11.6K
Downloads
283
Episodes
Dennis Shaw is a musician, marathoner (Boston!), retired military officer, math modeler, muse, and United Methodist Pastor. A keen observer of the human condition, he has degrees in music, quantitative methods (don’t ask!), theology and leadership. He will discuss with other leaders how to become engaged and present in our current leadership opportunities. Critical to leadership is strong self-awareness. Becoming authentic, empathetic, and aware will form the framework of all discussions. You can access and follow this podcast on Apple, Podbean, Spotify and Amazon Music.
Episodes
Tuesday Jul 11, 2017
Tuesday Jul 11, 2017
Today's Scripture was found in Genesis 3:1-9. Reflections on the first question ever asked in Scritpure as a way to reflect and consider where Hilltop is in 2017. We are called to be an Oasis in the wilderness, a place of refreshing and refuge to those around us. Like the great sculptor, Michaelangelo, who carved art from stone, we too are called to allow God to use to us to call life out for our friends and neighbors.
Tuesday Jul 11, 2017
Tuesday Jul 11, 2017
Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:1-6. On Trinity Sunday, Pastor Dennis encouraged our high school and college graduates to stay connected to Jesus, our true power source as we navigate the many choices we face in life.
Sunday May 28, 2017
Sunday May 28, 2017
This the ravings of a lunatic on behalf of God urging unity.
The text is Galatians 3: 23-29 and the sermon primarily dwells on Paul's context with a strong focus on the baptismal formula he is using about Jews/Gentiles, Free/Slave and Man/Woman. I could NOT pull up the word "crescent" when discussing the various symbols on graves for those being remembered on Memorial Day -- Cross (check), Star of David (check), and Crescent and Star (all I got out was Star, didn't get the Crescent). Forgive me.
I obviously have gotten to a place where I think we are too often, majoring in the minors. I know there are many who find me deluded.
It is my style to preach elements of the sermon in the statement of the theme, the scripture reading, the message itself, and then during the benediction.
This is from the 10:30 service and the "Smith" party is a 95th Birthday Celebration with Pearl Smith.
Saturday May 27, 2017
Saturday May 27, 2017
That minefield that is Mother's Day. Relationships gone bad, or lost, or never was. All of those emotions and more. I focused on nurture.
Sunday May 07, 2017
Sunday May 07, 2017
Odd passage to our ears. A Eunuch? What's that about? But in this case, Philip has just preached to Samaritans, outcasts, and now he is preaching/teaching to another outcast. The message is as fresh today as it was in Philip's day. Who is invited to God's table and the answer is -- Samaritans, Sexually Questionable Characters, and yes, you and me.
Tuesday May 02, 2017
Tuesday May 02, 2017
Rev. Emily Fleming on John 20: 24-29 and her reflection on Doubting Thomas. I also included a little of our music after the sermon and before the benediction.
Sunday Apr 23, 2017
Sunday Apr 23, 2017
Sunday Apr 16, 2017
Sunday Apr 16, 2017
This is the 9:00 Service at Hilltop. I am indebted to David Watson and N. T. Wright for good quotes here.
Friday Mar 24, 2017
Friday Mar 24, 2017
This reflection is drawn from the Luke 15, three parables. The liturgist will only read the first two to provide context, and then I re-tell the third one. A parable familiar to us.