Rev. Christy Thomas: Sabbatical trip finds church ministering to younger crowd
From May through July, I shall use part of my sabbatical to visit various churches and record my experiences there.
From May through July, I shall use part of my sabbatical to visit various churches and record my experiences there.
Hundreds gathered on the Courthouse on the Square lawn to pray for government leaders, the military, the media, businesses, educators, churches and families Thursday for the 61st annual National Day of Prayer. “I’m so excited to be a part of what God is doing in Denton and Denton County,” said Dorothy Smith, an event coordinator.
People of a certain age may recognize this song, “Leaving, on a Jet Plane” — and the mixed joy and sorrow it brings. Yes, I’ve left town — and on a jet plane, but just for three months. This long-planned sabbatical has been structured to give rest with time to heal, write and pray, plus spend time with my scattered family, whom I rarely get to see.
At noon Thursday, Denton County churches will join one another on the downtown Denton Square to pray for the nation.
It has been a strange week. Still in brain fog most of the time from the anesthesia of surgery, coupled with some fairly strong pain relievers, I found myself more physically still than I can ever remember.
Last Friday, little robotic instruments nibbled their way through my abdomen, giving light, snipping and cauterizing while the physician manipulated them with 3D visual accuracy.
Dear readers, thanks for all the prayers and offers of help as I go into this health journey. Below is a peek into the recesses of my brain.
“The biopsy was inconclusive.” My reaction to these words showed me again how much I want certainty. But certainty was not to be. No closure, no absolute answer, no clear direction. I must make a decision with incomplete evidence — hardly a new experience in the scheme of human history.
So just why did people put down palm leaves when Jesus headed into Jerusalem that last time to celebrate the Passover? Quick answer: because palm fronds were readily available.
I wish I could get it across that what Jesus lived and taught has almost no relationship with the “hate-ianity” that masquerades as Christianity across the press, airways and religious institutions today.
A silent auction is planned for March 31 to benefit the Fun Stop after-school program at First United Methodist Church of Denton.
The Church of Corinth has scheduled its 13th annual “Eggstravaganza” event from 2 to 5 p.m. April 7 at the Corinth Soccer Fields on Corinth Parkway.
“How can anyone get into heaven? It must be impossible!” That’s what Jesus’ disciples said to him after he had told a very rich young man that he had to give everything away in order to inherit eternal life.
The time leading to Easter has long been seen in many Christian traditions as the yearly opportunity to take a good, hard look at the state of our souls and ask the question, “Do I need a Savior?”
Several weeks ago, I learned that a lawsuit had been filed against Tyrone Gordon, a gifted and respected pastor, against the church where he served, St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas, and against the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, our connectional body, similar to a diocese or parish.
A fight breaks out between two preschoolers. The parents or caregivers break up the fight and insist that the children tell each other they are sorry. On the rarest of occasions is there a sincere “I really am sorry I did that. I was wrong. Please forgive me.”
Luminous moments happen when all seems transformed by light. We cannot create, engineer or demand those moments, although I think the constant need for greater and greater entertainment stems from our desire to enter into that luminosity.
Where would we be without doubts? Well, my last name wouldn’t be nearly so recognizable, for the otherwise obscure disciple of Jesus named “Thomas” only became famous because he doubted the resurrection.
First United Methodist Church of Denton has begun renovation of its historic sanctuary, located on Locust Street just two blocks from the Square.
When people of faith join together, laying aside theological differences, they spread more than just gravel — they also spread good will. Such was the case on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, when the Denton Interfaith Alliance came together to work on the trails located at Lake Forest Park’s Wiggly Field.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church opened its doors to the city’s homeless last winter when midwinter temperatures dipped and the city saw several days of snow and ice.
Today we are going to take a cultural journey into the literature that comprises the Bible’s oldest books.
Big question: What’s with the exodus of high-schoolers and college-aged people from the church? How easy to blame distractions! Regardless, if the church actually offered something of substance and necessity, would they leave?
Lico Reyes didn’t lose heart when his annual Epiphany Party for the poor and homeless saw a drop in attendance last January.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This column is the third in a three-part series by Dr. Jim Mann on grieving during the holidays. The Rev. Jim Mann
Jennifer Balcirak considered making sleeping mats for the Denton homeless out of T-shirts, but plastic grocery bags are waterproof.
For members of the Singing Oaks Church of Christ in Denton, serving a Christmas lunch for those in need is about being a blessing — and receiving one in return.