Dallas Willard was a notably significant spiritual leader for the church, who was also a mentor to many significant spiritual leaders… Many have commented on how he lived life with such integrity, such spiritual connection with God, that he was a profound blessing to be around. He once said that “I think that, when I…
This past Saturday, I was prepared to preach on Jesus’ parable about the man who goes to his friend’s house in the middle of the night to ask for bread. Little did I know that later that night I’d also be calling a friend in the middle of the night to ask for a favor.…
Today I have been proofing the new church photo directory! Can’t wait to have this task done – and get us one step closer to having completed ones in hand! As I view the pictures, I feel like the proud matriarch of a family. Some pics stir pride in me seeing the strength in you.…
This past weekend, I preached on living a life that is “all-in.” I then went home and discovered an illustration in a strange place – my downstairs bathroom. The problem was a leaky shut-off valve to the cold water on my bathroom sink. It turned out to be an easy fix. When the valve is…
When we dream of becoming grandparents, we dream of what name our grandchildren will call us. Or, at least I did! G R A M M I – grammi is what I thought and dreamt of my grandson would call me. With that, I “personalized” a lot of things as “Grammi” and had received gifts…
This year, the season of Lent begins on Valentine’s Day and ends on Easter Sunday – which happens to fall on April Fool’s Day. I think God has a sense of humor! On Ash Wednesday, we remember our weakness and mortality. But we also remember God’s amazing love for us. Therefore, Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s…
Hello again everyone! I have now been on staff at the church for more than 3 months. To be perfectly honest, it has been a little challenging learning the accounting software and how the money flows through the various accounts given all the services and ministries the church provides. What has not been challenging is…
January is apparently a popular time for pastors to get together for continuing education and mutual support. This year, I was able to attend two events: the Minister’s Institute, sponsored by our region at the Conference Center, and the Senior Minister’s Conference, put on by the Christian Church Foundation. As always, I come away from…
This year’s theme for the Midwinter Youth Retreats is Salt + Light. Youth will be spending a weekend on Holy Ground at the Christian Conference Center in Newton with their Spiritual retreat group in February. There will be time for large group activities, games, salt and light science experiments and family group learning time to…
For the past two years, I’ve spent time with some of the young people of our church who are thinking about baptism and church membership. It’s a big decision and I want them to understand what it means to make their confession of faith and be baptized into a life of following Jesus. Since I…