I’m sitting out on my back patio with my laptop, a good book, and a cup of steaming coffee.  Okay, I don’t have the coffee but it just seemed like the right thing to add to the picture.  I actually have an Evian water bottle filled with tap water.  A metaphor for many things in … Continue reading Independence Day

For those who weren't at High School Basecamp this morning, we spent the morning talking about the genocide in Darfur that is occuring at this very moment. Some of us had no idea what is happening to men, women, and children across the Atlantic Ocean.  Some of us had heard the word "Darfur" in the … Continue reading Save Darfur

"What I believe is not what I say I believe. What I believe is what I do."    Donald Miller in Blue Like Jazz. Ouch. If the above statement is truth then I believe: my needs often come above the needs of others. my time is more important than other people's time. God didn't make … Continue reading What I Believe

“Why Can’t You Trust Me?” Mark 4:35-41Rev. Melissa Hatfield There are times in life when we are a little bit glad to hear of other people’s failures.  Come on – let’s be honest.   If we can’t be honest in church, where can we be?   There are times when looking at some peoples failures makes you … Continue reading June 25th Sermon

My friend, Charles, presented a great idea.  I shared yesterday about my asking complete strangers (or friends I hadn't met yet) two questions:  his or her greatest dream and greatest fear. So, I invite you, all who pop onto MelissaHatfield.com, you lurkers out there who never or rarely leave a comment ....  share with us … Continue reading Greatest Fear, Greatest Dream

Each week I meet with some college students and this summer we are doing a book study on Donald Miller's book Blue Like Jazz.  It provides some great discussion for us on non-religious thoughts on faith.  By that,  I mean the text helps move us to think upon relationships, not religion.  Our relationship with God … Continue reading Friends I Haven't Met Yet

Chewing I'm working on my sermon for this Sunday and chewing on the Gospel lectionary text - Mark 4:35-41.  This is that great little tale of Jesus taking a nap in the boat while the disciples are fighting a huge storm. When I prep for a sermon, I read the text over and over again … Continue reading Chewing

I'm listening to a sermon by Donald Miller that a new friend of mine sent to me and it is a great message. Miller is the author of "Blue Like Jazz" and "Searching for God Knows What".  Miller is such a great communicator and makes you feel like you are good buddies sitting around over … Continue reading Miller Light