Dream On

Dreams are key contributors to the narrative of both important biblical Josephs.  Let’s focus on the Genesis 37 to 50 Joseph rather than the husband of Mary Joseph.  The Genesis Joseph has two dreams in Canaan and tells his family of them.  The telling of these dreams help get him sold into slavery and sent … More Dream On

Global, United, Inclusive: Pick Two – An Update

For the June/July Hilltop Newsletter, I spoke to the idea of how the United Methodist Church sees itself in terms of three key words and values: global, unified, and inclusive. I lamented that we were approaching a time when we might need to pick two. Rethinking that a little, I wonder if we are not … More Global, United, Inclusive: Pick Two – An Update

A Scarlet Letter

Jesus says in Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life” (ESV). Paul writes in Philippians 4: 6 “do not be anxious about anything” (ESV).  Our theme at Hilltop, where I serve the people of Sandy, Utah, in October, 2015 was “Let your faith be bigger than your fear.” Great … More A Scarlet Letter

Pastor's Musings — from Psalm 46 — "Be still, and know that I am God"

Be still, and know that I am God Psalm 46:10a, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Psalm 46 is a Song of Zion.  Zion is another name for the city of Jerusalem.  The Songs of Zion celebrate Jerusalem primarily because of its special relation to Yahweh, the God of Israel.  Zion was “the city of our God” (Psalms … More Pastor's Musings — from Psalm 46 — "Be still, and know that I am God"