I've got words all over my room, my thoughts about values plastered here and there, asking in the deep-gut way what kinds of qualities in life are most important to me. We are so bombarded with messages telling us what we should value. Sometimes the shoulds ride on top in our consciousness so that we …
People
A couple that moves across country with two children to a small apartment in a world where they know no one, admitting that loneliness kills. A different young couple in the first month of their marriage, checking out a church because they saw a sign on the road. A third young couple, unmarried, with a …
Strangely Energized
Words like "spirit", "energy", "intention", "living water"--all these are rolling around in my head this morning. Can you tell I've been prepping for a series of sermons on the Holy Spirit? Who can tell all that goes into the creation of a mood, or a way of being on a particular day? Is it all …
Badge of Shame
I went to my usual coffee shop this morning for the latte and orange-cranberry scone and I noticed the barista taking my order, a young woman who's been working there for several years as she completes her university education, was wearing something unusual around her neck. I had to look more closely. It was a …
Inspiration, Work, and The Spirit
I told the assembly yesterday that in spite of my best efforts last week, I couldn't really get my sermon to work. I knew what I wanted to say, and I knew where the text sort of needed to go, but I couldn't put it into words. They were gracious as I stumbled my way …
JEFF BERRYMAN 