Author: ericfolkerth

Eric Folkerth is a minister, musician, author and blogger. He is Senior Pastor of Kessler Park UMC United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. Previously, he was pastor at Northaven UMC in Dallas for seventeen years. Eric loves to write on topics of spirituality, social justice, music/art and politics. The entries on this blog reflect that diversity of interests. His passion for social justice goes beyond mere words. Eric was arrested at the White House, defending immigrants and “The Dreamers;” and he’s officiated at same sex weddings. Eric was the 2017 recipient of the prestigeous Kuchling Humanitarian Award from Dallas’ Black Tie Dinner. (Human Rights Campaign) Eric has led or co-led hundreds of persons on mission trips to build houses and bring medical care around the globe, to places such as Mexico, Haiti, Russia, Guatemala, and Nepal. He is proud of have shephereded Highland Park UMC's construction of ten Habitat for Humanity homes, (and one Community Center) and helped forge an alliance with Habitat that led to the construction of 100 homes in Dallas, housing thousands of people. His wife, Justice Dennise Garcia, has 20 years experience as a state district judge and appelate justice in North Texas. First elected in 2004, she was the first Latina ever elected to a Dallas County state district bench, and she she left that position whe was the longest currently serving district judge. In 2020 Dennise Garcia was a elected as a Justice of the 5th District Court of Appeals for Texas. She is currently running to be Chief of the 5th District Court of Appeals in the 2024 cycle. They have the world’s best daughter, Maria, who is a practicing professional counselor in Dallas. Find links to Eric’s music-related websites, at the top of this site’s navigation menu.

Burning Myrhh

April 20, 2018.Reading time 7 minutes.

Northaven Friends, I’m burning incense this morning, as I write, journal, and pray here at home. I’m burning Myrrh. Went down the street to Kalachangi’s, here in Old East Dallas, to get some last night. I wanted to burn it today, because of something my therapist reminded me of in our weekly time earlier this […]

For Everything, There Is a Season

April 17, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

“For everything, there is a season…” And so it is, friends, I’m announcing today that I will be leaving Northaven UMC as Senior Pastor, and that our Bishop has reappointed me as Pastor of The Woods UMC in Grand Prarie, Texas. This will be effective July 1st. I’m sure that this news will hit some […]

Like 1968

April 4, 2018.Reading time 9 minutes.

On this 50-year anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King #mlk50 , I am struck by how similar *this* day is to that day long ago. As I write these words, teachers from all across the state of Oklahoma are striking. They are out in the streets, marching with signs. They are seeking basic human […]

Go Higher

March 29, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

I’ve said before, I think hawks are my spirit animal. I’ve had several semi-mystical encounter with them here town. On two of my birthdays (i.e., literally on the day…) I’ve had an upclose encounter with two separate hawks, in ways that felt like a message to me. The message was something like…take courage…have strength…fear not…. […]

The Talk With My Dad

March 22, 2018.Reading time 7 minutes.

A year ago this week, we moved back into the log house. In the midst of many challenging things in life, this has been a great joy for us all. Here and there, throughout the year, I’ve posted “This Week in Home Improvement” posts here on FB. This is probably the last one. Over the […]

Dad’s March Madness Brackets

March 19, 2018.Reading time 1 minute.

Since we’re in the midst of March Madness, I thought I’d post these. These are treasures we found while cleaning out Mom and Dad’s house. They’re Dad’s hand-crafted brackets from the mid 1960s that he used to keep track of the tourney. Some NCAA. Some NIT. Some hand written. Some typed. The last one is […]

Nevertheless, She Persisted

March 12, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

As we continue through Women’s History Month, it’s worth remembering that this year’s theme is: “Nevertheless, she persisted.” That phrase has its origins in national politics, but it’s spread well beyond that now. I’ve seen it on protest signs, t-shirts, tattoos and even cross-stitch. It’s come to symbolize both the broader struggle of women, historically, […]

If I Only Had a Gun

February 23, 2018.Reading time 9 minutes.

OK, since the President and #NRA are continuing to push the ridiculous idea of a “good guy with a gun,” it’s time to share “If I Only Had A Gun” from 20/20. It’s sadly several years old, but it makes the crucial point aabout how the average “good guy with a gun” cannot possibly be […]

#StudentsStandUp

February 22, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

I cried last night, watching video of the #StudentsStandUp protests from around the country. It was the first time in several years I have allowed myself to cry after a mass shooting. Probably the first time since Charleston, if I am being specific. I have not been able to cry because I have become incredibly […]

The Guilt That We Survive

February 9, 2018.Reading time 1 minute.

Here’s a new song from me. Hope you like it. “The Guilt that We Survive” It’s the rookie who just made the team Whose old friends now just watch and dream It’s the CEO who’s upward bound With a brother stuck in her hometown It’s the Dreamer with her new degree Whose Abuela still long to be free […]