"Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes in the morning." Yesterday our weekly Bible study focused on the word "joy." One member spoke for all of us, sharing the struggle of finding joy when things seem awful-violence in the streets, the dreary expectation of racism and homophobia being spouted in Cleveland all week, … Continue reading Joy Through it All
Author: toddweir1
I am a progressive pastor, writer and leadership coach in Northampton, MA. I blog at Bloomingcactus about spiritual and religious issues, I also enjoy cooking, gardening and biking.
Is Atheism an Intellectual Luxury for the Wealthy?
Chris Arnade wrote an interesting article in the Guardian with this title. I'm fascinated because Chris is an atheist who worked on Wall Street and then became a photographer of homeless people in the South Bronx. He reveals the humanity of his subjects and their beauty amidst the brokeness in their lives. In his conclusion … Continue reading Is Atheism an Intellectual Luxury for the Wealthy?
Keep Hope Alive
As the Presidential primaries grind away, I have one conviction left. Despair is not the answer. I could spend my time ranting about the fear-mongering on the right, how big money corrupts the Democrats, and how poorly Sanders faired with minorities as the campaign trail reduced him to shouting slogans. I never expected anyone running … Continue reading Keep Hope Alive
Psalm 23 – “Good Shepherd 3.0”
I had an important moment of clarity last Monday about how I understand myself as pastor and shepherd. Sarah and I were both attending the Massachusetts Western area “Day of Covenant,” which is annual gathering of pastors and Conference staff for mutual care and discussion about what we see as the big issues of the … Continue reading Psalm 23 – “Good Shepherd 3.0”
Preaching to the Hometown Crowd
I remember returning to my hometown of Boone, Iowa to preach, after my first semester of seminary in Boston. I looked out at the congregation, and there were all my former Sunday School teachers and youth leaders. These were the people that had formed my faith, those who said don’t run in church, and stop … Continue reading Preaching to the Hometown Crowd
Manifesting the Spirit Among Us
I Corinthians 12 is Paul’s theological grounding about how community and power works. I Cor. 12:7 is one of the most important verses in the Bible, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” For the full sermon go to my new website at bloomingcactus.me
Manifesting the Spirit Among Us
Marketing data increasingly shapes our lives, as every mouse click, google search and Amazon purchase is analyzed somewhere in a big supercomputer. Jeanne and I spent time over the weekend finding a hotel room in Newport for my son’s wedding in September, and now when I read the news online, the side advertisement says, “Best … Continue reading Manifesting the Spirit Among Us
Restoration: When Scripture Makes History
Scripture Texts: Luke 4:15-21, Isaiah 61:1-2 January 17, 2016 What is your elevator speech? In 30 seconds or less, how would convince someone to embrace your core values and mission? It must be simple, memorable and exciting. A Mission Statement grounds you in being clear before you act, so every day you can ask, … Continue reading Restoration: When Scripture Makes History
Restoration: When Scripture Makes History
Scripture Lessons: Luke 4:15-21, Isaiah 61:1-2 What is your elevator speech? In 30 seconds or less, how would convince someone to embrace your core values and mission? It must … Continue reading Restoration: When Scripture Makes History
Magi, Jedi, Christ Star, Death Star
Scripture Text: Luke 3:15-22 A long time ago; in a galaxy far, far away; a child in a movie multiplex looked up to a parent and whispered: “Is the Force the same thing as God?" That is the conversation George Lucas wanted to create. Lucas recently talked about religion in an interview with Charlie Rose … Continue reading Magi, Jedi, Christ Star, Death Star
With all my soul 