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11 September 2025 I remember where I was… how I learned… the disbelief and shock and numbness I felt as things unfolded… Yesterday in 2001 is one of those incomparable tragedies that are seared into memory eternal — may God have mercy. On that day of deepest tragedy, we saw this nation live into who it always promised…
This Sunday, we are going to be starting a new series together. We are going to be looking at some of Jesus’s parables in Luke, but in doing so we are going to realize that they are not the “warm fuzzy” things that some of us may have been taught, but rather “cold prickly” things…
Sixty-two years ago yesterday in Washington D.C., the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered what became known as the “I Have a Dream” speech. This is without a doubt the most famous of all writings and speeches he produced — a veritable American icon. And yet what most of us remember of it is…
Last Sunday we explored the Christian spiritual discipline of worship. And one facet to our worship — or perhaps I should say “aid” to our worship — that I did not even touch on yet is close to my own heart is symbolism. Even before those first followers of the Risen Christ came to separate from the…
The word of the day is gratitude. This is been one of those weeks that weeks to week week and won’t stop week weeking, you know? And yet I have known God to be with me in undeniable ways — including and beyond those that are easier to point to with others. As an example of…
Last week I pondered access, and I appreciate the number of you who connected with me to share your appreciation for my open wrestling and your affirmation that you understood I was not merely whinging publicly. This Sunday, we will be exploring the Christian spiritual discipline of confession; and as I have been preparing all…
I’m thinking about access today. They are doing some work on the road that fronts the parsonage. As has been my experience with most roadworks projects in every place I have lived, information about what is happening and when is not altogether forthcoming and clear. Right now, I can say with certainty they are digging…
Were I a betting person, I would bet that by this point in the summer (at some point, at least) you have been outdoors without shoes on your feet. Maybe it was a trip to the lake. Maybe it was in your backyard. Maybe it was during some water-play with children. But it likely happened.…
Director of Music / Piano Accompanist Department: Worship Arts Reports To: Senior Pastor Job Type: Part-time Summary: Community Baptist Church (CBC), an American Baptist Church in Warrenville, IL (30 miles west of Chicago), is seeking a part-time Director of Music / Piano Accompanist to lead and grow our music program. This role involves close collaboration…
American Baptist Churches USA elected Joshua Kagi to serve a two year term as President of the Denomination, beginning on January 1, 2026. Below is a video of his remarks at the Biennial Meeting earlier this month.