| A Dangling Conversation |
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June 13, 2013-Pastor Wally’s Dangling Conversation13. June, 2013A Dangling ConversationComments OffOn My ShelfI work on the Dangling each week in my study at home. I enjoy working there, surrounded by bookshelves filled with books. Books inspire me! On our recent trip to Washington, Mary bought me a t-shirt at the Library of Congress with the line: “I cannot live without books.” |
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June 6, 2013-Pastor Wally’s Dangling Conversation6. June, 2013A Dangling ConversationComments OffPearce Incognito!I was busted last Monday afternoon. On our last day of vacation, Mary and I went to our local Home Depot to pick up some items. In the parking lot, we ran into David Barnes, a long-time member of Pearce. “Didn’t I see you in the balcony at the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday?” So I confessed and acknowledged that Mary and I did indeed saunter into the balcony for worship. |
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May 30, 2013-Pastor Wally’s Dangling Conversation30. May, 2013A Dangling ConversationComments OffThis Is Not a Dangling!Do you remember last week’s Dangling when I informed you that I would be on vacation this week and, as a result, there would be no Dangling? Can I clarify? This isn’t a Dangling—or at least not a full-fledged, bonified, authentic Dangling. Think of this as a “Dangling Light,” or a “Dangling Reminder,” or simply as an email. |
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May 23, 2013-Pastor Wally’s Dangling Conversation23. May, 2013A Dangling ConversationComments OffThe Question for this WeekendWhen talking with people outside of the Christian faith, it isn’t unusual for them to raise a question about churches, one that highlights the many faults and failures of congregations. The question may go like this: “Hasn’t the Church done so much harm?” That question is the focus of this weekend’s message in our series “Corner Conversations.” I hope you’ll join us! |
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May 16, 2013-Pastor Wally’s Dangling Conversation16. May, 2013A Dangling ConversationComments OffAnother Delightful Semester! As the lead pastor at Pearce, I enjoy many privileges. I get to stop in the church kitchen each morning to enjoy a cup of coffee with Jim Heeks, I receive an impressive number of hugs from children on Sunday mornings, and I have the opportunity to teach a course at Northeastern Seminary. The course is Pastoral Formation and its focus is on the role of the pastor as shepherd. This past Monday evening was the final class of the semester and I took the opportunity to take a photo of the group. They look like a great group, don’t they? I assure you, they are! |
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May 9, 2013-Pastor Wally’s Dangling Conversation9. May, 2013A Dangling ConversationComments OffA High MomentBaptism is one of the high moments in the life of a Christian community. Through baptism, individuals publicly declare their commitment to follow Jesus the rest of their life. I never cease to be thrilled when I hear someone’s testimony and then witness their baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! |
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May 2, 2013-Pastor Wally’s Dangling Conversation2. May, 2013A Dangling ConversationComments OffMission Garage Sale ReportI’ve heard many comments the past few days about this year’s Annual Mission Garage Sale. The sale, which was held last Friday and Saturday, may go down in the record books of this event’s annals. Several veterans surmised that there was more “stuff” for sale this year than previous years. Also, as I heard from no less an authority than Jim Heeks, there was a “better quality” of items than recent years. |
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April 25, 2013-Pastor Wally’s Dangling Conversation25. April, 2013A Dangling ConversationNo commentsAn Intrepid Gang Last Saturday, I had the privilege of watching a highly motivated crew of young guys shovel mulch at Pearce’s “Spring Cleaning” day. |
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April 19, 2013-Pastor Wally’s Dangling Conversation19. April, 2013A Dangling ConversationNo commentsEnough! I received a note yesterday from a mom in our church. She wrote that this past Monday evening, she was trying to bribe one of her sons to go to his karate lesson. Evidently, his motivation wasn’t very high that evening. So, the mom resorted to one of her proven methods: the bribe. According to the mom, her son has “tons” of actions figures and always wants another to add to his collection. |
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April 11, 2013-Pastor Wally’s Dangling Conversation11. April, 2013A Dangling ConversationNo commentsAm I Really Helping?The weekend of Palm Sunday, my message was about how to care for our life with God. As an illustration, I related my conflict between body, mind, and will when it comes to Applebee’s Triple Chocolate Meltdown dessert. I think my illustration must have resonated with many of you. Over the past couple of weeks, I have had several people text or email me photos of their dessert indulgences. (It doesn’t appear to me that the will is overruling the body in these instances!) |
