I am grateful to be a part of a Church where it is safe for people to express their doubts and ask their questions and challenge accepted norms. It is a Church where we don’t have to mindlessly accept what seems to be the accepted answer or point of view. It is a Church where it is okay to be doubtful, confused, and skeptical. It is a Church where we can remain in the company of others as we struggle with matters of doubt and faith. It is a Church where from childhood we are encouraged to ask questions and to wonder as we journey toward faith. Continue reading

Like so many Christian holy days, Easter seems to disappear the next day as life returns to "normal." But Easter should be more than that to us! It certainly was to those early disciples. Easter is more than a day! Continue reading

So much of our conversation regarding faith is centered on what each of us is doing about it. The Annunciation is a reminder to me that what I'm doing about my faith is always in response to what God is first doing in my life, even when I'm not thinking of it in that way. Continue reading

We see some amazing sunsets in this part of Texas. Earlier this week I saw one that took my breath away. It was the reddest and brightest sunset I’ve ever seen. I just had to stand there in awe and gratitude for a few moments and savor it. Continue reading

I recently came across an interesting article by small church pastor Karl Vaters, in which he addresses a question many are asking: “When the pandemic is over, will the congregation come back?” In his response, he suggests that there are several better questions we should be asking ourselves. Continue reading

Earlier this week, the Governor of Texas held a press conference in which he announced that Texas will open 100%, including lifting limitations on gatherings and the mask mandate. You may be wondering how this decision will impact us at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Continue reading

Earlier in the week, the Ten Commandments came up in a conversation with a couple of other people. One of them said, “For some, Christianity seems to be a list of rules to obey.” I think he’s right. There are those who view Christianity that way. I see it differently. Continue reading

A friend said to me the other day, “Maybe it’s just me, but 2021 is beginning to look a lot like 2020.” He’s right; it kind of is, isn’t it? It's enough to try one's soul. How is it with your soul? Continue reading

Next Wednesday, we will begin our annual observance of the Season of Lent. Lent is a time for engaging our new life in Christ more deeply, risking new levels of trust. Continue reading

Mark uses miracle stories in his gospel to illustrate a point the way Matthew and Luke use parables for that purpose in theirs. Jesus’ cleansing of a leper as recorded in Mark 1:40-45 is an example. Continue reading

Next Sunday's lectionary readings are a perfect backdrop for our Annual Parish Meeting. Continue reading

I came across this story today. It's been around a while, but I had not seen it before. It speaks beautifully about our need to care for one another and seek each others' welfare. Continue reading

With each passing day, the picture of events in our Nation’s Capitol last week grows darker. Federal prosecutors are saying that rioters intended to capture and assassinate elected officials. What can we do? Continue reading

Yesterday, the United States Capitol building, a symbol of our nation’s covenant to live together as one people governed and protected by laws, was assaulted by a lawless mob, urged on by reckless and violent political rhetoric. While we are relieved that order was restored in the Capitol, we can’t ignore the fact that a national symbol was violated and desecrated. It’s going to take some time for the soul of America to recover. Continue reading

As I reflect on the past year, with enormous help from the media, I'm faced with questions: Will the new year really be new? Are we going to be in for more of the same with the Coronavirus Pandemic? Will we make any progress in healing the racism, wealth inequality, and political divisions in our nation? What's the difference between December 31 and January 1? Will January 1 be any different from December 31? Why is it we make such a fuss over the changing of the year? Continue reading

A visit to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve inspired The Rev. Phillips Brooks to write one of the most cherished of all Christmas carols, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Continue reading

Of all the aspects of our relationship with God, perhaps obedience is the biggest issue with us. Consider Joseph. He was upset about Mary when an angel came to him in a dream and brought him a message. Joseph heard the message and responded in obedience. "He did as the angel of the Lord commanded him" (Mt. 1:24). He was obedient to the message he received. Consider St. Paul. His apostleship to the Gentiles was for bringing about obedience to the faith. Hearing or obeying, then, is used in the closest relationship to faith, not as two distinct acts, but... Continue reading

I'm reflecting on the custom of gift-giving, which is grounded in God's greatest gift to us. We spend a lot of time selecting just the right gifts for our loved ones. And what shall I give to God? Advent provides me with the opportunity to consider that question. Today, I'm thinking the gift of my trust is something God would value. Continue reading

I'm reflecting on the custom of gift-giving, which is grounded in God's greatest gift to us. We spend a lot of time selecting just the right gifts for our loved ones. And what shall I give to God? Advent provides me with the opportunity to consider that question. Continue reading

When we worship during Advent, we are reminded of the reason for the season. Our custom of gift-giving originated in our attempt to emulate God who gives himself to us. But, it is easy to forget to put God on our gift lists. Continue reading

The leaves on the Maple Tree outside our bedroom window are turning red. Other trees across our area are also changing colors. We can learn lessons from trees about dealing with change. Continue reading

There are a number of treasures on my desk, including a small stone. This stone was given to me by a dear friend and colleague, The Rev. Jim Nelson. He gave me the stone to remind me of a parable he tells. Continue reading

The Patron Saint of our church is Martin of Tours (330-397). His feast day is November 11. It has long been the custom in this parish to observe his feast day on the Sunday nearest to November 11. So, this year’s patronal feast day is November 8. The Outreach Commission has also chosen this date to begin our annual coat drive. There's a reason for that. Continue reading

On Sunday, we’ll observe the Feast of All Saints. Whatever else we may be called during the course of our lives, in God’s eyes we are saints – blessed, sanctified, made holy, not by our own will but by the will of God. We are saints of God by grace and adoption. Continue reading

Not far from wherever you are, is a benchmark. You may have never seen it. If you have seen it, you may have paid it little attention. I find it helpful to think of the commandments, ordinances, and precepts of Scripture as the benchmarks of our faith, rather than merely orders from on high. Continue reading