This post is an edited manuscript of a sermon I gave at Grace UMC and Bethel UMC in Salisbury, NC on Palm Sunday 2022. Brothers and sisters, I want to call your attention to the good news that I preached to you, which you also received and in which you stand. 2 You are being saved throughContinue reading “Hold on to the Hosannas”
Category Archives: Ministry
Longing
This year, I’m using the Present Over Perfect Guided Journal. I read Shauna Neiquist’s Present Over Perfect book when it came out a few years ago and so much of it just connected with me. When I saw she had created a journal, I knew it was right for this season of my life. TheContinue reading “Longing”
Worship is Work is Worship
Worship is about picking up the toys, doing the paperwork, cooking the food, finishing the homework, answering the phone calls, and serving others with an attitude that is glorifying to God, that is grateful and honoring.
On Being Resilient
Sometimes when I attend ministry related workshops, I end up thinking more about home and family than I do about the local church. You see, right now, I am in a pretty intense season of parenting. Bill and I have one adult child who is out of the house and finding her own way inContinue reading “On Being Resilient”
Just My Ashes
Today, my mood seems to match the mood of Ash Wednesday. It is in sharp contrast from how I felt at the start of the week – settled, full, certain. Today I feel full of doubt, uncertainty, dread. I feel as if I am swirling downward and am not sure how much longer I canContinue reading “Just My Ashes”
A Collection of 12 Stones
God knew that when times got tough again, the people would falter, would doubt their God, would find it easier to place their trust in the ways of the culture than the ways of God. And yes, when times were so bad, that even the rushing waters of the river seemed dried up, there would be a deeply revealed reminder of God’s deep love.
Book Reviews: #HeadScratchers and #Solve
One of the perks of ministry is having colleagues who write books. Since I LOVE books, reading the work of pastors around me is fun. And when I get personalized signed copies, or advance reading copies… well, let’s just say that this preacher girl spends a few hours in a happy place!
A Digging Place
You see, sometimes, in order to make room for the new thing God is doing, we have to dig deep. We have to dig deep into what we thought we knew about God. We have to dig deep into what we think we see in scripture. We have to dig deep into the traditions we hold so dearly close. We have to dig up what seems good in order to make room for God.
Today we pray
I am already tired of the conversation surrounding my chosen denomination’s major quadrennial gathering for budget setting and decision-making. I am already tired of the typed shouting declaring which side is right. I am already tired of the variable guessing of what will happen if… So today, today we pray. Will you join me?
Beyond the food
That whole “you did it to me” thing goes beyond the food. It goes to relationship.
Rev. Kris Mares 