Monthly Archives: October 2023

Vigil: Introduction

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Steve Harper

“I can think of no election more consequential for the future of the U.S. than the next one will be. We cannot afford to take one more step toward losing our birthright gift of democracy in favor of some form … Continue reading →

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Oboedire Sights

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Steve Harper

Oregon Coast Photo Jeannie Harper

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Oboedire Sounds: Episode 50

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Steve Harper

Today on Spotify, the 50th episode of Oboedire Sounds appears. There’s nothing essentially special about the number 50, but it is a marker of sorts, and I use the episode to reflect on the message and mission of Oboedire, using … Continue reading →

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Oboedire Sights

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Steve Harper

Wisconsin Dells Photo Jeannie Harper

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New UMC: Revival!

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Steve Harper

The past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to be in a variety of meetings with clergy and laity having to do with the emerging United Methodist Church. Each meeting has included the spirit of revival, revealing clearly that … Continue reading →

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Oboedire Sights

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Steve Harper

Glacier National Park Photo Jeannie Harper

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Oboedire Sights

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Steve Harper

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA Photo Jeannie Harper

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Along the Way: Our Faith Home

Posted on October 15, 2023 by Steve Harper

Today, I return to my home in Florida after attending the Reconciling Ministries Conference in Charlotte, that had “Onward to Perfection” (a major Wesleyan aim) as its theme. Being at the Conference was a reminder that Jeannie and I are … Continue reading →

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Oboedire Sights

Posted on October 14, 2023 by Steve Harper

Crater Lake, Oregon Photo, Jeannie Harper

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Resources: RMN Workshop

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Steve Harper

This is a handout for the workshop I conducted at the Reconciling Ministries Network conference in Charlotte, NC on Friday, October 13, 2023. If the session is recorded, I will add the link here. “This is my Story, This is … Continue reading →

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Oboedire Sights

Posted on October 10, 2023 by Steve Harper

Bar Harbor, Maine Photo, Jeannie Harper

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The New UMC: How Shall It Be?

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Steve Harper

In one way or another, we are all asking this question, “How will the new UMC come to be?” I am forming responses to that question as I re-read Bob Tuttle’s excellent book, John Wesley, His Life and Theology. In … Continue reading →

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Oboedire Sights

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Steve Harper

The Grand Tetons Photo, Jeannie Harper

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Along the Way: Steal the Language First

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Steve Harper

In the “How To Take Something Down Playbook,” the first step is to steal the prevailing language and use it to describe yourself. That way, you appear to be among the “good guys” when you’re not. Using the prevailing language … Continue reading →

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The New UMC: Net Mending

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Steve Harper

Across the decades of my faith journey, these words of Jesus have been among the focal texts for spiritual formation, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people” (Mark 1:17). I have used it to think more deeply … Continue reading →

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The New UMC: Our Imminent Task

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Steve Harper

The imminent task in the emerging United Methodist Church is to let people know why staying UM is a good decision. [1] The educational/formational mandate is as great, perhaps greater than it has ever been. I say “perhaps greater” because … Continue reading →

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Oboedire Sights

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Steve Harper

The Grand Canyon Photo, Jeannie Harper

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Resources: Visio Divina

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Steve Harper

Through the contemplative practice of visio divina, we have the opportunity to behold God around us, enhancing our awareness that every monent is a God moment. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the practice commenced in biblical times through the practice of … Continue reading →

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Oboedire Sights: Introduction

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Steve Harper

God has sacredly and marvelously made us (Psalm 139:14). One aspect is the gateway our senses provide for us to experience and grow in the spiritual life. For many years, the practice of lectio divina has been a mainstay in … Continue reading →

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Along the Way: Living Well #2

Posted on October 1, 2023 by Steve Harper

Last month’s “Along the Way” post explored the theme of living well, through the Jesus lens of John 10:10, and the larger Wisdom genre. After writing it, I continued to have energy around the subject (perhaps because it is an … Continue reading →

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Day One: October 2023

Posted on October 1, 2023 by Steve Harper

Hello, Everyone! Finally, it looks like cooler weather is moving into our neck of the woods. No matter where you live, it’s a change of seasons. I hope you are doing well where you are. I turn 76 this month, … Continue reading →

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