Author Archives: tmrichmond3

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About tmrichmond3

I am the pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Medford, Oregon. I believe that faith should be able to sustain us, not oppress us.

The Temptation of Jesus

Posted on March 6, 2014 by tmrichmond3

  There will be a loaf of bread on the table. As I talk about what we give up for Lent, I will refer to the fact that often we are most sorely tempted when we cannot have something. I … Continue reading →

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Ashes to Go

Posted on March 5, 2014 by tmrichmond3

Father Joel, Mike and I hit the streets of Medford for our first Ashes to Go, where we offered the imposition of ashes to anyone who came by. Most people politely refused, but about half asked what Ash Wednesday was. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ash Wednesday, Church, Emergent Church, spirituality | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Walking the Spiritual Labyrinth

Posted on March 5, 2014 by tmrichmond3

EXODUS 24:12-18 12The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” 13So Moses … Continue reading →

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Anger Management Graduate School; Loving Your Enemies as the Way to Health

Posted on February 26, 2014 by tmrichmond3

The call to love our enemies is not just a platitude to make Christianity look good; it is a practical way to live, especially if our worst enemy is ourselves!    GOSPEL MATTHEW 5:38-48 38“You have heard that it was … Continue reading →

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Jesus Is Not Jeeves; Time To Do Away With Divine Personal Savior and Personal Valets

Posted on February 18, 2014 by tmrichmond3

Reach out and touch faith Your own Personal Jesus Someone to hear your prayers Someone who cares Your own Personal Jesus Someone to hear your prayers Someone who’s there  –Depeche Mode, Personal Jesus I grew up in a tradition where people were encouraged to accept Jesus … Continue reading →

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  GOSPEL MATTHEW 5:21-37 21“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother … Continue reading →

Posted on February 18, 2014 by tmrichmond3 | Leave a comment

Keeping Love Alive

Posted on February 14, 2014 by tmrichmond3

Valentine’s Day, or as they say on Wall Street, Hallmark Day. I woke up this morning to a mobile made by The Redhead, with about twenty-five hearts, and each one had on it something we loves about me, or our … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, Marriage, Valentines Day | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A Time to Be Weaned

Posted on February 13, 2014 by tmrichmond3

Why is it that we argue about things we cannot change? For example, recently there was a debate between a young earth creationist, and Bill Nye the Science Guy, which was apparently broadcast around the nation. (Full disclosure: I did … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity and Homosexuality, Church, Emergent Church, Jesus, ministry, religion and politics, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Live Salty

Posted on February 12, 2014 by tmrichmond3

  GOSPEL MATTHEW 5:13-20 13“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14“You … Continue reading →

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Trying to Stand in Fallen World

Posted on February 9, 2014 by tmrichmond3

    One of my favorite songwriters is Pierce Pettis, and one of my favorite songs of his is “Trying to Stand in a Fallen World.” If that does not describe the Christian life today, I don’t know what does. … Continue reading →

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