Father Ron’s Blog

Another Story for Epiphany

nobody@vox.com(Fr. Ron Culmer) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:19:14 -0800

Theologian/Psychotherapist/ Professor Ann Belford Ulanov, in her fascinating study of unconscious images entitled The Wisdom of the Psyche, gives an example of someone "living love into the world," someone "in whose presence ... you feel the ca...

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A Story for Epiphany

nobody@vox.com(Fr. Ron Culmer) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:50:13 -0800

Ebrahim (An Afghan King) was wealthy according to every earthly measure. At the same time, however, he sincerely and restlessly strove to be wealthy spiritually as well. "One night the king was roused from sleep by a fearful stumping on the roo...

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Christmas Reflection

nobody@vox.com(Fr. Ron Culmer) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:39:52 -0800

Like many clergy I'm working diligently to write a faithful and unique Christmas sermon. The story is so well known that it's just about impossible to say anything new...ah, but I believe that's not really the point...saying anything new. Never...

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OUTCASTS AS NEIGHBORS

nobody@vox.com(Fr. Ron Culmer) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:55:53 -0800

The following comes from my dear friend and mentor, The Rev. Dr. Ed White. A senior consultant with the Alban Institute, he is one of the most well read church leaders I know. While the questions are his, the quotes come from author Diana Butle...

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Passionate Faith

nobody@vox.com(Fr. Ron Culmer) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:33:17 -0800

I wish I could claim this quote as my own. Alas it is the work of John Updike from his 1960 novel "Rabbit, Run." I love it because it speaks of hot, passionate faith, the kind I believe we as clergy are to bring to the pulpit. As many of you kn...

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A prayer for challenging times

nobody@vox.com(Fr. Ron Culmer) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:27:17 -0800

May God bless you with discomfort … At easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, So that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger … At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, So that ...

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Leadership

nobody@vox.com(Fr. Ron Culmer) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:21:05 -0800

In his book The New Realities (New York: Harper & Row, 1989) Peter Drucker asks seven questions of leaders. They are as applicable to church leaders as to managing directors. 1. How well do we know our people? There is no substitute for "...

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Letter to Lewis Smedes about God's Presence

nobody@vox.com(Fr. Ron Culmer) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:57:09 -0800

I have to look in cracks and crevices. Don't tell me how God's mercy is as wide as the ocean, as deep as the sea. I already believe it, but that infinite prospect gets farther away the more we mouth it. I thank you for lamenting his absence...

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Enough!

nobody@vox.com(Fr. Ron Culmer) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:05:47 -0800

The Rev. Richard Schauper shared a story with the congregation of St. Clare's that has stayed with me. It goes like this: A billionaire threw a part somewhere on the Eastern seaboard shore. While there were many at the party, two of the guests ...

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The Reign of God

nobody@vox.com(Fr. Ron Culmer) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:47:53 -0700

I've just returned from my first session at Trinity Wall Street's Clergy Leadership Project. Here is a profound story I learned about the reign of God as told by the staff and Chaplains of CLP: The Chambered Nautilus The nautilus is a living f...

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