I was sitting at my computer, with a definite thought about where to go in this month’s newsletter article; and the Monty Python song, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” kept coming into my head. Now, while I think it best at this time not to travel the background to the tune which […]
“May you live in interesting times,” is an English expression that is claimed to be a translation of a traditional Chinese curse. While seemingly a blessing, the expression is normally used ironically; life is better in “uninteresting times” of peace and tranquility than in “interesting” ones, which are usually times of trouble. So, it didn’t […]
One of the ministries we have been blessed with over the years is our prayer chain. Each week they receive the prayers of the people from the list on Sunday, and they pray for those folks throughout the week. Currently we have seven faithful servants in this role who do such a wonderful job fulfilling […]
WELL, ITS STEWARDSHIP SEASON AGAIN; AND I AM ONE OF 3 STAFF MEMBERS WHO WILL BE SHARING WITH YOU OUR PERSONAL THOUGHTS ABOUT GIVING OVER THE NEXT 3 WEEKS. THE TOPIC I WAS GIVEN WAS RESOURCES, ONE WE DONT NORMALLY HEAR, AS OPPOSED TO TITHING AND TREASURES. BUT IT IS IRONIC TO HAVE THIS PHRASE […]
In his 1920 Presidential campaign, Sen. Warren G. Harding of Ohio, pledged a “return to normalcy.” Now, Harding, for the most part, was not a man of vision; unless you count looking backward; but he was a Senator from a key state who “looked” like a President and thus, seemed the right man for the […]
I, originally, had intended an entirely different article; but in truth, I was so moved by Pastor Phil’s message in the last newsletter that I felt compelled to offer a follow up piece along the same lines. I wanted to echo the theme of the great importance of being together in worship – each with […]
Okay, I know it was really chilly for a few weeks, and it rained, 13 Fridays in a row, and the pollen count is now being measured like snow accumulation; but look around – springtime is a blessing. It is green and lush; the flowers and flowering trees have been spectacular and we all get […]
This is the time for my scheduled contribution to the newsletter; and while there was a topic I was thinking about addressing, it will put be on hold for a bit. The reason is simple, as all of us know there are those times when life gets in the way of our plans, and this […]
One of our important ministries that we really need to re charge is delivering communion to the homebound. We are looking to October 7th as the start of what we hope revitalizes this calling. Currently we have some 20-26 members classified as homebound on our Deacons’ Special Persons List. And, at any given time we […]
The words of this African American spiritual are usually heard on a communion Sunday as we come to God’s table. It is a hymn that calls us to come, to fall on our knees with our face to the rising sun, to break bread, to drink wine and to praise God. It is powerful; and […]