On Christmas Day, at 3pm for 10 minutes, the United Kingdom comes to a halt for an annual moment of reflection—the Queen’s Speech. In the midst of all of the Christmas festivities, it is a chance to pause and listen as the Queen reflects upon the year that has been and the meaning of Christmas. […]
Spiritual Smoke Detector
I was having coffee yesterday with one of our mission partners, Doug Burleigh. Doug used to be the president of Young Life and now leads a ministry in Washington D.C., quietly serving and encouraging political leaders from around the world. Doug asked me a question he has asked hundreds of times over the years: “What […]
Of Seahawks and Pharisees
I have been battling with myself these past three months. On one hand, I hate it when a 10:00 Seahawk kickoff means a big drop in Sunday worship attendance. On the other hand, as I’ve been reading through the gospels, I see how many times Jesus fought with the Pharisees over the subject of the […]
Numbers I Am Thankful For
Happy Thanksgiving Eve! This was a week of numbers for me and I thought I’d share them with you. They are numbers of celebration…and some of them are numbers of opportunity! 803-That’s the number of Covenant Cards that were turned in on last Covenant Sunday; those who said, in specific ways, “I want to be […]
The Craziness of Non-Obedient Discipleship
One of the most piercing questions Jesus ever asked comes in Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? This is reinforced in Jesus’ “Great Commission” in Matthew 28 when he tells his disciples to teach others to “obey all that I have commanded you.” It is […]
How About a Party?
Sunday, November 23, will be “Covenant Sunday” at Chapel Hill, the conclusion of a month during which we have focused with laser-like intensity on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. We’ve journaled our way through the “Sermon on the Mount,” asking the question, “What does Jesus call me to do as his […]
Chainsaw, anyone?
I have a great mother-in-law. None of the standard jokes apply. And one of the things I most admire is Peg’s desire to bring her family together. At her instigation—and frankly, on her dime—we have regular gatherings of family for the purpose of reconnecting, catching up, playing and celebrating life. This weekend is that at Chapel Hill. For the first […]
Why would you go to a family reunion?
The first time I really remember meeting my cousins that live up in this part of the country was at a Family Reunion at Lake Powell. We bought our first family minivan for the cross-country trip from Tennessee to the West. We had funny blue t-shirts that all matched. My cousins taught me how to […]
Not just about old, dead, Scottish white guys…
I still remember the summer day in 1984 that I drove my rental car into the little town of St. Andrews, Scotland, parked on North Street, and began to explore the place that would play such an important part in my life. I returned the following year to begin a lifelong love affair with the […]
Read More… from Not just about old, dead, Scottish white guys…
Thank you from Pastors Larry & Megan!
Three weeks ago you as members of Chapel Hill confirmed that we, Larry & Megan, are called to serve you by casting your votes for us to be your associate pastors. This past week the members of the Presbytery—the regional body of elders—also voted to confirm this call. Our hearts are full of gratitude. Thank […]