The Roofless Church

Author: Higher Up IDEALS

  • Bending Racism With Your Mind

    Can you imagine a world without racism? What would that world look like? What would you give to make that world possible? Better yet, what would you give up to make that world possible? In Together Colorado and other justice seeking organizations, there are people who put in a lot of effort in order to…

  • International AIDS Candlelight Memorial: A Reflection

    Recently, I was asked by the Boulder County AIDS Project to give a short reflection and closing words on May 15, 2016 for the 33rd Annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. Below is the content of the reflection. My hope in sharing this is that it will increase awareness of how–even with the advancements in medication–AIDS…

  • Love the Players, Hate the Game

    Many years ago, a business consultant, who specialized in military transitions, took an interest in me. She started a conversation with me as I waited for a friend in the Family Support Center of Andrews Air Force Base. Part way through the conversation she jumped in and said, “INTJ or INTP”. Being unfamiliar with the…

  • Singing Down the Road to Redemption

    As the cast stood in the line preparing to enter the sanctuary, I could almost feel myself getting younger and the space getting narrower. Was it getting darker or was it just me?  Where did that spotlight come from?  Why am I so warm? I guess that’s what happens when you time travel and that…

  • The Truth Isn’t Going Anywhere

    After coming back to the world after my week-long retreat with the Bethany Fellows, I was initially concerned about being able to hold on to the insights I gained while with this ecumenical group of young ministers. I particularly wanted to hold onto what emerged out of the silence. But, after meditating for a while,…

  • And out of the Silence…Marisa Tomei

    “Marisa Tomei! Hallelujah! Marisa Tomei! Thank you Jesus! Marisa Tomei! Now I can eat. Amen.” What you just read was an approximation of my thoughts just before dinner tonight. I am presently on a retreat for new pastors and today is our day of silence. With the exception of a short session for spiritual direction,…

  • In Jesus’ Names

    I’ve been thinking about how to kick The Roofless Church off again. I still haven’t figured it out yet, but I figure I can start by posting things as they come up. I’m open to suggestions.

  • Tear Down These Walls For A Change

    Recently, I was listening to Jonathan Odell, author of The Healing, talk about some of his experiences of growing up as a white male in 1950/60’s Mississippi. One of the stories he told that stood out to me the most was when he described an instance when a “well-meaning” older white woman explained to him…

  • Your Words Will Come Back To Bless You

    Dear Love Ones, Today I was fortunate enough to be blessed by words that I had written over a year and a half ago.  As I am writing this, I am in a situation where I have to “walk by faith and not by sight.”  When I look at the world through the filter of…

  • The Audience That Isn’t There

    Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom…