A conversation with Dr Steve Dunn about thoughtful, practical, and intentional living as a follower of Jesus Christ--focusing on questions that younger generations have about God, the Bible, the church and spirituality. And sometimes, since life gets a little too serious, we just talk about more trivial matters that still warm the soul and bring everyday joy.
Monday, February 20, 2012
MONDAY MORNING REFLECTIONS - WHITNEY, THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, JEREMY LIN, SABBATICALS, DIANNE
Whitney Houston died this past under circumstances still being investigated. A Christian, she was unfortunately not immune to the temptations and pressures that accompany superstar status in our pressurized, celebrity-driven world. There are allegations of prescription drug addiction. A well documented, yet still somewhat understood spiritual journey to Israel, shared center stage with memories of some great movie roles (The Bodyguard was my personal favorite). For the time I choose to remember her for one of the most stirring performances of The National Anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl. I repost it here.
Speaking of The National Anthem - one theory for the Patriots' Super Bowl loss is Steven Tyler's abominable and irreverent rendition of the anthem at the AFC Championship Game two weeks earlier in Foxboro. Singing The National Anthem is an honor and a trust. I wish more people DID NOT sing it like they were auditioning for American Idol.
23-year-old Jeremy Lin appears to the necessary spark to elevate the New York Knicls to a championship contender in the NBA. I, among many, believe Linhas redeemed the NBA for a hideous season that was damaging them as severely as any lockout. By the way, all you Tebow-despisers, Jeremy Lin is another straightforward and open follower of Jesus Christ (USA Today reports the wristband in this photo says "In Jesus Name I Play.") See more ...
As I post this I am in the fourth week of a five week sabbatical from my ministry role at the Church of God of Landisville PA. It is the longest period of time I have taken off from a church in over twenty years. Sabbaticals come in several forms--mine if for rest, renewal, and restoring passion to what I do as pastor. Still have people that think blogging is work. No, I blog for enjoyment, as much as anything, having a venue for my love of creative writing.
Dianne, second from the left with three girls from our church (Kelsey, Lauren, Michaela) on mission trip
The person, however, who makes this sabbatical the most possible, is a loving and caring wife and partner in Christ--now for almost 40 years, Dianne. She has remained at her work as a substitute school teacher specializing in special needs and autistic children. I love her.
My name is Steve Dunn. My passion is connecting people to Jesus Christ and helping churches provide thoughtful,faithful,fruitful and welcoming ministry. For 11 years I served as the Lead Pastor of the Church of God of Landisville and I believe that Jesus came to take away your sin, not your mind. I've been a pastor for 48 years and have a great heart for making the Christian faith accessible and inviting to emerging generations.I also have a passion to help develop healthy leaders for healthy churches, Currently I am the Director of the Ministry Training Institute for the Eastern Regional Conference of the Churches of God, General Conference and conducting Bridgebuilders Seminars, helping traditional churches reach their unchurched neighbors. I serve as the Executive Pastor for the Hanover PA First Church of God.I am also available as a church leadership, evangelism and outreach consultant.and serve as a member of the ERC's Church Health Commission. You can contact me at 2285 Scotland Rd Chambersburg PA 17201.
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