04
Mar 2022
As we watch the news from Ukraine, it’s easy to feel helpless and fearful. As in other times of social anxiety, our Methodist tradition has direction for us. The United Methodist Church speaks against war. The United Methodist Discipline states that “we deplore war and urge the peaceful settlement of all disputes among nations” (par 164.I). In fact, we make the bold statement that war is “incompatible with the teachings of Christ” (par 165.C). Our bishops and other faith leaders have joined together in denouncing the violence and war that Russia has......
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Sharing Life
I spent two nights at Mingus Mountain United Methodist Camp this week. Like Pastor Sharon before me, I serve on the Board of Ordained Ministry. I believe it’s my fifth year? Time has escaped...
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Flaws
We had rain Thursday night at our house. This isn’t actually a new thing – we have been enjoying rain quite often these last few weeks. But this one was different. The thunder, the...
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Cleaning Out
I’ve found the most interesting and heartwarming things as I’ve been cleaning out my office in preparation for retirement. Just as examples, I’ve found tiny notes from children, letters of support, newspaper articles, copies...
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Random Thoughts
“I thank my God every time I remember you …” (Philippians 1:3) Along with this prayer of thanksgiving for all of you from Philippians 1:3, this prayer is on my heart this morning: New...
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Beginnings
This Sunday, June 6, we begin with two worship services in the Sanctuary. For 8 a.m. worship you do not need to register. Registration for 10 a.m. for June 6 is closed; watch for...
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All Things
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 Really? All things? I can’t do all things. I can’t do a gymnastics routine or fly a helicopter or cure cancer or...
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Ups and Downs
I’m going to begin today with a prayer and then write about “ups and downs.” Prayer: God of hope and healing, comfort those who mourn, especially those affected by the shootings in Atlanta this...
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What Lasts?
This Sunday, Jan. 24, we continue our sermon series “Grounded in Love” with a message called “The Greatest is Love,” drawing from the last verses of I Corinthians 13 and also from portions...
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A Prayer for the New Year
On this first day of 2021, I greet you with thoughts and words of hope and expectations for a good year and offer this prayer: Gracious God, Thank you for bringing us through a...
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