Most just call me "Larry". I was born and raised in Indiana, home of the Indianapolis 500. Life in the Midwest was good growing up.

 

I attended Indiana University, with a major in psychology and shortly thereafter, moved to California. It was here that I felt the calling to ministry and entered seminary for my Masters of Divinity.

 

As a minister, I've served at several churches in California and am currently the pastor at Kenwood Community Church. I have been privileged to perform many weddings as well as funerals, what we might call the ebbs and flows of life. 

 

About ten years ago, I began working with hospice patients as a chaplain, providing spiritual care to those with life-limiting illnesses and their families.  It has been immensely rewarding work. Hospice has taught me a lot about living and dying, and I have come to realize that life is a gift and is sacred.  We are called to use each day as a gift, in betterment of ourselves and the world in which we live. 

 

I believe that we are created to be in community, to see the image of God in ourselves and one another and, having seen that image, to honor and respect it.  As a Christian, I follow the teachings and the example of Christ, but I am open to serving those from other religious backgrounds. 

 

One former patient of mine stated it succinctly: “Getting to God is like climbing a mountain.  There are many paths to the top, but they all ultimately get you there.”  We are all on a journey in life; each has his or her own path.  What I think is important among people of varying faiths is not to dwell on our differences and those things that divide us, but to lift up and celebrate our commonalities, and to learn from one another what makes each person’s faith journey uniquely special.