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Acts 9.36-43 | Psalm 23 | Revelation 7.9-17 | John 10.22-30 Our world’s been a scary place this past week.   The small town of West, Texas was rocked by the explosion of a fertilizer plant that left at least a dozen dead and more than two hundred injured; fifty homes were also destroyed by the blast.   There remains much uncertainty surrounding the event, including whether or not it was the result of criminal activity.   In another story, the FBI confirmed Thursday that letters sent by a Mississippi man to a U.S. senator, a judge, and President Obama contained ricin, a highly toxic and potentially-lethal poison.   But at the forefront of the news headlines was of course the bombing that took place at the Boston Marathon.   Two explosions near the finish line of the over twenty-six mile event left three dead, and more than one hundred and seventy-five injured.   One of the suspects was killed in a shootout with police; the other, his brother, was ap...

Acts 9.1-6 | John 21.1-19 Last Thursday evening was the sendoff, or opening service, for the men’s Purchase Area Walk to Emmaus number 113.  Serving on the team as an assistant spiritual director, I had the privilege of being present that night: seeing familiar faces, meeting new folks, and bearing witness to both the excitement and apprehension palpable among the pilgrims.  By now, their journey’s nearly over. And I’m confident the majority of them are feeling spiritually renewed in ways they never could’ve imagined.  But, as I indicated, the first night’s always a bit anxious.  You’re out of your comfort zone.  You aren’t sure what to expect.  And you’re in very close proximity to a bunch of other people, many of whom are strangers.  That’s why one of the first things that’s done is an activity called “My New Best Friend.”  In it, each pilgrim pairs up with whomever they happen to be sitting next to and shares their name, some family in...

Second Sunday of Easter (C) | 7-Apr-13  Acts 5.27-32 | Revelation 1.4-8 | John 20.19-31 What will be left when I’ve drawn my last breath, besides the folks I’ve met and the folks who’ve known me?             Will I discover a soul-saving love, or just the dirt above and below me? I’m a doubting Thomas: I took a promise, but I do not feel safe. Oh me of little faith. Sometimes I pray for a slap in the face, then I beg to be spared ‘cause I’m a coward. If there’s a master of death, I bet he’s holding his breath as I show the blind and tell the deaf about his power. I’m a doubting Thomas: I can’t keep my promises ‘cause I don’t know what’s safe. Oh me of little faith. Can I be used to help others find truth when I’m scared I’ll find proof that it’s a lie? Can I be led down a trail dropping bread crumbs that prove I’m not ready to die? Please give me time to decipher the signs; ...