Blog (Page 3)
News and thoughts
Pastor’s Column – July 2023
So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. Romans 14:19 Just imagine if everyone took these words seriously? Imagine if this was the bedrock of all our relationships? Imagine if this was the way our society created public policy or law? Imagine if religion took this seriously? I wish it did, but looking at the world, even Christianity in the United States, it is clear that we often don’t strive for…
Pastor’s Column – June 2023
God said, ‘Let there be light.’ And so light appeared. God saw how good the light was. Genesis 1:3 I hope you are reading this on a day when the sun is pouring through the windows. I hope you can reach out your hand or close your eyes and simply feel the energy of the sun transferring energy into your body and mind. If you aren’t in such a place, I invite you to really be present the next time…
Pastor’s Column – May 2023
I waited patiently for the Lord;God inclined to me and head my cry.God drew me up from the desolate pit,Out of the miry bog,And set my feet upon a rock,Making my steps secure.He put a new song in my mouth,A song of praise to our God.Many will see and honorand put their trust in God. Psalm 40 Some of you know that I love music. What you may not know is just how eclectic my taste in music is. I…
Pastor’s Column – Apr 2023
“Then know, there is no hide-and-seek with the divine that doesn’t end in you being found.” I don’t know about you but I can’t read that line enough. Even though I am a reverend, there are days when God’s grace and love seem so unbelievable to me. When I fail to live out the best version of myself… when I feel like I am not doing enough… when I feel like I don’t deserve God’s love, I am reminded that…
Pastor’s Column – Mar 2023
“e believe rest is luxury, privilege, and an extra treat we can give to ourselves after suffering from exhaustion and sleep deprivation. Rest isn’t a luxury, but an absolute necessity. Rest is a divine right. Rest is a human right. Rest must interrupt. Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by TriciaHersey, pg. 60 Are you feeling tired? Do you need a nap but given your work schedule, doctor’s appointments, family errands, or anxiety level you find it difficult or impossible to…
Pastor’s Column – Feb 2023
“Seek the Lord while God may be found, call upon God while God is near.”God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6,8-9 NRSV Jessica and I will be married 9 years this coming June, however we have been together for 13. After 13 years I feel…
Pastor’s Column – Jan 2023
Every year our church, our families, our communities hype Christmas with get-togethers and special events that bring us all a little closer to one another. I truly hope you were able to experience this on some level. While we get tangled in the mixed messages of Christmas being about gifts, or about movies, or that cookie we always eat, I hope once the dust settles you are able to reflect and see what makes it truly special…. and that is…
Souper Bowl of Caring 2023
It is again time for the Souper Bowl of Caring. We mentioned it during the announcements on Sunday morning, but I was a little slow getting it posted here. for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me Matthew 25:35 (NRSV) The quote from Matthew is central to several of our core values, namely, love and welcoming community. This year, for the…
Christmas Eve 11:00 Service Cancelled
Due to the bitter cold and poor road conditions. We are cancelling the 11:00PM service. We will still be holding the 4:00 PM service and you can watch the video on Facebook or YouTube. Apologies for the short notice, but your health and safety are more important than your physical presence at one service. Be safe and Merry Christmas!
Pastor’s Column – Dec 2022
We have sung this hymn twice in worship. Not only is the melody catchy and easy topick-up, but the words have the power to hold us like a needed hug. Each verse beginswithin a context of uncertainty and great challenge.Verse 1: “My soul cries out…”Verse 2: “Though I am small…”Verse 3: “Though the nations rage from age to age…”When we sing these words, we too have an opportunity to think about the challenges weface. Is it our longing for a…