pastor’s column (Page 4)
Pastor’s Column – July 2022
She began her sermon with a question, “What is the address of the church?” Those in the pews did not know whether they should respond or not. To be honest, her question felt like a trap and they did not want to fall for it. She asked the question again, “what is the address of the church?” One congregation member who found the silence unsettling raised his hand and gave the mailing address of the church. She said, “Very good.…
Pastor’s Column – May 2022
New Life is Right Here Maybe todaywe can take a moment.Maybe todaywe can silence the inner critic.Maybe todaywe can leave perfection at the door.Maybe today we can allow ourselves to behere.Maybe that’s all that matter.Maybe this sunrise is for you.Maybe these Hallelujahs are for us.Maybe the hope blooming in my chestis for us.Maybe the resurrection was not just about God’s body,but is about our body.Maybe this new life reaches all the way to the edges.Maybe we are free to live…
Pastor’s Column – Apr 2022
Water Marks Jesus probably kneeled down.He probably took Peter’s heelin his handsto wash his feet.And I wonder if they both thought of Jacob—the heel-grabber,the trickster who wrestledwith God.I wonder if it felt like a do-over,a fresh start for creation.I wonder if the basin overflowedwhen Jesus poured the water out.I wonder if it splashed,leaving water marks on the floor—proof that love was really there.I wonder if I would have let Jesus do the same.Would I have been like Peter and said,“Not…
Pastor’s Column – Mar 2022
God of compassion, you know how we rebel against you. You know how we doubtand fear and hold back, when you call us to freedom and to partnership in Jesus Christ. God forgive us. Free us by the power of the cross, that we may serve you without fear.Grant us your peace through Jesus Christ who was faithful to the end. Amen. I have gotten it wrong. I… Rev. Pastor Keith have done what was not pleasing in God’s eyes.…
Pastor’s Column – Feb 2022
But the land that you are crossing over to occupy is a land of hills and valleys, watered by rain from the sky, a land that the LORD your God looks after. The eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Deuteronomy 11:11-12 It may just be me, but I don’t find comfort in phrases like “this was all part of God’s plan,” or “God must…
Pastor’s Column – Oct 2021
What is your favorite season? Is it Fall with her orange and yellow leaves? Is it Winter and his snow covered trees? Is it Spring, and the arrival of her warm rays of light? Or do you prefer Summer with its long days and vacation getaways? My favorite season seems to be whatever comes next or before. Instead of living in the moment and giving thanks for the season we are in, a part of me is never quite satisfied.…
Pastor’s Column – Sep 2021
Greek: μένω, menoEnglish: Abide, dwell, remain The Greek word μένω, pronounced meno, appears thirty-four times in the Gospel according to John, demonstrating its theological importance in that Gospel narrative. Simply put, μένω means to be with, to abide, to dwell, to remain with, and it is often used to describe one’s relationship with Christ. It is used throughout John, but most notably in John 15 where Jesus is the true vine. “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those…
Pastor’s Column – July 2021
They are like trees planted by streams ofwater, which yield their fruit in its season. Psalm 1:3a I recently heard someone explain that the “Church is a community of people where God nurtures, teaches, and challenges us in the ways of God.” Through our worship, in our prayers, by way of fellowship, we feel the nurturing presence of God with us. Through Sunday School and the studying of scripture, we dive deeper into the mystery of God’s immense love for…
Pastor’s Column – June 2021
“Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.’ Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, ‘Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And instantly the woman was made well.” Matthew 9:20-22 I have always loved this scripture passage. Here is this woman, suffering with a horriblemedical…
Pastor’s Column – May 2021
Universal Resurrection Tradition (Click for image) Many of us have heard the old adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” which is a way of saying our interpretation of art is complex and contains many layers. The colors, the figures, the painter’s intentions, even the one observing, all contribute to the open-ended meaning revealed through art. In fact, a thousand words is generously low for the endless possibilities on could come up with. In that way, pictures offer us…