Monday was the 47th anniversary of the death of the man many consider the greatest Christian writer of the 20th century. C.S. Lewis died on November 22, 1963—the same day as Aldous Huxley and John F. Kennedy. Lewis was the author of such classics as Mere Christianity, The Great Divorce, and the Chronicles of Narnia.Continue reading “Remembering Jack”
Author Archives: Chaplainmike
Difficult Scriptures: Thanksgiving Edition
11-13It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14-16Taking a good look at them, he said, “Go,Continue reading “Difficult Scriptures: Thanksgiving Edition”
Thank You, Lord
A Prayer of Thanks By Chaplain Mike Thank you, Lord, In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit… For life itself, the gift I take most for granted. For my baptism and introduction to the Gospel when I was but a helpless, trusting infant. For my family and my heritage. For my birthplaceContinue reading “Thank You, Lord”
Neighbors
By Chaplain Mike The man’s tears were unsettling. There is something about a man crying uncontrollably that shakes me. His dying wife was in the bed across the room, speaking occasionally, but mostly lying with eyes closed, comfortable but waning. He cried for her. He cried for himself. He cried for the fact that heContinue reading “Neighbors”
Church Year Spirituality: Faith of Our Family
By Chaplain Mike When I was a pastor in local non-denominational congregations, I found it difficult to maintain a sense of cohesion and togetherness within the church’s program. Each church, of course, had its own traditions, and they created a certain level of family identity and oneness. But I’m talking about something deeper than whenContinue reading “Church Year Spirituality: Faith of Our Family”
Church Year Spirituality: Some Resources
By Chaplain Mike Over this past week, many have asked about resources for understanding and keeping the Church Year. I have compiled a starter list here in three categories: Books that give an overview of the Church Year to help individuals, families, and churches grasp its basic concepts and begin participating in Church Year spirituality.Continue reading “Church Year Spirituality: Some Resources”
Christ the King Sunday
By Chaplain Mike Today is “The Feast of Christ the King” the final Sunday in the church year. This feast of worship is not some relic from medieval times, when kings ruled the earth. No, “Christ the King” Sunday is one of most recent additions to the church calendar. It was introduced in 1925 byContinue reading “Christ the King Sunday”
iMonk Classic: Do You Know What Your Church Is Doing Next Sunday?
Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From Feb 23, 2009 Note from CM: Here is one of Michael Spencer’s posts on the Church Year and how it might be used fruitfully by evangelicals. “Part of the problem is that evangelicals really don’t have traditions,†said Carter. “Instead, we have these fads that are built onContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Do You Know What Your Church Is Doing Next Sunday?”
Saturday Ramblings 11.20.10
It’s leaf-raking time here at the iMonastery. We are very organized as monks. Chaplain Mike is in charge of gathering all of the orange leaves, Damaris gets the yellows, Lisa the reds, and Adam the browns. Joe and Mike are supposed to pick up all of the twigs, but spend most of their time throwingContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 11.20.10”
Church Year Spirituality: The Eastern Orthodox Calendar
Note from CM: In our “Church Year Spirituality” series, I have focused on the calendar of the Western church, and have done so in an intentionally general way. This is the church to which I belong, and so I speak from that perspective. I have not focused on specific differences between traditions within the WesternContinue reading “Church Year Spirituality: The Eastern Orthodox Calendar”
The Internet Monk Archives 