Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 638 pieces, gathered in one home.
In my new study is a most beautiful pair of stained glass windows. The offices are built into the former sanctuary of Saint Mark, so I start each morning with some quiet time gazin
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Today was my first day on site as Senior Pastor of Saint Mark UMC. For me, being at this church is a dream come true! I got to the office at 8:30 and heard that my office was going
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
It seems that whenever I attend Annual Conference on a year when I'm moving, it's a particularly "moving" experience in more than one way. I suppose this is because I am experienci
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Someone asked me this morning where I had gotten the video of the song "Restless" by Audrey Assad which we used in worship. Here it is on YouTube. It is a wonderful song that expre
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Dear Grace UMC, We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the farewell dinner tonight. The crowd was great and the food was excellent. The fellowship was warm and wonderful. F
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
On April 25, I posted an online memorial for Rev. Levi Garrison. He was my 4th great grandfather and early American Methodist circuit rider in South Carolina. I mentioned a letter
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I'm remembering my wonderful mother, who died on the Sunday after Easter in 2003. I recently made this online memorial for her. I miss you, Mom! I love
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
If you are wondering what it's like to live through a tornado, read this harrowing account by a University of Alabama student. You will get in touch with your deep feelings. Friend
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the front door of the old chapel at Ford's Chapel UMC, 10 minutes from my church. The narthex stood up with 4 stained glass windows intact and a chandelier that was too stu
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is a potent picture of Rev. Dorothy Ann standing in the narthex looking into what was the historic chapel at Ford's Chapel UMC. She is the pastor and we went up on Thursday to
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the one remaining pew in the chapel of Ford's Chapel UMC, 10 minutes from my church. The building was built in 1870 (and bricked later). It laid above a foundation (notice
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the steeple of Ford's Chapel UMC, a congregation just 10 minutes from Grace UMC where I serve. My friend Dorothy Ann Webster is the pastor. We went up on Thursday to spend
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This has been a difficult week for folks in the South after the devastating storms hit Alabama and other states. There are over 230 deaths reported in Alabama alone. My prayers and
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am an 8th generation Methodist on one side of my family and at least a 7th generation Methodist on the other. This is part of the fiber of who I am. One of the most fascinating c
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This morning I walked the Grace UMC prayer trail and meditated on the stations of the cross. I love doing this, especially during Holy Week. The meditation guide we publish reads "
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
It was announced this morning that I will become the senior pastor of Saint Mark United Methodist Church in the Vestavia area of Birmingham this June. I am sorry to move from Grace
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Discovering my ancestors has been an amazing journey. Last week, I gave my dad the gift of getting in touch with his own heritage. I took him on a graveyard tour of north Georgia a
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This was my column published in the Faith and Values section of the Huntsville Times on Friday, March 25, 2011. When my wife and I got married, it was a church wedding of church we
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
In some Christian circles, the term "born again" has become a litmus test. The designation "born-again Christian" carries with it implication that either there's another kind of le
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is a promotional video for my Lenten Message Series that began on Sunday. We will be looking at gospel stories of Jesus' conversations with people who were not afraid to quest
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Thank God for the gift of humor! I wrote this spoof of "De Colores." The Spiritual Directors of a recent Walk to Emmaus I was on shared this as an act of agape for our Lay Director
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I saw a great easy-to-read article on the meaning of Lent published by my old camp and college friend, the Rev. Penny Ford. It's entitled "Lent 101." I share it with you in hopes t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Every once in a while, I talk to my mother. That may not seem strange to you unless you knew she died about seven years ago. I just feel like talking to her, and know with every fi
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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