by cbaker | Dec 11, 2018 | Pastor's Pondering
If you plan to go to Bethlehem this year to see the child in the manger, you need to first make a stop in the wilderness of Judea. There, standing knee deep in the swirling, muddy water, you’ll find a man with rough clothes and an even rougher message. It’s John the...
by cbaker | Oct 2, 2018 | Pastor's Pondering
We know that the cost of living in Frederick County can be a stretch for even working families. Many of the people in this county worry that they are one emergency away from financial disaster. The United Way has come up with a way of determining a basic household...
by cbaker | Sep 26, 2018 | Pastor's Pondering
A few weeks ago, we held a meeting to consider the future of the United Methodist Church. After years of division and argument over the church’s position on human sexuality, same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy, the General Conference of the denomination created a group...
by cbaker | Aug 22, 2018 | Pastor's Pondering
Sometimes there really are no words. There are no words to explain. There are no words to lessen the pain. There are no words to make things better. Instead, the most appropriate response is to tear. When the Pennsylvania Grand Jury reported its findings on child...
by cbaker | Jun 29, 2018 | Pastor's Pondering
We are in the midst of Vacation Bible School this week. This time around we is learning that “Jesus rescues.” When we feel lonely, when we are worried, when we struggle, when we have done wrong and when we are powerless, Jesus rescues. It’s a great message that gets...
by cbaker | Jun 11, 2018 | Pastor's Pondering
June 11 On Sunday, Rev. Shannon and I completed our sermon series on peacemaking. Here is the gist of what I shared on Sunday. It includes an observation, four signs that we are slipping into dangerous conflict and three suggestions for building peace where we are. ...
