Christmas is almost here! This coming weekend we will be having all four of our regular worship services and then a full slate of Christmas Eve services on Sunday afternoon and evening (see page two). It’s going to be a busy weekend! Afterwards, I plan to settle in for a “long winter’s nap” and enjoy…
Last week I was searching Google for images to use in potential Christmas Eve ads. One photo that lingers in my mind was that of a dog, tangled up in a string of Christmas lights. The caption I was proposing for the photo was “If this is what Christmas feels like to you, then join…
This past Sunday afternoon at the Community Christmas Concert, “One Solitary Life,” by Danny Hahlbohm was read. I was struck again by its power. Here is a shortened version: “Nearly two thousand years ago in an obscure village, a child was born of a peasant woman. He worked as a carpenter until he was thirty.…
According to the Christian Bible Reference Site, the word “JOY” is mentioned 114 in the Old Testament and 58 times in the New Testament. I try to find “JOY” in most things in my life. It reminds me of happiness, bouncing with glee, tapping my toes and swaying back and forth to name a few.…
I believe in the power of community. Indeed, the theme that is guiding our programming this year is “Building Community.” But I’m always amazed and awed when I see authentic community in action. Over the past few weeks, I’ve watched as our church came together to provide 178 beds for children in our community. It…
My sons have been learning their parts for the Christmas Musical- Sheep in Heavenly Peace which will be performed December 3 at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary. The characters they play are learning how to become Bethlehem shepherds. In the process, they ended up becoming followers of our great shepherd Jesus Christ. The Lord calls…
Thanksgiving is behind us. Over the rivers and through the woods, we’ve returned from Grandmother’s house to begin preparing for Christmas. Although you rarely hear the word, this season of preparation has a name: Advent. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word Adventus – which means coming. It’s a time, not only for decorating…
I went to a church for a time, that whenever they had communion, once a month or so, they would say together this thing called the Great Thanksgiving. I never remember how it goes, but there’s this one part I really like, that says “it is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and…
Occasionally, when I’m talking to someone who has a lot of unhappiness in their life, I’m tempted to ask, “What is the one thing all of your problems have in common?” Of course, the correct answer is “ME!” However, since that approach isn’t usually received too well, I generally try to use a more pastoral…
When our daughter was in Whirlybirds she learned “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”. As we sang it together something super cute came out of her mouth. Verse 1: I’ve Got Peace like a River – (we sang it loud and proud!) Verse 2: I’ve Got Joy like a Fountain – (with exaggerated motions, just…