Although the church celebrated it on Sunday, today is actually Epiphany, the celebration of the three kings who came to give honor to Jesus. We frequently see the kings represented in crèche scenes, but their arrival was actually much later in his life, somewhere around two years old. With this celebration, the Christmas season officially comes to a close, and the celebration of God’s revelation […]
There are so many reasons to be thankful, including so many people that bless our lives. Several days ago, I was visiting with a friend at his home. He and I were sitting on the front porch talking and watching the neighborhood activity. Children were riding their bikes along the sidewalk, several couples were strolling together, and people were coming in and out of their homes. Occasionally, […]
“The idea that the service to God should have only to do with a Church altar, singing, reading, sacrifice, and the like is without a doubt but the worst trick of the devil. How could the devil have led us more effectively astray than by the narrow conception that service to God takes place only in Church and by works done therein… the whole world […]
Worship is extravagant. When we speak of worship, beyond our Christian conversations, we easily equate the action to deep emotion and value. “I worship the ground she walks on,” we say, and we know that we are sharing how deeply we feel toward that person we love. To say such a thing is an expression of profound love, appreciation and desire. It is the nature […]
As many of us head to Worship Services this morning, I wonder what we expect will happen while we are there. Sure, we know there will be hymns, some Scripture and a message from the pastor. We likely expect to see some friends, pray for our church family, and hear the list of announcements. All this and more may well happen, but that is not […]
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return.” The words are stark, but this traditional phrase, spoken at the imposition of ashes during the Ash Wednesday service, is a powerful entrance to the meaning of the Lenten season. Lent began yesterday, and once again we embarked upon our 40 day journey toward the joy of Easter. These precious days give us an […]
“How is it that hardly any major religion has looked at science and concluded, “This is better than we thought! The Universe is much bigger than our prophets said—grander, more subtle, more elegant. God must be even greater than we dreamed”? Instead they say, “No, no, no! My god is a little god, and I want him to stay that way.” — Carl Sagan One […]
Last night our church youth and friends joined for an overnight camp-out on the church lawn. After an eventful time setting up tents and a few rounds of capture the flag, we gathered for devotions and communion around the fire. Our youth leader spoke for a few minutes, then it was my turn to share devotions and the gifts of bread and a little grape […]
Do you wish that you could have God’s perspective on your life and your circumstances? Do you want to know God’s heart and thoughts about you and your life? Some of us might jump at the chance, while others might be hesitant because they believe that God’s view of them would be painful to hear. The truth, however, is that God is deeply in love […]
Your tender hand caught the heart,Of all who watched to see,The gentle touch of innocence,Take hold of the one nearby.Here, in foreign arms, you feltSecure to rest and wait,Till curiosity and comfort met.Bravely you reached out,For the face of him who held you.From that face, I saw youAs you brushed my chin.We stood as one together,Declaring eternal truth;By water and the Spirit,Be reborn. (Penned in […]