Author Archives: Norman Bendroth

About Norman Bendroth

Norman Bendroth is a Professional Transition Specialist certified by the Interim Ministry Network. He has served as a settled pastor in two United Church of Christ congregations and as a Sr. Interim pastor in seven other UCC congregations. He was also an executive for three different non-profit agencies. He has had additional training in Mediation Skills for Church Leaders from the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center and training in Appreciative Inquiry from the Clergy Leadership Institute. Rev. Bendroth has the M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and his D. Min. from Andover Newton Theological school where he concentrated on theology and systems theory. He is married to Peggy Bendroth and has two adopted Amerasian children.

Do We Need to Bug God?

Posted on August 2, 2013 by Norman Bendroth

Genesis 18; 20-32; Luke 11: 1-13 / Norman B. Bendroth             Let me tell you how I learned to play the guitar. When my brother was thirteen he bought this crappy used guitar where the distance between the fret board … Continue reading →

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Midnight Marathon

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Norman Bendroth

In the aftermath of the horror of Marathon Monday week, one “good news” sidebar that has been lost is Midnight Marathon. On the Sunday before the marathon eight hundred plus certifiable “nut jobs” gathered in the center of Hopkinton to … Continue reading →

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“You’re Not Special”

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Norman Bendroth

Recently, Wellesley (MA) High School English teacher David McCullough, Jr. (the son of famed author by the same name) raised eyebrows at the commencement ceremony when he told students, “you’re not special.” Most commencement speakers throw out accolades to graduates … Continue reading →

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No More Goodbyes

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Norman Bendroth

Norman B. Bendroth It was my last Sunday. I had just finished a very satisfying stint as the Sr. Sabbatical Minister for six months. The folks gave me a wonderful send off with a photo album full of cards with … Continue reading →

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Bending Toward Lent

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Norman Bendroth

LENT, is a time to look clearly at ourselves and our world to see where we are growing and where we are not living as fully as God intends. This reflection invites us to consciously make some changes in our … Continue reading →

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EPIPHANY: A Season to Let Your Light Shine

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Norman Bendroth

The first time I went to an Epiphany service I was not certain what to expect. Having been raised in a non-liturgical tradition, I didn’t know the meaning of the word epiphany. But I looked it up and discovered it … Continue reading →

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Happiness and Happenstance

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Norman Bendroth

New Year’s Sunday Have you ever thought how much can happen in a second? When you say, “Happy New Year!” you’re saying a remarkable thing. It only takes a second for your life to be totally changed or totally ended. … Continue reading →

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Imperfect Christmas Trees

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Norman Bendroth

When I was a kid, my family would go to the local Christmas tree farm or Lion’s Club selling trees in a school parking lot and pick one out. We usually set up our tree two weeks before Christmas. So, … Continue reading →

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Romans 3: 19-23 / Reformation Sunday I spent my summers on Lake Winnipesaukee where my grandfather, uncle and father built three cottages. I spent many languid hours there, but one thing I can remember is that my grandmother always had … Continue reading →

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Norman Bendroth | Leave a comment

Thanksgiving 2011

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Norman Bendroth

This Thursday we will once again celebrate our national feast day and harvest festival that we call Thanksgiving. It is always an especially meaningful holiday for new England Congregationalists, since they were our forebears. You may recall that the Pilgrims … Continue reading →

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