I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice.I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk Song of Songs 5:1 Over the years the garden has been a recurring theological theme in my writing. It's kind of funny because I am …
Continue reading Sunday morning preaching – and how our garden reminds me of church
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 - at St. Giles this Sunday It's been a while since I last penned any updates in the "Derek & Rebekah go to Church" series. We are …
Continue reading Another splash of new life (at hashtag “Derek & Rebekah go to church”)
We fall downWe lay our crownsAt the feet of Jesus The greatness ofMercy and loveAt the feet of Jesus We cry holy, holy, holyWe cry holy, holy, holyWe cry holy, holy, holyIs the lamb Christ Tomlin (Revelation 4:8-11) - responding to God's invitation First, and importantly, attending church is always good, always worthwhile, always timely, …
- Maggie Valley from our Airbnb “What a funny world we live in when we won’t turn our phones off, yet we get excited to see we’ve hiked far enough to lose service.” We Dream of Travel - "Goodbye" to Maggie Valley Travel days are always a challenge. So it helps to have a couple …
Continue reading The Road South – and Deep Faith Echoes from the Past
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.Hebrews 4:14-16 This story is from a long time ago, but it came into my mind when I was thinking about going to church this morning. Usually when things pop into …
Continue reading Meeting God in Worship (hint: it’s not about the preacher)
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word was with God in the beginning. Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being.What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the …
Continue reading First Sunday in Wilson (Rebekah & Derek really really go to church)
- and she's off! Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”Revelation 21:5 - First Presbyterian Church, Wilson Today marks the beginning of another new chapter. It's nine months into Rebekah's retirement, and once again I …
Continue reading Something New for Rebekah (it was going to happen sooner or later!)
Take hold of the life that is truly life!1 Tim 6:19 Sunday morning Rebekah and I enjoyed one of those deeply meaningful worship experiences that reaffirm everything positive about church and make us so incredibly thankful to be part of the Body of Christ. - Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church We needed to arrive early, as Rebekah …
Continue reading Getting the message right (btw, the message is “welcome home”)
“You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober – alert and clearheaded…”.1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 For me, today's big focus is about getting ready for a Friday …
- Easter Sunday 2022 at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.John 20:21-22 - Rebekah and Derek Maul at church First, I love, love, love Easter Sunday. I love the spirit of …
Continue reading how Easter knocked our socks off – and made us cry
Derek Maul: Words, Photographs, and Food for the Journey 