I once heard someone say that if a seed doesn’t grow – it’s probably not the seed’s fault. Farmers have known for eons that it’s important to take care of the soil. In more recent times, lawn companies will come to your property, take a soil sample, and tell you exactly what you need to…

Remember Aesop’s fable about the race of the tortoise and the hare? The tortoise didn’t seem to stand a chance in a head to head competition against the speedy rabbit. Even so, the slow and steady turtle won the race. The past several weeks, Tammy and I have been working in our yard – trying…

Once again, Easter Sunday has come and gone. Today, our staff will review our services and special events and make notes for next year. One reason for celebration is that we had 773 people attend our Easter services – up 23 from 2016. The question for us now is, “What’s next?” Here’s a hint from…

I have a friend who was the pastor of a Disciple’s church in a small town here in Iowa that had a unique community Easter sunrise tradition. Of course, lots of communities hold ecumenical Easter sunrise services. What made this one unusual was where it was held: the town cemetery – the very place where…

Once again, Palm Sunday and Holy Week are fast approaching. Once again, we remember Jesus’ final trip to Jerusalem and the world changing events that happened as a result. On Palm Sunday, we remember how the rightful king, not only of Israel, but of all creation, rode into town with all the powers and principalities…

Five years ago today, during my first week as your senior pastor, I celebrated my 50th birthday. It was an exciting time and I was happy to be finally beginning my ministry with you. I’ve found that birthdays are a great chance to reflect on the past. Facebook friends from every stage of my 55…

I have many friends and family members who are introverts. They need their time alone in order to be healthy and happy. But even the biggest introverts I know also recognize the need for community. In terms of health, being disconnected is one the worst possible things you can do. It turns out that people…

Every year, I fill out a NCAA Tournament bracket thinking to myself, “this year I’m going to be the one guy who guesses every game right and wins the big prize.” Of course, like everyone else, my bracket is usually broken sometime the first day of the tournament. And yet, I do it again the…

As disciples of Jesus, we seek to maintain a relationship with God and experience his love and guidance daily. When that experience is meaningful and important to us – we want to share it with others. Unfortunately, this is where it can sometimes get complicated. Many folks are anxious about talking with others about their…

Considering the impact of Jesus’ ministry on world history, it’s hard to believe that it only lasted three calendar years. Other than the stories of Jesus’ birth in Matthew and Luke, it’s the stories of these three years that are the focus of the four Gospels. And of those three years, the most attention (by…