New Link

The last link I put up was difficult to get to the document. Try this new link, http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhjm6jn5_0cx22q77g .

An Invitation

After months of revisions and prayer it is finally time to share with all an invitation. I am a part of the United Methodist Church in the North Central New York Annual Conference. For many years the people called Methodist have been experiencing decline in significant numbers. We have reached the point where we must change, or recapture the way of Christ taught to us through the ages and through the life, works and teachings of John Wesley. God has laid it upon the hearts of four of us to invite people to a radical Christianity. Radical meaning to return to the roots. Please read the linked document http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhjm6jn5_0cx22q77g . After taking some time to read through the invitation please join us in January, and before then on the Official blog of A Radical Call To Christianity . We are inciting all, United Methodist or not, to join in the revolution to return to the roots of Christianity, and be the people of God called the church.

Christmas Morning

Here it is Christmas morning and I am sitting at my computer. It was a blessed night here at the church and God is blooming in glorious ways. I want to take this time to say thank you to all the people who mean so much to me. I know that is more of a thanksgiving thing, but each of you give me the present of reminding me of His presence. Before all, to Sarah my wife. You put up with a crazy schedule and a husband that cannot stop dreaming of what could be. The long hours at church, in meetings, teaching, and just plain not being home. I love you and could not be in ministry without you. To my girls, Rachel, Leah and Hannah. I see the face of God in you every time I look at you. You are so precious to daddy, and I love you. To my mom, who has been and is patient with me every step of the way. To my brother, I am proud to have a brother like you. To my extended family, thank you for all the ways you support Sarah and I. To Bill, BJ, and Alan this has been an incredible ride, and I think it is just beginning. You three have helped me more than words can say. I am not sure I would still be in ministry today if it were not for the three of you. You are not as important as my wife and kids but it is close. Thanks and I love you guys.

Yo all my you be blessed this Christmas, and hey take time to tell those you love that you love them. Take time to embrace the Christ, and those who make life worth living.

Who Gets It First

Over the past week I have been impacted by the fact that the people who were considered outsiders were the ones who understood Jesus first. In the Gospel of Matthew you have the magi, who were most likely priests in a non-Jewish religion, who seek the Christ child to worship and give gifts to. Then in John 4 it is a Samaritan woman, an outcast among outcasts. The Samaritan women is contrasted by Nicodemus in John 3, who was a religious leader and didn't get it. All this is to say that we who are a part of the church, who think we get it, need to take great caution. In the midst of our perceived understanding, we might completely miss true understanding. In our religious fervor and certainty, we might not see God right in front of us. God works in all places and with all people, however, I think God takes special pleasure in using people who others have considered out of the loop to draw everyone back to focus.

Is This The End

Soon it will be time to take down the tree, and put away all the decorations. The resolutions set with great determination will soon begin to fade into obscurity, and the rest of January will continue. It is easy to see Christmas and New Years as time of culmination, a time of ending. However, it is important to refocus our attention into seeing this time of year as a blessed beginning. The Christ child in the manger was not the end of the story, it was not even the beginning of the story. It was, a blessed refocusing of what in means to follow God. Christmas morning is the beginning of another time to focus on what God is doing in our world and with us. The new year is the opportunity to break free from the patterns of what was, and claim new ground for what God is doing. Really Christmas should remind us that there is never really an ending, but a glorious continuation of God's plan to draw all people to Him. Eternity is not the present question, the present is the eternal opportunity.

Worth The Time

This is a cool video, I am sure many have seen it. It is worth the time.




Hope you enjoy.

Equal Access

"He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." -- Ephesians 2:17-18



The work of Christ was about bringing peace between God and people. And, now the church, the extent ion of Christ for today, seems to be working to show how different and separate people are, not only from God, but from each other. There are times when those who would take the name Christian us that name in a way to set themselves above other people. However, every single person on the face of the planet has equal access to the the father, through the son. It is not the job of humans to determine who is in and who is not. It is not the job of humans to be in the management of the Kingdom, we are called to be in sales. Additionally the way we are called to offer Christ is not with a flashy sales pitch, or with obnoxious words shouted in judgment. Rather, our witness is to be the way in which we live our lives. I wonder what kind of world we would have if Christians decided to spend more time living the life of God than determining who was qualified or not?