hot this
Continue readingThis post provides regular updates on the disaster relief happening in the Texas District. This can be done by mailing a check to: Texas District Relief c/o Mrs. Linda Hagge 7900 Highway 290 East Austin, TX 78724 After surveying multiple sites and carefully planning with our partners around Texas,
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Of no surprise to most reading this blog, people in congregations are sometimes in conflict with one another—even those with the best intentions. Several months ago, I wrote about how Paul and Barnabas handled their conflict, recorded in Acts 15—specifically focusing on what was NOT recorded to have taken place.
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Matt Lauer. Garrison Keillor. Add them to the growing list of men who have been hurtful, domineering, abusive, and careless toward women. Add them to the anonymous reservoir of gratuitous cads who have victimized and continue to victimize countless women. The public scandal is but the tip of the proverbial
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Life does not feel valuable when standing in a security line at an airport. When you are just one more body in a crowded line being hustled through body scans and luggage inspections, your unique existence doesn’t matter. It’s a humbling reality check. Each one of us is just one
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When does an individual, family, or congregation decide to be generous? How does that come about? What does it take to give in a way that reflects God’s gift in Jesus? When does stewardship in our faith life change from something we have to do to the thing we love
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Do you remember the old “Tootsie Pop” commercial, with the cartoon owl who was asked, “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? One, two, three, crunch!” Okay, I realize that may a bit of a silly comparison, but I have discovered that
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