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Blog Articles

Are rebirth and renewal possible?

Rebirth and Renewal Baptism in a pool Sarasota, FL

We get excited about new things. Our culture likes the latest and greatest. But are rebirth and renewal possible? Is it better to reinvent and bring something to life?

In church culture, a church plant gets attention. However, you rarely hear about a church restarting after several years. Based on an article I wrote, I’d say rebirth and renewal are just as exciting.

Rebirth and Renewal in Sarasota

A couple whom I know and have worked with have relaunched a church in Sarasota, Florida. There’s something special about restarting something that appeared to be over. Restarting can be just as exciting as beginning something new. This couple is doing something special in sunny Florida. If you live in the area, I’d encourage you to visit them.

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church cartoons technology cartoons

How to have a bad virtual church board meeting

Cartoon of a man at a laptop. he says, "Welcome to the virtual church board meeting... Ed, in your frame, we can only see your big nose."

It’s too easy to have a bad virtual meeting. We’ve all had to learn how to frame ourselves in a camera. Some have learned to adjust. Others have had some major faux pas.

A few weeks ago, a Texas lawyer had such a problem. He couldn’t figure out how to turn off a cat filter during a legal hearing. Many parents chuckled about that one. Yet many also secretly thought, “When I share a computer with my kid, I hope she doesn’t do that to me.” Perhaps the kids are getting back at us for times we’ve used technology to spy on them.

You may know how to have a bad virtual church board meeting. But what are some ways to have a good meeting?

  • Make good use of the mute button when you aren’t speaking
  • Remember you have the mute button on and turn it off before you speak!
  • Consider the lighting. If you can’t see yourself very well in the screen because the lighting is too bright, you may want to do something about it.
  • Give the speaker feedback with positive gestures such as a smile and a nod when they make a point
  • Pay attention and stay focused on the meeting
  • Turn off notifications before you share a screen

Two more tips; pay attention to how close or far away you are from the camera… and keep your nose clean!

Cartoon of a man at a laptop. he says, "Welcome to the virtual church board meeting... Ed, in your frame, we can only see your big nose."

I drew this cartoon for the November 2022 CHOGNews.

Categories
Christianity motivation

Two churches from two cultures make a huge impact

Salvador Hernandez, pastor of Centro Cristiano, preaches at Shartel Church of God

I had the pleasure of interviewing two pastors that are making a big impact in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Two Cultures, Two Churches—One in Christ

What impressed me about these two churches is how they work together. Cooperation is a big skill that pays big dividends. But it seems like our world attempts to keep us all from cooperating. Therefore, you don’t have to look far to find news about someone who refuses to work with others. Stalemates and quagmires seem to be preferable to getting anything done. It can feel like the world is in a hostile takeover.

However, progress and solutions require negotiations and compromise. It’s how teams are formed and do anything effective. As a result, it requires some trade-offs. The temptation, and the shortcut, is to surround ourselves with people who look like us, think like us and act like us. There is comfort in being around like-minded individuals. But the problem with that comfort is we tend to gravitate towards group think. Diversity is essential to get anything done.

Likewise, diversity and compromise essential in marriages. I am glad I didn’t marry someone who was just like me. I have learned much from my wife over the years. And I think she’s learned a thing or two from me.

Yes, two churches from different cultures can make a big impact. We can learn a thing or two from their example.

Categories
church cartoons

It’s a tough time for huggers

Cartoon of a man running away from a woman. The caption reads, "Pastor Dan takes evasive measures when another hugger returns to church."
Published in the January 2021 CHOGNews

My it’s been a hard time for huggers if they venture out into the world! COVID has made hugging a threatening gesture in some circles. This will become more awkward as people get vaccinated and feel they’re good to go. I thought about that when I drew this cartoon.

It can get even more unpredictable when you’re dealing with kids. Spontaneous hugs go with the territory. How are you going to tell a four-year old to refrain from a hug?

I am thankful for the huggers in my life. But I’ve never been one of them. Hugging was already a challenging activity before the last year hit. Elbow bumps and air-high-fives have been the greeting of choice for an introvert like me for some time. I feel for the huggers. It’s a tough time for them!

Cartoon of a man running away from a woman. The caption reads, "Pastor Dan takes evasive measures when another hugger returns to church."
Published in the January 2021 CHOGNews

I drew this cartoon for the January 2021 CHOGNews.

Categories
Christianity Missions writing

Article: Disaster-Stricken States Blessed by Ohio Team

Church of God Ohio Disaster Relief Team works through the Dayton Tornado aftermath

I wrote this article on a disaster relief team that originates in Ohio. This was through the CHOGNews web site.

Disaster-Stricken States Blessed by Team from Ohio

I enjoyed getting to know the leaders and some of the workers who have worked tirelessly through some tough situations. One of the volunteers is a man I have known for several years and is related to my wife’s side of the family. Furthermore, it was great to explore the family connection and see how this group has responded to needs.

I witnessed a bit of their work when Dayton, Ohio experienced a series of tornadoes on Memorial Day, 2019. Some of their work was based out my church. Therefore, I so appreciated their efforts because as a Hoosier and Buckeye, I’ve experienced a few tornadoes and know what devastation they can cause.

I used to think everything I created had to be funny. And we sure need some comic relief in a world that has its fair share of tragedies! But I have learned that getting some good news out there, such as an article on a disaster relief team, can lift spirits just as much as a little humor. Besides, humor can devolve into negativity just as quickly as any other form of writing.

There is some good in the world. I encourage everyone to find it. Sure, we need to be informed about injustice and concerning events. But what are people doing behind the scenes that are making a positive difference? After a tornado, who is doing the clean-up and helping others get back on their feet? After a demonstration, who is reaching out and showing there can be healing and reconciliation?

We can all make a difference. It was good to interview some people that know a response to a disaster is better than shaking our heads at a new feed. They reminded me I need to do less doom scrolling and more positive action. Yes, we can all make a difference!