Monthly Archives: April 2014

Ministry Musings: Priest or Functionary?

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Steve Harper

One of Pope Francis’ first-year concerns is the renewal of the priesthood from it having eroded into functionalism.  This is something for all of us clergy to think about.  It is not limited to Roman Catholic priests.  It can happen … Continue reading →

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Lumen Fidei: Faith and Trust

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Steve Harper

Faith does not exist on its own.  It must be connected in some way to truth.  Otherwise, we believe a lie.   At the same time, however, the truth we believe in as Christians is not the same as factual or … Continue reading →

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Ancient Wisdom: April 27, 2014 (Year A)

Posted on April 26, 2014 by Steve Harper

Read:  Acts 2:14, 22-32 Meditation: “Taking It To The Street” Theologians call it the Kerygma.  Essentially, it is the core message the early Christians developed to “proclaim Christ.”  Today’s lesson can be viewed from the vantage point of content/doctrine.  But … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: For the Bride (5)

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Steve Harper

Today, I write to ask for your prayers.  Coming out of Lent with a lament for the Bride has evolved into the writing of a book tentatively entitled, ‘For the Sake of the Bride: Restoring the Church to Her Intended … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: For the Bride (4)

Posted on April 24, 2014 by Steve Harper

Calling this brief series “For the Bride” does not mean that I am only concerned about the Body of Christ.  I grieve for all those who are harmed by the Church’s attitudes and actions.  My focus on the Bride simply … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: For the Bride (3)

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Steve Harper

My lament is leading me to pray for, and seek for, a new way forward in the current debate about homosexuality. I have decided to call the new way “the way of love.” To do so is not an indictment, … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: For the Bride (2)

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Steve Harper

My lament for the Bride has arisen as two streams converge–the stream of news events showing how split and contentious the church (and society) is over the issue of homosexuality, and the stream of prayers which I use every day … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: For the Bride

Posted on April 21, 2014 by Steve Harper

I have come out of Lent with a heavy heart for the Church in general and my particular expression of it, The United Methodist Church.  The debate about homosexuality has reignited with great heat, enflamed by radical actions by one … Continue reading →

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Ancient Wisdom: April 20, 2014 (Year A)

Posted on April 19, 2014 by Steve Harper

(Note:  The revised Common Lectionary substitutes readings from The Book of Acts for lessons from the Old Testament during Eastertide.  Consequently, the meditations during this season will be based on the Acts passages) Read:  Acts 10:34-43 Meditation:  “But God Raised … Continue reading →

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