Welcome to Peter’s Outer Cape Portico!
This blog is dedicated to exploring the ways in which the Sunday readings from the Common Lectionary intersect with the works of poets and current events. Though the Scriptures are the norm for the church’s faith and teaching, they are not the sole source of all knowledge, understanding and insight. The work of poets also plumbs the depths of human experience and helps us interpret our world. Just as faith in the Triune God confessed by the church makes good sense of the universe as we experience it, so also do the voices of the poets. It is my aim to discover how dialogue between poets on the one hand and the apostles and prophets on the other might enrich our understanding and make even better sense.
According to the Book of Acts, one of the earliest places of worship for disciples of Jesus was the Temple in Jerusalem. In all likelihood, the early believers gathered in the portico of the Temple, a sort of “front porch.” As this was a very public place, anyone passing by would be able to observe or participate in the church’s worship or engage its members in discussions about the Holy Scriptures and their proclamation of Jesus as Lord. That is what this blog attempts to replicate in part.
Each week I create a post featuring commentary on the lessons for the coming Sunday and a featured poem. You will also find links taking you to those lessons. I am eager to engage everyone interested in the “big issues” and how the good news about Jesus helps us to think about them in new ways. In addition, editorial and satirical works are periodically published under the heading of Kierkegaard’s Ghost.
All are welcome to join the conversation. All you need bring is an inquiring mind. Respondents are asked to speak respectfully whether addressing the author of an article or another respondent. Comments are screened before publication, which may be withheld for comments containing obscene, profane, racist, sexist or otherwise insulting language. All comments should be posted on the page of the article to which they are addressed. Do not post responses on the home page or any other informational tab as this only creates confusion. Publication of misdirected comments may be withheld or the comment deleted.
Peter's Outer Cape Portico 
Thank you for your letter to Franklin Graham. I grew up in small churches where equality and love for all reigned. They were the part of community fiber and held together..
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Thanks for your good words, Paul.
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Do you believe in Salvation by grace alone?
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Yes.
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I had my faith in pastor’s restored by your letter, and want to tell you I am TRULY GRATEFUL to you and your description of the instructions laid out for us in the bible. I stopped attending church, following sermon’s, and listening to shallow words from organized religion a long time ago because of my utter disappointment in what it had all become. I have preachers in my family who seem to be under the spell of Trump (that’s what I call it) and it just breaks my heart they can be so easily fooled. Thank you for sharing your letter to Rev. Graham, and my part will be to continue sharing the truth you put into that letter, then pray that God opens the hearts and minds of a big part of our America.
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Thank you for your good words, Anita. I hope that you find your way back to a faith community where Jesus and his promised reign of justice and peace are held up.
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I too have had my faith very shaken Pastor Peter..
Your letter to “frank” was nothing short of amazing & you said it straight from your heart..I dont even know you but I can honestly say I really like you..as a previous comment said it was everything I wanted to say but my anger took over ..
Like Laural & Hardy (you might be too young to know of them?)said”this is a fine mess we are in”
When you wrote to frank it was really what I wanted to say except scriptures of different meanings my heart was there. Thank you so much Peter…it really hurts to see what next far out crazy dangerous scheme to distract us from all the horrific covid 19 counts all because of that man has no leadership which is quite obvious…I call him the antichrist which some christian friend was not too happy about it lol..take care & be safe to you & your family
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Thanks for your comments, Fawn. God bless!
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Amazing!! To God be the Glory for your courage, conviction and integrity. I pray that most of us, BELIEVERS AND FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST SEE THE TRUTH. I PRAY, IN JESUS’ NAME.
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Thanks!
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Amazing!! To God be the Glory for your courage, conviction and integrity. I pray that most of us, BELIEVERS AND FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST SEE THE TRUTH. I PRAY, IN JESUS’ NAME.
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