When I feel the least able to make a decision, when reasonably it seems that I am powerless… then is the moment above all that I need renew my choice for God! And it will be strengthened through prayer, through good friends (preferably but not solely Christians) and through worship in community. Only lies and… Continue reading
Below the sermon audio is the sermon text, basically what was preached in the pulpit! This was a moving sermon for me to reflect upon and to preach. The Gospel hymn spoke of “the heart” and I chose “Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to thy accord” as the sermon response instead… Continue reading
This Sunday there were three Gospel stories from which to choose; I think many came to church expecting the “wise men” Gospel from Matthew but instead I chose the story from Luke’s Gospel in which Jesus is separated from his parents without their knowledge. Eventually he is found… but, amazingly, in the Temple in deep… Continue reading
Today’s Gospel is the phenomenal, breath-taking, theologically explosive reading of John 1:1-14. Oh sermons could be preached on this Gospel without end (of number, or of time). I preached on what I thought was prominent for the time though, in the preparation, I mused a lot on the absence/discouragement of poignancy in our lives… perhaps… Continue reading
The sermon text is printed below the sermon audio… this was a challenging text for me to understand, to expound and (to be honest) to claim as my own. As I say in the sermon: “The Lord is not finished with me, with you or with us…” Sermon preached at Trinity Church, Newport RI; Sunday… Continue reading
So, I’ve just realized why I love the honor and joy of preparing couples for weddings and marriages… I am so grateful to God for the gift of my dearest Wendy! The BEST officiant ever! We had Alan officiate our wedding last weekend (10/12/19) and our ceremony was absolutely perfect. We actually booked Alan well… Continue reading
Good morning Alan! I attached a few photos of you, Jackie, and I, from our wedding this summer. Feel free to use them in anyway. One of the best parts of our wedding was having you as our officiant. We recommend you to any person we know is getting married. We are genuinely thankful for… Continue reading
Oh this Sunday I have never been more conflicted as to the text/s I should choose for the sermon. And though I wanted to preach on “Do the work of an evangelist”, I decided I needed to preach on the Gospel. Below the audio (8am service) is the text, largely the basis for the sermon…. Continue reading
Usually the sermon audio contains comments, phrases that are not written in the original text. Today, it’s all turned around. The audio here is the 8am sermon, between services I worked more on the sermon… so the text is for the 10am (without audio!). I sensed a greater connection with the congregation and with the… Continue reading
So this July I had the great and happy honor of officiating at the wedding of my son, Daniel, and Gretchen. It was an intimate affair and, this should come as no surprise, no matter how “intimate” the planning is endless especially when my stylish, creative and detailed wife Wendy is involved. Great day! Great… Continue reading