by Christian Coon | Nov 24, 2014 | BLOG
I have been to numerous conferences over the years and hate to admit that I have more than a few 3-ring binders, fancy notebooks, and thoughtful little journals that haven’t been opened again after I returned home. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in...
by Christian Coon | Oct 25, 2014 | BLOG
I doubt I’m the first to say or think of this, but if a pastor ever wondered why s/he had kids, s/he might be tempted to say, “For the sermon illustrations.” I’ve tried over the years to be judicious about using my kids in sermon and I (almost)...
by Christian Coon | Sep 27, 2014 | BLOG
“While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them saying, Drink from it, all of...
by Christian Coon | Sep 12, 2014 | BLOG
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:1-2, NRSV) A common regret I hear from pastors (at least those I’m in conversation with) is the challenge of actually...
by Christian Coon | Sep 4, 2014 | BLOG
“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…” (Luke 6:27) If you’re at all familiar with the church I pastor, you probably know we’ve run a few ad campaigns where we claim to love two seemingly opposite...
by Christian Coon | Sep 4, 2014 | BLOG
Gathering with other reconciling pastors for lunch. Working to bring about the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love to all people. (at First United Methodist Church at the Chicago...
by Christian Coon | Aug 28, 2014 | BLOG
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:43-44, NRSV) So there I was driving along one morning last week,...
