Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 648 pieces, gathered in one home.
As I write, I watch a documentary on the construction progress of Tower One in New York. To be completed in 2013, it is emerging from Ground Zero as a testament of healing. The 105
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have been sharing about my spirituality recently. Today you may notice there’s a method to my meanderings. There is a dynamic tension between my first two, the spirituality of “r
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the new collage in my office from the spring heritage tour I took my dad on. We traveled through GA and SC tracing our family heritage of the Garrisons, Wills, Thompsons, W
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
In the last two posts, I shared about my “spirituality of retreat” and my “spirituality of creativity”. Today I’d like to share about the “spirituality of risk.” In my sermon recen
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This week, I would like to share about what I call the “spirituality of creativity.” I believe that God gives each of us unique and marvelous gifts for the building up of the body
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
One of the things you will learn about me is my love for spiritual formation. I believe God’s people are called to a growing, experiential relationship with Jesus that shapes us ov
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This summer, I've been introducing myself to my new congregation in the weekly newsletter. Last week, I began sharing about my spiritual journey. I thought this might be helpful to
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I had a wonderful experience leading worship music at SoulFeast. Lake Junaluska Assembly is such a holy and beautiful place anway, but to be with others who have a longing such as
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
In a recent post, I reflected on the central symbols of the beautiful windows in my new study. Today I offer some musings about having an office that is "built into" the original s
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Faithful Christians in Alabama differ in their political opinions. One of the things I love about being Methodist is that diversity is appreciated. I encourage each congregation I
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
In my new study is a most beautiful pair of stained glass windows. The offices are built into the former sanctuary of Saint Mark, so I start each morning with some quiet time gazin
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Today was my first day on site as Senior Pastor of Saint Mark UMC. For me, being at this church is a dream come true! I got to the office at 8:30 and heard that my office was going
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
It seems that whenever I attend Annual Conference on a year when I'm moving, it's a particularly "moving" experience in more than one way. I suppose this is because I am experienci
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Someone asked me this morning where I had gotten the video of the song "Restless" by Audrey Assad which we used in worship. Here it is on YouTube. It is a wonderful song that expre
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Dear Grace UMC, We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the farewell dinner tonight. The crowd was great and the food was excellent. The fellowship was warm and wonderful. F
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
On April 25, I posted an online memorial for Rev. Levi Garrison. He was my 4th great grandfather and early American Methodist circuit rider in South Carolina. I mentioned a letter
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I'm remembering my wonderful mother, who died on the Sunday after Easter in 2003. I recently made this online memorial for her. I miss you, Mom! I love
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
If you are wondering what it's like to live through a tornado, read this harrowing account by a University of Alabama student. You will get in touch with your deep feelings. Friend
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the front door of the old chapel at Ford's Chapel UMC, 10 minutes from my church. The narthex stood up with 4 stained glass windows intact and a chandelier that was too stu
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is a potent picture of Rev. Dorothy Ann standing in the narthex looking into what was the historic chapel at Ford's Chapel UMC. She is the pastor and we went up on Thursday to
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the one remaining pew in the chapel of Ford's Chapel UMC, 10 minutes from my church. The building was built in 1870 (and bricked later). It laid above a foundation (notice
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the steeple of Ford's Chapel UMC, a congregation just 10 minutes from Grace UMC where I serve. My friend Dorothy Ann Webster is the pastor. We went up on Thursday to spend
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This has been a difficult week for folks in the South after the devastating storms hit Alabama and other states. There are over 230 deaths reported in Alabama alone. My prayers and
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am an 8th generation Methodist on one side of my family and at least a 7th generation Methodist on the other. This is part of the fiber of who I am. One of the most fascinating c
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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