Category Archives: Uncategorized

Reconciliation

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Parson Carson

This morning I woke up with dirt underneath my fingernails.  Which is unusual, because I spend very little time with activities that would require me to get dirty.  As it turns out, it wasn’t from dirt, it was from last … Continue reading →

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The Jordan River, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Parson Carson

Today was a special day as we spent a lot of our time where Jesus spent a lot of his time: around the Sea of Galilee. It was also special in the sacramental sense. We took communion at Capernaum and … Continue reading →

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Caesarea Philipi: the mouth of God

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Parson Carson

There is a pivotal conversation between Jesus and Peter in Matthew 16 that goes something like this: Jesus: who do people say that I am? Disciple 1: Ohhh a prophet or something like that. Disciple 2: Uhhh Elijah? Jesus: But … Continue reading →

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Arrival in the Holy Land

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Parson Carson

We have arrived safe and sound in the Holy Land. Today we will be traveling to Caesarea by the Sea, Mt. Carmel, and Meggido. Even though we have just landed, I can already feel the presence of God in this … Continue reading →

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Israel In Contrast

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Parson Carson

*I wrote this article in February of 2013 and it never got published…until now.  I will be returning to the Holy Land in January of 2014, so I decided to bring this article out of hiding in preparation for my … Continue reading →

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Making (New) Disciples

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Parson Carson

  Did you know that as churches age, they become far less able to make new disciples?  According to statistics provided by Dr. F. Belton Joyner, it takes 72 people (on average) to make 1 new disciple in congregations that … Continue reading →

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A New (Present) Age of United Methodism

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Parson Carson

The theme of this year’s WNC Annual Conference, which concluded on June 23, was “To Serve the Present Age.” In a summation of the present age of the church, Bishop Ken Carter stated, “The church of 2013 is not Biblical, … Continue reading →

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Jacob’s Well

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Parson Carson

One of my favorite Bible stories is Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. In the story, Jesus breaks down the cultural, religious, and political walls of the time by offering living water to the … Continue reading →

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Sea of Galilee

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Parson Carson

I found it very fitting that today was Sunday because it was an entire day filled with worship. The day was highlighted by a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee during which we paused to remember Jesus calming the … Continue reading →

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The Upper Room and Caiphas’ House

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Parson Carson

Today was a heavy day as we literally walked around some of the exact places where Jesus walked. Definite holy ground. The highlights for me: We began the day by going to the Upper Room where Jesus served communion to … Continue reading →

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