Granite Springs Family, It has been a few months since I moved from Northern California and settled into a new city and a new job in Grand Rapids, Michigan. My work as a Pastor of Community and Discipleship at Alger Park Christian Reformed Church has been a real blessing and full of rewarding moments. The […]
Reflections on Israel Read More »
A refuge is defined as a place where you are sheltered from trouble. A safe place. We all know what it is like to long for this type of protection and in our yearning, we seek illusions of refuge in things that we can control; the next Neftlix episode, the next drink, the next shopping
You Will Find a Home Here Read More »
You might be familiar with the idea of a teaching hospital. Maybe you know someone who has done medical training at one or maybe you have first hand experience as a medical professional yourself. Maybe you have watched one of many medical dramas that take advantage of the energy, excitement and stress of that environment
Learning the Rhythms of Grace Read More »
After a worship service a couple of years ago, a staff person (a delightful Peruvian woman who greets everyone, both first time attendees and dearly loved regulars, with a warm South American hug) was handed a note, “Dear Friends, on Sunday during the Passing of the Peace, we wonder: How do we pass the peace?
Gospel in a Handshake Read More »
Dear Friends, My time at Granite Springs is drawing to a close. Like I’ve expressed to so many of you, I have mixed emotions. Of course, there is great joy – Kelly and I are engaged and I’ve moving to Grand Rapids Michigan start our life together. I’m extremely grateful that I’ve been called to
Dear Friends: A Letter from Sam Read More »
We don’t have to be musicians to know the power of music. We carry music with us through all the places of our lives and in all the places in our hearts. And in especially potent moments, the music may well do the carrying. David, a man after God’s own heart, was a soldier, a
We Will Sing, Sing an Old Song Read More »
I find it curious that despite his many flaws David is given a generous title: a man after God’s own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14). One of my favorite questions to ask friends and family at times has been “why is David called – a man after God’s own heart?” Those familiar with David’s story have
A Heart Like His: David’s Journey Read More »
There’s an old image for the pastoral vocation; it can be claimed by worship leaders too. It is to be a doctor of souls . . . It means in music and spoken word and Eucharistic invitation we offer healing. When I was a student at Fuller Seminary, there was a well-known and controversial class
The first episode of the TV show titled, “The Walking Dead,” begins as its protagonist Rick Grimes wakes up in the hospital. A gun shot in the line of duty put him into a coma for months and there inside a severely damaged hospital building he finds himself alone. As he makes his way out
“The Walking Dead” and Lent Read More »
The liturgical season of Advent draws us in, inviting us to pay attention to the story. This season is the lead up to the birth of Jesus but it in doing so it points us to the hundreds of stories that came before – stories of shepherds, queens, grace and the faithfulness of God to
The Jesse Tree: Unexpected Abundance Read More »
