This week is my last week serving as associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church. The past few weeks have been surreal as I have attempted to remain mentally, emotionally, and spiritually present to this congregation, while at the same time reflecting on my time with and being in conversation with the people of University Presbyterian … Continue reading “On Leaving a Congregation…”
Category: reconciliation
When the Oppressed Become the Oppressors
I received an email the other day from Faithful America, a progressive online community motivated by faith to take action on the pressing moral issues of our time (from their website). Normally, I can appreciate what Faithful America has to say…normally. But I struggled with this email. The subject was: “URGENT: Church arresting Occupiers!” Immediately, … Continue reading “When the Oppressed Become the Oppressors”
Can I Have a Witness?
I have had the rare opportunity in the past several weeks to have several conversations with different people about the concept of “witness” within the Christian context, none of which were initiated by me. In the Christian tradition we give witness to the reality of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ, though the language may differ among Christians in … Continue reading “Can I Have a Witness?”
Like-mindedness at What Expense?
I find myself increasingly saddened by this seemingly obsessive focus on “like mindedness” in the Church on what seems to be all sides of most of the debates that have split the Church throughout the ages. In our age we are more aware of different ways of seeing and believing than in any other age … Continue reading “Like-mindedness at What Expense?”
Decently and In Order
By the Rev. Eric O. Ledermann January 23, 2011 First Presbyterian Church, San Bernardino, CA Matthew 4.12-23 It is human nature to want to “belong” to something—to be connected and “be known”. It is human nature to find those who share our values, those with whom we agree, those who affirm our self-identities. It feels … Continue reading “Decently and In Order”