Free Stuff
My sheet music and other free resources are available here. Just follow this link.
These things are under a Creative Commons license that allows you to download them and copy them freely—for any non-commercial use.
Enjoy!
Store
I have books, CDs, and a video series for sale from my store page. (I wish I could just give everything away, but one must eat!)
I’m especially excited about my new book, now available: My Burden Is Light: A Pastor’s Plea for Rationality, Honesty, and Humility.
About
Merry, Mystical Missives
Here you’ll find everything I’ve sent out to the mailing list for The Merry Mystic.
Video Series for The Inn
I’ve created a video series to go with my book, The Inn of God’s Forgiveness. This five-minute video will tell you about the book, and the videos:
There’s a more extensive pitch for the book and videos on the church web site. It will eventually direct you back to my store here.
(I created these videos for a class I conducted as pastor of the Open Prairie United Church of Christ in Princeton, IL. All profits from the sales of the videos go to support the church.)
Advent Processional Performed
Last November, I posted some sheet music for an easy choir piece for a processional for Advent. Now I’ve been leading an online book study for my book, The Inn of God’s Forgiveness. For chapter eight, I wanted to demonstrate my Advent Processional. But because of the coronavirus, it isn’t feasible to record a choir singing it.
Unless everyone in the choir is me.
[vimeo id=430167452]
Reality First
I’ve heard many sermons on the story of Doubting Thomas. Most of them have characterized Thomas as an example of inadequate faith—someone we should try not to be like. I don’t think that’s quite right. Jesus loved Thomas, welcomed him, and gave him exactly what he needed. And I think Thomas the Twin is the man for our times.
(In this talk I address the importance of truth. So, naturally, you’ll hear me criticize President Trump. I’m sorry—a little sorry—to be so hard on him; he’s obviously not the only politician to stretch the truth to make himself look good. But he’s by far the most prolific of my lifetime.)
I Remember
This song is also available as a hymn for group singing, with a piano accompaniment, over in our Free Stuff section.
These are the (mostly video) messages sent out to The Merry Mystic mailing list.
Sermons and Such
Every week, I preach in the Open Prairie United Church of Christ in Princeton, Illinois. I’m not sending most of these out to The Merry Mystic mailing list; but on the outside chance you’d like to see a sermon, here they are.
The Golden Mouth
Two little Easter sermons—one from a saint, and one from a computer—with some relevant wisdom from Saint Paul.
Easter Sermon
Easter calls for a particularly short and humble sermon. IMHO.
No Branch Lost
The legend of Lazarus teaches a unique lesson about resurrection in the Gospel of John.
Rest
Here’s the sermon that went with my new hymn about rest.
Worry Boundaries
Worry can be our friend—but all healthy friendships need healthy boundaries.
Multitasking
Fasting from multitasking can give us a chance to remember how useful and joyful focused attention can be.
Fasting
Fasting lives in the shadowy borderland between enlightenment and insanity. Here’s a look at both sides.
Theosis
In the Gospel stories of the Transfiguration, Jesus shines like the sun. Maybe you can too!
Beyond Cases
Jesus’ use of the “case parody” reminds us that we have to do more than just follow the rules.
This Is the Way
Maybe we should learn from the Mandalorians, and remind ourselves frequently: this is the way.