Category Archives: Uncategorized

The author is a long-time resident of Wisconsin and a former editor of the Milwaukee Journal and CEO of the satire publication, The Onion. The book is a compilation of a weekly column he once wrote:  “State of Mind,” as he traveled around Wisconsin, interviewing … Continue reading →

The book’s advertisement looked good.  It purported to be a well-researched description of the different ways people talk in different parts of the country.  It turned out to be a thinly researched and narrow sampling of different word choices, accents, slang expressions, … Continue reading →

Ministry can be soul crushing work.  Or—it can feed and strengthen one’s soul and provide opportunities for one’s soul to overflow for the benefit of others.  Barton’s book gives both warnings and suggestions for the pastor. Using Moses as a case study, … Continue reading →

A Sermon on Acts 2: 37-47 St. James UMC Danville 8/23/26 J. Michael Smith, preacher Every church has two facets:  the church as community and the church as institution.   The  institutional side of the church deals with buildings, finances, legalities, staff, including pastors, committees, programs, meetings, … Continue reading →

Bible Explorations with J. Michael Smith (8/20/26) THE OBVIOUS The first thing we notice is that there is some sort of cause and effect happening here.  Peter has given a mighty speech, and it is having an effect on those who … Continue reading →

Genesis 12: 1-4 Danville St. James UMC—August 16, 2026 J. Michael Smith, preacher In the Bible, the story of who we are as human beings begins with Adam and Eve.  But the story of who we are as people of faith begins with Abraham and Sarah.   … Continue reading →

This interesting narrative starts in the final hours of the life of Pope Francis.  It describes how news of his death affected people in Rome, how the College of Cardinals gathered over the next days to mourn the pontiff and elect … Continue reading →

My daughter and I always like to listen to Audible books on long trips.  This year’s 4000 mile round trip to Yellowstone gave us a chance to get two books in—one really good, one really bad.  Despite his fame, John Grisham’s The Widow was … Continue reading →

Matthew 4: 18-22 August 2, 2026 Preached St. James UMC, Danville J. Michael Smith This is the first time I have ever been appointed to a church named after a saint:  St. James.  I have been appointed to four different churches named, … Continue reading →

Tam is a mess. She is a young career woman who works for a company that values men. (nothing new) She is engaged to be married to a jerk. (nothing new) She has lost contact with the best friend she … Continue reading →