Author Archives: tmrichmond3

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.

In the Belly of Corona

Posted on May 26, 2020 by tmrichmond3

This is the prayer for the day, Sunday, May 24. It is loosely based on Jonah’s prayer (Jonah 2:2-9)  when he was in the belly of the Big Fish.  O God of the Deep, We call out to you Lord, … Continue reading →

Posted in Corona Virus, COVID-19, Jonah, Pastoral Prayer, Prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Koan of COVID

Posted on May 24, 2020 by tmrichmond3

In Zen Buddhism there is a tradition where a Zen Master will pose a koan to his students to help them gain enlightenment. A koan is a question or a story designed to throw the student’s mind off balance, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddhism, Buddhist Story, Church, Corona Virus, COVID-19, Koan, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Love in the Time of Corona

Posted on April 23, 2020 by tmrichmond3

This morning I performed a wedding at our church. Don’t worry, we observed all the rules for social distancing—well, with the exception of the bride and the groom! There were fewer people in the sanctuary for this wedding than there … Continue reading →

Posted in COVID-19, Faith, Love, Marriage, Musings, Relationships, Uncategorized, Weddings | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Not-Quite-the-End-of-the-World Corona Virus Playlist

Posted on April 13, 2020 by tmrichmond3

Every disaster deserves a song. Since I am not a song-writer, I decided to put together a playlist for COVID-19. Most of the songs were chosen for the titles, but many have something to say to our current situation. Most … Continue reading →

Posted in Corona Virus, COVID-19, Music, PLaylist, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Exodus or Bust

Posted on March 27, 2020 by tmrichmond3

Morning Psalm 148 1   Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! 2   Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host! 3   Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! 4   Praise him, … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Exodus, Growth, Lent, Lenten Devotional, Prayer, Psalms, Spiritual Growth, spirituality, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Exodus or Bust–A Daily Devotion

Posted on March 26, 2020 by tmrichmond3

Today we start with Exodus. This book lies at the heart of Judaism, and you need to know Exodus to really understand the ministry of Jesus. Other people are going to be this devotion over time. Old Testament Lesson Exodus … Continue reading →

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To Be

Posted on March 25, 2020 by tmrichmond3

Several years ago I visited a colleague of mine for some advice about my spiritual life. At our first meeting he said, “I am going to repeat a phrase. You meditate on the phrase. You will know when I am … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Current Events, Devotional, Growth, Hope, Lenten Devotional, Musings, Prayer, Psalms, Spiritual Growth, spirituality | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Titian and Touching

Posted on March 20, 2020 by tmrichmond3

Noli Me Tangere By Titian This was painted around 1514 and hangs in the National Gallery in London. You can find the painting on the internet at: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/titian-noli-me-tangere The scene is taken from the Gospel of John, where Mary sees … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Lent, Lenten Devotional, Salvation, Spirituality and Art, Titian, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Did Ye Get Healed

Posted on January 8, 2020 by tmrichmond3

  In 1987, the singer Van Morrison, best known for his song “Brown-Eyed Girl,” released an album called  Poetic Champions Compose which included a powerful song called, “Did Ye Get Healed.” You may be surprised to see that the title … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Church Growth, Communion, Compassion, Growth, Healing, Jesus, ministry, Mission, Musings, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Relationships, Sermons, Social Justice, Social Ministry, spirituality | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Hope for the Holidays

Posted on January 7, 2020 by tmrichmond3

  I wonder what Mary and Joseph saw when they look into the eyes of their newborn child. What did they see in the eyes of Jesus? On the one hand, they knew this was a special child, a child … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Christmas Eve, Hope, Jesus, ministry, Spiritual Growth, spirituality | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment