Such a beautiful time of the year spring is! We have celebrated Lent, Easter, celebrating Jesus’ victory over death and mankind’s hope for eternal life. We have witnessed many young people being baptized. So many victories in such a beautiful time of the year. With us approaching our fifth month of 2017, yes…time flies, we…
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…
Did you ever think you’d see the day that offering would come via your smartphone? Did you ever think you’d see the day where cash or check was not considered “hip?” Well, folks, the day have come! We now use our smartphones to “check in” for worship letting our friends in the web world know…
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…
As I walked across the parking lot, something was different and strange – worms! Easily hundreds of worms were wriggling across the cement. Where did they come from? And why would they choose to head across the vastness of the parking lot? Sound familiar? We head down paths that lead us into struggle, destination unknown.…
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…
The meal that became “the Last Supper” for Jesus, the Gospel of Mark says, was to be a Passover meal. The Passover celebration is to be a reminder that God’s people were freed from slavery. At Passover the people have said for generations, “Why is this night different than other nights?” And the response is…
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…