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.

Jimmy Fallon and The Roots Redeem This Song (And Mariah)

December 7, 2012.Reading time less than 1 minute.

This is the funnest things I’ve seen this holiday season. This is straight out of the “this is harder than it looks” book. Only truly talented musicians can pull this off. Thanks to all for the big smile this holiday season.

Standing Up to Black Friday

November 19, 2012.Reading time 6 minutes.

If you know me at all, you know how obsessed I have become with the story of Jdmityai Damour, the Walmart employee who was tramped to death on Black Friday in 2008. For those who don’t know, a brief refresher. And then, a word about this year…ie, what’s happening, what I’m consider, for this Black […]

"In Store" at CD Source Next Friday

November 17, 2012.Reading time 1 minute.

Still pumped about last night’s show at Uncle Calvin’s. But on the heels of that, I need to let you know that I’ll be playing at the great CD Source, on Greenville Avenue, next Friday: CD Source’s “Record Store Day Black FridayNovember 23, 2012 7 pm(Get a map here) I can’t think of a better […]

Burnings

November 16, 2012.Reading time 14 minutes.

One of the more fascinating stories to come out of this presidential election cycle is the Romney campaign’s behavior on election night. For ninety minutes that evening, despite the fact that all the major television networks had called the race (even FOX), there was no communication from the Romney campaign. Did he know some objective […]

Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem

November 15, 2012.Reading time 2 minutes.

Deeply concerned about the news out of Israel and Gaza today. It seems like both sides of that conflict are engaged in a dangerous game of chicken with each other. And so, perhaps a good time to repost this song and video from me. In the name of our common God, let’s keep praying for […]

What the Presidential Election Should Teach the United Methodist Church

November 9, 2012.Reading time 11 minutes.

One of the trends in United Methodism these days is to talk extensively about “the mission field.” It’s a buzz word. It’s a concept. The question is asked: “In every place where we do ministry, what does the mission field look like?” It’s a very very good question, and I’m glad we’re asking it. Demographics, […]

What If Christians Stopped ‘Saving’ America, and Started Loving It?

November 8, 2012.Reading time 13 minutes.

I mean that question pretty literally. Since Tuesday’s election, I’ve heard “public Christians” –those speaking on TV, radio, the media– talking about the horrible apocalypse that was unleashed Tuesday night, at the re-election of Barack Obama. For months and months now, in my North Dallas neighborhood, I’ve seen these yardsigns: They’re apparently from the Dallas […]

Three Times To See Me In November

November 8, 2012.Reading time 4 minutes.

In the coming week, I have three shows/lectures, that I hope you’ll come out to see. If that sounds like a lot, well, maybe it is. But each of these events are unique. None of them will overlap, in terms of the music and the message. So, why not come to it all? Connections “Super […]

What Did We Learn Yesterday?

November 7, 2012.Reading time 8 minutes.

What an election. While I know that there may be many who are stunned this morning, I have to say I am not surprised. This vote went almost exactly the way I assumed it would. As you can see here. (I am surprised by FLA, however…) So, what did we learn? 1) Trust Nate Silver, […]

The Moment Obama Won (in Dallas)

November 7, 2012.Reading time 1 minute.

It’s over. President Obama has been re-elected. Look like Nate Silver was right. I got pretty close too. (Still a bit surprised that it looks like Obama will win Florida…). Thought I’d post this video from tonight, here in Dallas. It’s the moment that the television networks called the race for President Obama. Have a […]