Matt Erickson
“Speed is in direct conflict with character formation.” I write about this and a few other things in my recent blog post, “Living Well in Light of the End.”
Random question: can anyone tell me if Jean-Pierre De Caussade’s Abandonment to Divine Providence is the same book as The Sacrament of the Present Moment?
“New leadership is needed for new times, but it will not come from finding more wiley ways to manipulate the external world. It will come as we … find the courage to take an inner journey … to become healers in a wounded world.” – Parker Palmer
First freeze and first thaw of the streams. A pic while trail running last week on the Ice Age Trail outside of Manitowoc, WI.
Some reflections after Christ the King Sunday on Jesus, the kingdom of God, and rival kingdoms that we encounter in our world and lives.
I love this 15th century icon of Jesus’ transfiguration traditionally associated with the work of Theophan the Greek, one of the greatest iconographers in the Eastern Church. As I prepared to preach this past Sunday, I spent a lot of time prayerfully reflecting on this icon.
Still two of the most powerful verses to me:
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.” (Jn 13:3-4)
I’m working on a side project to assemble a pretty thorough bibliography on Psalm 1. I’m hoping to find commentary on it from throughout church history, as well as Jewish commentators. Does anyone know if a work like this exists already? What works do you think should be included?
Henri Nouwen in Life of the Beloved:
“Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us the ‘Beloved.’ Being the Beloved expresses the core truth of our existence” (33).
Henri Nouwen in Life of the Beloved “Self-rejection is greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us the ‘Beloved.’ Being the Beloved expresses the core truth of our existence” (33).
A photo from last week while on a hike on the Ice Age Trail near West Bend, Wisconsin. Thankful for the last warm days of Fall before Winter arrives.
“Transfigured: a prayer reflection” - drawing upon Jesus’ transfiguration and the words of 2 Peter 2
After being gone for two weeks in East Africa, it is a joy to return to the family and staff at Eastbrook Church. I am reminded not to take for granted that I serve alongside of others in our church, especially when many pastors I was with feel very alone in their ministry.
Currently reading: The Scandal of the Incarnation by Hans Urs Von Balthasar 📚
Currently reading: The Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald 📚
Just finished reading: The Rublev Trinity by Gabriel Bunge 📚
I appreciate your prayer support today as I work on messages for our series, “Growing in Faith: Exploring 2 Peter,” for upcoming weekends at Eastbrook Church. Thank you!
It was so great to spend the day together on Tuesday as Eastbrook Church staff for our annual all staff retreat at Nashotah House Seminary. It was a wonderful day to be together worshiping, learning, and building relationships. And in such a beautiful and hospitable place.
Thankful that my latest article with Preaching Today dropped today: “Spiritually Formed Preachers: How to bring spiritual formation into your entire sermon process.” I’d love to hear your thoughts on this important aspect of preaching.
It was a poignant moment to have Dr. Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College, with us for the first weekend of our MissionFest at Eastbrook Church. Jack is a long-time friend and arrived here to news of the outbreak of hostilities back home. He still brought a great message for us.
Currently reading: Second Nature by Michael Pollan 📚
Does anyone have recommended resources on seasons in a congregation’s life? I’m not referring to the liturgical year or church calendar, but changing aspects within a church’s development over the years and decades.
