Category Archives: Uncategorized

Stand up for Jesus, not Donald Trump

Posted on July 31, 2019 by

Like many of my clerical colleagues, I do not enjoy conflict.  Whether it’s an argument over the color of the carpet in the church parlor or a parking-lot debate about same-sex marriage, my instinct is to remain “pastoral,” keeping myself … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

Memorial on Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 14, 2019 by

This afternoon I will take part in a memorial service at the Florida State Capitol for the 17 students slain at Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School one year ago.  Here, more or less, is what I plan to say: There … Continue reading →

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The Idolatry of Nationalism

Posted on November 12, 2018 by

The New York Times reports that at a ceremony in Paris for the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, President Emmanuel Macron of France rebuked the nationalist impulses that are reshaping the world today. “Patriotism is the exact … Continue reading →

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First Things First: A Sermon For All Saints’ Day and Election Day

Posted on November 5, 2018 by

I don’t often post sermons, but this week is an exception.  Our congregation observed All Saints’ Day last Sunday as we were reeling from the news of a shooting a few blocks away at a yoga studio. The victims are … Continue reading →

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National Refugee Shabbat

Posted on October 21, 2018 by

Here is a slightly edited version of the sermon I preached on October 19 at Temple Israel, a neighboring synagogue led by my friend and colleague, Rabbi Jack Romberg.  The occasion is National Refugee Shabbat.  Shabbat Shalom As-salamu alaykum Pax … Continue reading →

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Words Matter

Posted on September 4, 2018 by

Last week I participated in a press conference called by the Rev. Mr. R. B. Holmes of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.  At that conference, Mr. Holmes called upon Congressman Ron DeSantis to apologize for saying, in response to Andrew Gillum’s … Continue reading →

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The Bible Tells Me What?

Posted on July 2, 2018 by

A sermon preached at First Presbyterian Church, Tallahassee, Florida, July 1, 2018 6th Sunday after Pentecost Romans 13:1-10 Those of you attuned to such things will notice that Tip did not read the Epistle Lesson assigned for this day by … Continue reading →

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