11.5K
Downloads
282
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
Friday Apr 13, 2018
Friday Apr 13, 2018
Scripture is Acts 4: 23-33 and the focus is on how the early church was in unity. I proffer that they were in unity in terms of mission, vision, and values. The Resurrection is the engine that drove the growth in of the early Church.
The focus here is on people, not buildings, or denominations. This is an initial exploration of changing our belong, believe, become to something new and different. Hospitality, helping, hope and healing. There is a both an inward and outward focus simultaneously: Caring for their people and carrying the story into the world.
Tuesday Dec 26, 2017
Tuesday Dec 26, 2017
This is my Christmas Eve reflection. Bonhoeffer meets Ebenezer Scrooge with a little help from other sources.
Wednesday Dec 20, 2017
Wednesday Dec 20, 2017
Wednesday Dec 20, 2017
The Reverend Mario Alejandre returning to Hilltop to close out our Stewardship Campaign for 2017. Mario is a Lutheran who sounds like a Methodist. Gifted. Truly.
Monday Oct 23, 2017
Monday Oct 23, 2017
Bishop Karen Oliveto was at Hilltop for the Rocky Mountain Conference United Methodist Women, and we ask her to stay over an extra day, and she graciously consented. This sermon is drawn from John 15 and the command to love each other. Let me know if you have trouble with hearing Bishop Karen uses a wide range of vocal dynamics, and parts may need a little bit of an electronic boost in Garage Band, which is what I use to create this.
We also sang after the Sermon -- "Draw the Circle Wide" -- which is what Bishop Karen is addressing in her benediction.
Monday Oct 16, 2017
Monday Oct 16, 2017
This is drawn from 1 Samuel 3: 1-11, and I address brefly the context of the passage at the beginning of the reading.
Samuel is being advised to "listen" ... and Eli tells him to communicate to God that Samuel is actively listening for God to speak. That constitutes the core of the reflection/message.
Sunday Oct 08, 2017
Monday Oct 02, 2017
Monday Oct 02, 2017
Exodus 16: 1-25 -- a quick trip in the wilderness focusing on needs and how God provides. Points toward John 6 -- Jesus as the Bread of Life. The Children of Israel sit in the wilderness between already and not-yet, slavery and freedom. God will provide ...
Monday Sep 18, 2017
Monday Sep 18, 2017
Two readings, 1 Kings 19 where Elijah is given a demonstration of God, and Genesis 11/12 with the Call of Abraham.
Abraham is called to be a blessing. Important. Elijah has the advantage of history and knowledge of what God has done, but Abraham is starting out cold.
We are like Abraham, called to be a blessing. Often however we are like Elijah, the testimony of the "small, still voice" or "the sound of silence" is insufficent to move us from our own self-focus. We need to keep remembering, God will Provide!
Monday Sep 04, 2017
Monday Sep 04, 2017
First Sunday back after nine weeks gone. The sermon was from 1 Corinthians 11: 24-27 or so and focused on the "big idea" of communion itself. Take, bless, break, give. This is also the Sunday where Eugene Peterson (of The Message) meets Ned Flanders (of The Simpsons). Little longer than I meant for it to be -- was shooting for more like ten to twelve minutes, but ... it takes a while to get the pace and feel back, right? At least that is the story and I am sticking to it!