a christmas eve prayer for those who do not go to church

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Carter (UMC)
       Lord, I don't go to church much.  I don't go at all...Well, I go at Christmas. I'm home then.  I feel drawn to it. I like the Christmas Eve service, the coolness of the air.  I feel like a child again...it's surreal. I know folks make fun of people like me.  What can I say?  I've drifted...but there is a pull back. Are You speaking to me? I hear something in the sermon, sometimes,  but mostly it's the music and the candles. What is it about those candles? And the darkness?The darkness...or maybe it's the light, I suppose.  Light and darkness. I know about light and darkness.  I live in both.  I've got some of both in me.  I'm basically a good person, I think,  but I struggle...I know about light and darkness.  But I want to be closer to the light.  I want to light that candle and sing those words: "And in the dark street shineth,  the everlasting light..." I would like to live in that light, Lord.I would like to come home.  I would like to be born again. Read full article...

to walk fast or to walk far

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Carter (UMC)

"If you want to travel fast, walk alone. If you want to travel far, walk together."

When I heard this proverb in a recent gathering, upon the occasion of the installation of a very promising leader in an equally crucial and challenging role in the church, I sensed a profound truth. I have come to realize that we ignore this truth at our peril, and we embrace it to our benefit. 

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