Thoughts Along the Way . . .

In these waning days of summer, as we head into the Labor Day week-end, I invite you to engage in the challenging spiritual practice of living fully in the moment. There is so much in our current cultural environment that tries to pull us into the past or the future. We worry about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow. We rob ourselves of the present by complaining that “summer is almost over.” The truth of the matter is that this present moment is the only moment there is. The past is gone and the future is not yet. “Now” is the only opportunity we have in which to be fully alive. “Now” is the only opportunity we have in which to be fully connected with ourselves, with each other and with God. Of course we need to remember the past. Of course we need to plan for the future. But not at the expense of being fully present to what is right in front of us. Be alive to the wonder of each glorious day. Allow each breath you take to be a reminder to slow down and pay attention to all of the ways in which God can be experienced in each incredible moment. It requires lots of practice, and the gifts we will discover in the process make it all worth the effort.

- Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

“Be the change you wish to see in the world!” is the way Mahatma Gandhi put it. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” is the way Martin Luther King, Jr. put it. If we want to help bring peace and love and harmony into our broken and hurting world then it makes sense that we begin by bringing it into our own lives. When we come from a place of peace within ourselves, rooted and grounded in a deep and abiding awareness of God’s peace, then our actions in the world are much more likely to contribute to peace in the world around us. It is not always easy to find that peaceful center, and even more challenging to stay there. And it is a spiritual practice that is well worth the effort – one step, one breath, one peaceful intention at a time.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

Actor and comedian Robin Williams died this week, apparently ending his own life in the midst of an ongoing struggle with depression. I confess that I have never experienced anything that came even close to tempting me to end my own life, so I can only barely imagine what sort of inner turmoil and pain must be involved. There is a quote floating around the internet that invites us to “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” We have the sacred opportunity to shine the light of grace and peace into the lives of those whom we encounter along the way. In this moment and every moment may we be agents of God’s love in the world.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along The Way . . .

This morning I find myself thinking about journey as a metaphor for life. And three quotes have presented themselves to me which I now share with you.


If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it’s not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That’s why it’s your path.
~ Joseph Campbell


Walk as if you are printing your footstep on the ground; leave an imprint of happiness, peace and serenity, not an imprint of anxiety, negativity or frustration.
~Thich Nhat Hahn


All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.
~ Martin Buber


May the journey of your life take you to surprising and rewarding places.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Being a Pastor is a Funny Business . . .

Lately folks in the congregation have been touching base with me and asking how things are going. It often comes in the form of some variation on the question, “Are you still glad you’re here?” To which I always reply that I am, indeed, still glad I’m here. It is such a privilege and a joy to be your pastor. I love my job. And one of the things which I appreciate most about being your pastor is the opportunity to share life with you – in joyful celebrations, painful struggles, everyday happenings, all of it. Such sharing is a large part of what keeps me coming back for more and why I’m still a pastor after more than thirty years. Being a pastor is a funny business. I’m not any holier than anyone else. Not any more perfect. Not any more gifted. Not any more anything. What I am is grateful for the extraordinary privilege of being a representative for the church, and sometimes for God. It means that when I walk into a hospital room wearing my pastor hat I bring the whole congregation and all of their prayers with me. It means I have the opportunity to allow the presence of the Sacred to shine through me and into the lives of those I meet. And the only way for any of this to happen is if you participate in the process by inviting me to share those moments with you. When you are in the hospital I want to come visit you. When you have a special anniversary or other family celebration I would love the opportunity to offer my best wishes. When something happens around the church I hope you’ll make sure I know about it (because sometimes I don’t). I always appreciate an invitation to visit you in your home, or meet you for tea, or get together for lunch. I look forward to opportunities for sharing life with you. Together may we continue to be the church God is calling us to be.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)