Worship

A Different Perspective

by Mark SorensenUpdated on January 6, 2016January 6, 2016

So for Christmas this year, I got my 20-year-old son a $12 piece of cardboard, and, as expected, it was his favorite gift. What’s so special about this piece of cardboard that cost $12, you …

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Beating the 8%.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on January 1, 2016January 1, 2016

And here we are. A new year, 2016, has arrived. And you know what comes with a new year, right? New Year’s resolutions. Welcome to this year’s top 10: Lose weight. Get organized. Spend less, …

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Warranty.

by Mark Sorensen February 3, 2015February 3, 2015

It’s pretty sad that it takes sitting in a car dealership while your car gets its 30,000 mile maintenance and check up to force you to slow down, take some deep breaths (inhales which include breathing in the …

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When the “Walking Dead” Meets Jesus.

by Mark Sorensen October 31, 2014October 31, 2014

Do you ever just read the gospels and think, “It must have been incredible being a disciple, walking where Jesus walked and listening to Him teach?” I do. Seriously! Can you imagine what it must …

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Lift Up Your Head.

by Mark Sorensen September 26, 2014September 26, 2014

Fun fact. You have to take a psychological exam to be considered for ministry within the United Methodist Church. I will be the first to admit that I see the need here, but I have also …

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Settling for “Angry Birds” in the presence of a Seurat

by Mark SorensenUpdated on July 23, 2014July 23, 2014

Last week I took my first trip to Chicago. Loved the city. Loved the pizza. Loved the experience. My wife and I fit in a lot of touristy things in the two and a half days …

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Confessions of a Pastor.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on July 9, 2014July 9, 2014

Can I be honest with you? I’m a mess. Seriously. Like, a super-mess. There. It’s out. Where to even start? Ok. Here: I set high expectations for myself. There’s that. Oh. Add to the mix that I …

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Maintenance vs. Mission (Woe #7)

by Mark SorensenUpdated on July 8, 2014July 8, 2014

And here we are, our final “Woe” of Jesus to the Pharisees. In case you have just joined the “Woe” readings, allow me to offer a quick catch-up for you. Jesus, as a guest of one …

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The Religious Walking Dead.

by Mark Sorensen May 30, 2014May 30, 2014

Early on in seminary, I was struck by a quote that came from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. When speaking of the Methodist movement and his hope for its future, Wesley said: “I am …

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Father, Son, and who?

by Mark SorensenUpdated on June 29, 2014May 23, 2014

I’m preparing to launch a new series soon in the Harvest on the Holy Spirit. I’m pretty excited about it. Of course, I say, “excited”. To be fair, I must also throw in a pinch of “terrified”. …

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I Need a Reason to Sing.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on May 16, 2014May 16, 2014

“Where words fail, music speaks.” -Hans Christian Anderson Mid way through my yard detail duties yesterday evening, my ears were filled with a random shuffle to a song by All Sons and Daughters called, “Reason to Sing”. …

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The Heart of the Matter.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on May 14, 2014May 14, 2014

In 1 Samuel 16, God tells the prophet Samuel, “Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” The current …

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“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.”

by Mark Sorensen May 6, 2014May 6, 2014

So woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees. You hypocrites! You tithe from your luxuries and your spices, giving away a tenth of your mint, your dill, and your cumin. But you have ignored the …

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“One more time!” Easter reflections.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on April 21, 2014April 21, 2014

When my oldest son was little, his favorite superhero was Superman. I know this because of one simple truth: he loved to fly. Literally. He would climb up on the furniture, on plant stands, anything that …

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Condemned.

by Mark SorensenUpdated on April 9, 2014April 9, 2014

Have you ever gotten into a situation where you found yourself over your head? I’m not talking a little over your head. I’m talking WAY over your head. I can certainly confess that a few …