ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 30, 2025
Today, we begin our Advent Series: Do not let the “joy” crush you! Some of you might be thinking that if you’re going to be crushed by something, joy might be the very thing you’d choose. I can understand that perspective, but I’m concerned that our definition of joy might not be as cute and fluffy as some might believe. It’s not the weight of our misconstrued understanding of joy that truly disappoints us, but the sheer emptiness when everything is said and done. 

As a kid, did you ever save up money to buy some really nifty item, only to find out that your hard-earned money was spent on something that didn’t live up to your expectations? Some of you may not be old enough, but in the back of comic books in the 1960s and 70s, there was an advertisement for Sea Monkeys (see below). The cartoon depicted a family of Sea Monkeys, and the caption even suggested that they could be trained. The price wasn’t too much, but of course, there was the shipping. After ordering, I went to the mailbox every single day, waiting with great anticipation for my Sea Monkeys to arrive. I just knew in my heart of hearts that this special offer, with so many awesome reviews according to the advertisement, was going to bring me hours of enjoyment, especially when I trained my Sea Monkeys to put on a show. When they finally arrived, I was beyond disappointed. These so-called Sea Monkeys were, in fact, nothing more than a species of tiny brine shrimp, and there was absolutely nothing entertaining about them. Upon arrival, they were mostly dead. I was crushed! Not by any true sense of joy, but crushed by the complete trust I had placed in the advertisement. My expectation was taken to new heights, only to fall fast and hard. 

Now that is a silly example, yet as I will suggest over the next four weeks, we do have a tendency to build a sense of expectant joy around many things at this time of year, only to realize when it is all said and done that what we had built the sense of expectancy upon is not capable of bringing any real sense of joy. I’m not suggesting that four sermons will change everything, but I do believe we can be more mindful of the false presumptions we make at this time of year. And maybe if we’ve thought about it, we won’t be drawn into the trap  and we won’t be crushed in the end.

Continue to guide us, Spirit of Grace and Goodness, toward the source of true joy; toward a child whose birth changed the trajectory of the world. We not only wish to see this gift anew this year, but to be caught up in this new and sacred movement unveiled at his birth. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 29, 2025
How do you manage to slow down when everything around you seems to be speeding up, and there’s an overwhelming expectation that we should accomplish so many things in a short amount of time? Let’s be honest, it’s not an easy task, but it’s definitely not impossible. How much of the challenge is tied to a certain fabled perception of what this season is going to look like? It is a magical time of the year, especially for children. At the same time, does the so-called magic leave people confused about the meaning and purpose of the Christmas season? This is where worship, ritual, and an intentional devotional time can help both slow us down and refocus. Every year at our house, we do a couple of evening countdowns where something new is added to a story or an ornament is placed on the small tree—a countdown from December 1 to December 25. There are days when I may not want to find the two minutes it would take to do this with my family, but with a deep breath, I join them, and between some laughter and a bit of redirection to what is important, I have slowed down. It doesn’t need to be much. The pause doesn’t squelch the magic, but it creates just enough space for us to ask the questions about what is truly important and what, on the other hand, might be unrealistic expectations. 

Thank you for this season, O Source of Sacred Joy. There are so many things attempting to tell us what is important and necessary, yet if we pause long enough and look to the gift of the Christ Child, we believe the message of the nativity and your Spirit will have us once again recognizing that you and your act of love are all that really matters. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 28, 2025
As I write this on Thursday evening of Thanksgiving, I am eating some leftovers from an earlier feast, while my wife watches “It’s a Wonderful Life” in the other room. It is my favorite Christmas movie, and I find the time to watch it every year. Though in this moment, I have to laugh because it feels like a threshold moment—still eating some of the Thanksgiving dinner, yet of the most nostalgic Christmas movies, at least in my opinion, is playing. 

In the Hebrew Scriptures, commonly known as the Old Testament, there are numerous threshold moments. So often in these moments, a marker is placed for future generations, and the hope is for the next generation to ask, “What does this marker represent?” And the story can be retold, and the history is not forgotten. Yet I do not believe the sole purpose was simply to remember, but to allow what was learned to inform the present. History, for no other reason than remembering, is interesting. But remembering the cause, the failures, the lessons learned, and truth revealed are what allow history to step beyond the confines of its original context and speak to the current moment. 

At this pivotal moment, as we near the end of Thanksgiving and eagerly anticipate Advent and Christmas, it’s likely that we can’t list all the traditions, both minor and significant, that we anticipate in these final weeks of the year. However, is it merely a matter of remembering? Or is there a story to be told, and in the telling, are there certain aspects of that story that inform and shape how we think about the present? For me, that’s the essence of tradition. It’s not meant to confine us, but rather empower us to move forward as well-informed individuals. 

Holy God, it is your story of love and mercy that stands behind so many of the traditions we hold close. As we celebrate and share in these wonderful aspects of the season, allow your powerful truth to inform this present moment, helping to point us toward a more faithful future. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 27, 2025
I am thankful this day for all those throughout Christian history, including some people I know very well, who are trying to maintain a very clear picture of a Christianity that reflects Jesus. A little over a week ago, I had an online conversation with someone (gave me permission to mention the conversation in my blog) who is absolutely captivated by the Jesus of the Gospels, but cannot square that Jesus with what he sees in Christianity. At the conclusion of our conversation, which included a fairly lengthy discussion about Cypress Creek Christian Church, he asked the hard question, “Where do other churches get so far off? It almost feels as if the religion Jesus came to critique and transform became the very religion that now calls itself Christianity.” I sort of agree with his assessment. At the time of Jesus, many religious bodies (not all of them) had become very narrow and controlling. The Roman Empire had a way of making people feel as if their lives were out of control, and then used religion to create comfort inside a very controlled and narrow system. Part of Judaism had fallen into that trap. Jesus’ entire ministry turned that system on its head, proclaiming and living a love that introduced a liberating God. The early church, with breathtaking beauty, embodied this liberating love through acts of humble and grace-filled service. But once Christianity moved from a movement to an institution, and then became the official religion of the Roman Empire, it quickly shifted back to that very controlled and narrow system. 

Cypress Creek Christian Church is far from perfect. And as the Lead Pastor, I fully demonstrate that imperfection, including a couple of boneheaded things I did just yesterday. But I appreciate the fresh spirit that moves through this place, where individuals feel great freedom to ask questions, explore ideas, disagree in love, and not perceive differences as a threat to faith that must be squelched. Instead, there is curiosity that only expands one’s capacity for love. In the time I have been at the church, I have seen a handful of people struggle as they felt as if the church (or the pastor) needed to put some restrictions on other people’s thinking, provide a more narrow picture of God. I can passionately express my belief in who I think God is and what God is calling us to do. However, I make it clear that this is simply my opinion. I believe it has evolved through extensive study and contemplation, but I offer it for people to consider, not as the sole perspective on God. In fact, I have even changed my opinion numerous times over the years.

Thank you, Mysterious and Magnificent God, for you seem interested in using only love to bring us into a relationship of love with you. Forgive us, and forgive the various ways we have attempted to manipulate and force others into a narrow vision of you. In your immense mercy, set us free from the fear and insecurity that drive us away from you and from healthy relationships with our neighbors. Continue to strengthen us with the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to fully trust in the power of love. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 26, 2025
Yesterday’s Etching on the topic of a green smoothie spilled everywhere in my kitchen was written early in the day on Monday, so before we experienced tornados in our area. A number of people, including a few who experienced some damage from the storm, found the message to be somewhat appropriate. Let’s be clear, a spilled smoothie should not be equated to the real damage and heartache that people are facing this day. And in no way do I wish to give the impression that everything will be ok if we “simply pick up a mop and get to work.” For many, it’s going to be weeks, even months before any semblance of normalcy returns. My prayer today is for people, especially those who will be spending the night(s) at a hotel and dealing with insurance companies, feel as if they are not alone. I can’t say I have great advice on how to navigate a crisis such as this, but I’m glad to listen. And in faith, I firmly believe that God is the One who manifests in every moment, especially when we encounter the unknown or the unexpected. If you are finding it challenging right now, make sure to give yourself some grace. Rarely is anyone at their best in crisis. And I feel confident that you are doing your best.

​Through your grace-filled and affirming Spirit, we pray for little reminders that we are not alone in this time. God of the Universe, O Incarnation of Love, we are thankful for the ways you show up when we need that little extra encouragement. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 25, 2025
I buy some smoothies every month from a place called Daily Harvest. I like the healthiness of the ingredients, and there is one in particular that I was looking forward to having this month. It is a chocolate mint, with spinach and banana. I made that smoothie yesterday with coconut milk, and I couldn’t wait to enjoying every drop. The problem is that I didn’t enjoy a single drop because I dropped it on the kitchen floor, and when that big plastic glass hit the floor, it exploded all over the kitchen. Green smoothie everywhere! It splattered all over the cabinets, the refrigerator, the walls, dripping into drawers, and into corners of the kitchen that didn’t seem in a direct shot of the original impact area. An hour later, I finished cleaning the kitchen. Sadly, I will probably find a clump of solidified green smoothie goo at some point in the next couple of weeks.

That smoothie cost me $8, plus shipping. I did a little pouting, but then I had a realization of how fortunate and privileged I am. Not to be overly dramatic, but there have been moments in human history when any food spilled on the ground was immediately gathered up, dirt and all, and then consumed. I am not a wasteful person, and I even have a good five-second rule when it comes to most dropped food, but a smoothie that hits the floor is going to be written off as a loss. 

Of course, as I think about the mess, the waste, and the disappointment, I realize that things got cleaned up, there was still food for breakfast, and I can order more next month. Things happen in life, including things that are not our choice, and in the moment, we can sort of feel overwhelmed and frustrated. And even though it can appear disastrous, it’s amazing how one can gain some perspective by simply picking up a mop and getting to work. It doesn’t solve everything, but it did leave us with a very clean kitchen. Which is not necessarily a bad thing.

When I’m frustrated and overwhelmed by the mess that is before me, you invite me to pause and breathe and then to get to work. Even if it does not solve every aspect of the problem, it is good to find purpose and believe in a new day that is to come. Thank you, Gracious God. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 24, 2025
Prayer for the Week: 
This Land Belongs to No One
By Hila Ratzabi
This is a portion of the prayer. You can find the full prayer at:
 https://ritualwell.org/ritual/land-belongs-no-one/


“The earth is God’s, and all its fullness;
The world and those who dwell upon it.”
~Psalm 24


This land belongs to no one
but God. The Earth was here
before us and will endure
after we are gone.
Let us walk gently
upon this precious earth,
taking only what we need,
leaving little waste,
nurturing the soil,
revitalizing the land
to sustain future generations.


This land we dwell upon today
is the ancestral land of…
We acknowledge their historical roots
in this place, the many generations
who were stewards of this land.
We hear the echoes of their prayers
to the Great Mother Earth
and seek to learn from their wisdom.
Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 23, 2025
The British journalist, Katty Kay, said, “Everybody fails; it’s no big deal. It’s what being human is. Don’t let that stop you from taking risks.” In tomorrow’s sermon, we are going to be looking at the story of Peter walking on water. We so often focus on his failure, but there would never have been a story about Peter walking on water, or at least attempting to walk on water, had he not tried. Yesterday, I was pulling some weeds in one of the church’s gardens when a guy walked by and said, “It looks good.” I responded, “That’s kind of you to say. I’m not sure if we’re there yet, but I am trying.” He shot right back, “My wife tells me I’m trying all the time.” We both laughed. Of course, his words pointed to two different kinds of trying. There are those of us who try the patience of others, while there are those who continue to try and put forth faithfulness, even when what they are doing is difficult and risky. So tomorrow, on Thanksgiving Sunday, we will give thanks for such folks.

Though we might try your patience, O God whose patience is eternal, we thank you for your encouraging Spirit that continues to invite us to walk in faith. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 22, 2025
This Sunday is Thanksgiving Sunday because the Sunday immediately after Thanksgiving is the first Sunday of Advent. The second part of that statement was sort of difficult to type as I don’t feel quite ready for the Advent Season to be here. The funny thing is, no matter how much I feel ‘not ready’ for Advent, it still shows up. Yet I can’t allow my anxious thinking to jump to Advent without bringing some serious attention to this Sunday, Thanksgiving Sunday. Additionally, Thanksgiving is complicated. Maybe not for you, but for many people. 

For instance, I know a Native American man whose father was at a religious “Boarding School.” The primary objective of the school was forced assimilation, which included the separation of families and cultural heritage. A 2024 government report shed light on the horrific abuse that occurred in these schools, which often resulted in tragic deaths. The report revealed at least 74 unmarked burial sites, where over a thousand children were buried. If this is your family’s history, it’s understandable why Thanksgiving might hold a different significance for you. 

And then for other people, Thanksgiving is a day in which they feel it necessary to tolerate family or choose to distance themselves from family altogether. I remember one woman saying to a group of us, “My immediate family was so dysfunctional, yet Thanksgiving was the day extended family came to our home. So we as children were threatened with punishment if we gave even a hint of the abuse we experienced that was the result of parents who were alcoholics. For six hours, we put on a show of happiness and peace, only to say goodbye to our extended family and return to the misery.” It would be hard to rethink Thanksgiving in light of that kind of experience. 

I share these two examples as a reminder that life is complicated for all of us. We encounter people whose complicated stories we do not know, but we are confused by their reaction to something like Thanksgiving. If you only have good memories of Thanksgiving, you’re left scratching your head and asking, “What’s the problem?” It’s a good reminder that people are dealing with issues of which we have absolutely no understanding. There are times when I hear one of those stories that appeared well hidden by the curtain of survival, and I think to myself, “It is only by the grace of God that this person is even standing before me.” So today, I am thankful for all those who are trying their best to make a way forward despite complicated, unhealthy, and even abusive experiences. I may not know a person’s story, but I can still show a little grace when that person’s actions or reaction seem strange… because, if I knew the whole story, the actions and reaction might be absolutely warranted. 

As you have shown me plenty of grace, O Source of my gratitude, I pray for the capacity to show others grace. May my initial, and often ill-informed judgement, give way to a gracious assumption that I may not know the whole story. Amen.

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 21, 2025
What do you do as a person of faith when you experience something that is really quite offensive, yet you realize that for one reason or another, others could not see it? And still others were simply too nice to say something. How do you go from being really ticked off to a place where you can speak calmly and in a way that people can hopefully hear what you need to say? We’ve all, at one time or another, reacted in the moment with a diatribe that was sort of a word salad. In the end, no one felt better. Actually, people probably felt worse, defensive, and more affixed to their way of thinking. As I am writing this, I am trying to take some deep breaths and ask myself a couple of questions: Why was that so troubling? Were there things that bothered me that were probably more about my baggage? And were there a couple of specific things that were truly offensive and can I find a way of clearly and with some sense of composure communicate why those certain things were offensive? Being angry might be what is felt in a single moment of time, but if a person truly desires to see change, the anger needs to become the fuel that produces passion for the purpose of speaking truth intelligibly. By the way, this is Bruce processing something in written form.

Jesus did not call us to be quiet or passive. The Spirit within him, which is the same Spirit you have given to us, Holy One of the Universe, calls us to be bold, while also knowing our audience; to speak truth, but to do so in such a way that it can be heard; to stand for what is right, while making sure it’s not self-righteousness. At the end of the day, it’s not about us, but about the Reign of your love coming into this world more fully. Amen.