Citizenship = Others First

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Watching, for even a moment, the coverage the other day (June 6, 2019) of the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of D-Day, can one fail to be in awe of the courage, conviction and commitment—in other words, the citizenship—of those who crossed the English Channel fully...

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Tags: church, citizenship, methodist, nora, indianapolis, d-day, union chapel indy

The Church Imperfect

Posted by Andy Charnstrom on

The Church Imperfect There’s an old Christmas carol, called, as far as I can tell, “Irish Carol,” whose chorus goes like this: In heav'n the Church triumphant adores with all her choirs The militant on earth with humble faith admires The carol was on an album produced by...

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The Sarcasm Font

Posted by Andy Charnstrom on

I’ve noticed, lately, an uptick in the injection of sarcastic remarks into dialogue on serious matters in our country.  Actually, more than an uptick—more like a flood.  How unfortunate!   What is sarcasm?  My online dictionary (via a Google search) defines...

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Tags: christian, christianity, courtesy, discourse, indianapolis, indianápolis, indy, internet, issues, jesus, jesús, listening, sarcasm, social media, union chapel

Fresh Starts, New Beginnings

Posted by Andy Charnstrom on

The mid-term elections are over; only a few votes remain to be counted, only a small number of races yet an issue.  If you’re like me at all, you have already let out a sigh of relief.  No more campaign ads, no more accusations, no more fear of talking with friends and neighbors...

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Tags: christianity, indiana, indianapolis, indianápolis, jesus, jesús, love, neighbor, new beginnings, union chapel, united methodist church

The Hard News

Posted by Andy Charnstrom on

Just home from a hospital visit with a beloved parishioner.  Early this morning, I felt a nudge, a push—get up and go to the hospital soon.  Off I went. I sat in the quiet room for a half hour.  Quiet prayers.  Thinking about this good man’s life; imagining him...

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Tags: change, end of life, grief, indiana, indianapolis, indianápolis, indy, jesus, new life, new ways, union chapel, united methodist church

Taking in the Spiritual Colors of Fall

Posted by Andy Charnstrom on

Dear Friends:   I've been the primary dog walker in our home the past few days.  Chloe walks in the morning and just after she eats her supper late in the afternoon.  As we "fell back" into Eastern Standard time, we've adjusted, Chloe and I, so that the afternoon walk comes just...

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Tags: autumn, do no harm, indianapolis, indianápolis, indy, john wesley, nora, united methodist church, fall union chapel

The Path We Are To Follow

Posted by Andy Charnstrom on

Dear Friends:   Be imitators of Jesus.  What a bold challenge!  Be imitators of the One who is perfect.  Be imitators of the One whose mind is pure and purely compassionate.  Be imitators of the One whose courage exceeds our imagination of what it means to be...

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Tags: christian walk, footsteps, imitate, indiana, indianapolis, indianápolis, jesus, nora, perfection, union chapel, united methodist church

Reflections Upon Fall & Forgiveness

Posted by Andy Charnstrom on

Dear Friends:   Change is in the air.  I look out the window into the woods and see colors that were not there even yesterday.  The greens of last week are being replaced by yellows and oranges and reds; the beauty of these colors should not be ignored, even as we are conscious...

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Does God Love Some Children Less?

Posted by Andy Charnstrom on

Dear Friends:   This week--in the midst of a natural disaster of yet-unknown but epic proportion and on the heels of the still-simmering confrontation with evil that merely raised its ugly head at Charlottesville, Virginia--in the midst of matters that cry out for the attention of...

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Tags: bisexual, division, gay, homosexuality, indiana, indianapolis, indianápolis, judgement, lesbian, love one another, nora, sexuality, union chapel indy, united methodist church, unity, lbgtq, nashville statement, transgender or queer

“Things are more like they are today than they’ve ever been. “ 

Posted by Andy Charnstrom on

“Things are more like they are today than they’ve ever been. “  Yogi Berra at his best, stating the obvious but in a way that told an unseen truth.  Yes, Yogi could “say that twice today and mean it”.1 Things are more like they are today than they have...

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Tags: civil rights, corruption, healing, jesus, oppression, times of unrest

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