A PERSONAL PRAYER God, I am always listening to hear if you are calling me to something significant, something world-changing. Maybe I can write a world-changing sermon, and lead a world-changing mission. Maybe I can build an organization to end hunger or bring about world peace. God, I don't know if I am missing something or not paying attention, but I seldom hear such a call. The call I do hear is far less grandiose, but perhaps more significant. It is the daily call to be kind to my neighbor, to share my love with a friend, to [...]

In my sermon on 9/15/19, I mention having substantive conversations with others regarding difficult issues in a way that is respectful, focuses on issues rather than demonization, and helps us learn about how those who disagree with us come to their points of view. In publishing this paper together, Chap Temple and I have sought to model that process. I hope you can learn something about how people with two different perspectives view same-sex marriage in the church. Tom Pace A Pastoral Conversation Regarding Same-Sex Marriage and the Church

A PERSONAL PRAYER God, As always, I need your help. Holy Spirit, fill my whole self and guide me. Give me a courageous voice to speak the truth as I see it, and the wisdom to know when to keep silent. Give me ears to hear, and a mind that is truly open to listen. Give me a heart that feels, and honest empathy for others. Give me eyes to see the world through the eyes of my brother or sister. Give me hands that serve both friend and enemy, and the commitment to make a difference rather [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God of love, When I read the papers, watch the news, read and hear the comments, it seems that the animosity towards others is overwhelming. It appears folks have all chosen a team, and have little good to say about anyone on another team. I would like to believe that it is only the people on the fringe, but it seems deeper than that. You know, God, how hard I try to bring people together, to unite people around our mission, to share your truth as I understand it in a way that people can [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER God, on this day, I am asking for a fresh start. It is a new school year, a new beginning with projects and goals for my life and my work. Are they what you want for me? Have I correctly discerned your preferred future for my life? I have tried to listen to you, God, and get clarity, but sometimes it seems so fuzzy. I ask you today to put the right dreams in my heart, the right goals in my head, the right hopes in my soul, the right projects on my schedule. Your scripture [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER Gracious God, I still remember the day I heard you call my name, asking me to follow you, telling me you had work for me to do. It seems I am always trying to figure out exactly what work I am supposed to be doing, continually searching for that great purpose in the sky that will change the world. Is that what you want of me? I confess that while I am looking for that greater purpose, greater vision, there is a friend who needs a word of encouragement, a colleague who needs some help [...]

A PERSONAL PRAYER Ah, look at all the lonely people. Where do they all come from? Ah, look at all the lonely people. Where do they all belong?  God, I think that is what you are saying so much of the time. Sometimes, even I, who have a marvelous family and incredible church family, think to myself "where do I belong?" It is at the core of the human condition, isn't it? From the moment we hid ourselves from you in the garden, loneliness set in. You said it was not good that we be alone, but then [...]