Pastor’s Ponderings

The connectional system and Mission Shares (formerly known as conference apportionments) are two of the defining traits of United Methodism. They allow local churches to reach beyond their walls and be in ministry in significant ways in their backyards and across the...

In just three weeks of a new administration, there has been a storm of executive orders, presidential pardons, terminations, and deportations. There has been a constant barrage of actions that have disrupted careers and threatened work done for generations....

Each year, every United Methodist Church across the county completes a statistical report that provides a measurement of various aspects of the congregation’s life and ministry. The pastor or some other officer in the church records the square footage of the church...

 “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12 King James Version)   This month, we have celebrated the lives of several in our congregation who have died: Joyce Dixon, Kern Thornton, Ramona Yanike, Ron Dudley, and Bobbie...

Well, we got more snow on Sunday. Even though it interrupts our usual routine, it is beautiful see it covering the trees and blanketing the yards. It gives up a new perspective on what what’s around us. In case you missed it, I shared some news at the end of the...

The General Conference of the United Methodist Church met in the Spring of 2024, and many significant decisions were made. Up until this time, the official position of the denomination was that the practice of homosexuality was “incompatible with Christian teaching.” ...

I hope you are enjoying the snow. It is rather beautiful to see.   The Bible study group that meets on Tuesday mornings will start a new study next week on the Book of Psalms. I thought I would share a bit about the Book here as well.   Most of the Bible is...

Christmas is always such a busy and wondrous time. It is great to see so many people take part in the worship services and the candlelight tour of churches. On Christmas Eve, I was so grateful for the music offered by Joyce Summers, Ann Thompson and Karen Gebhart as...

I recently found myself sitting in one of the pews in the sanctuary. I noticed that the cover on the Bible in the pew rack was a bit torn. I pulled it out and saw that the pages were faded and difficult to read. That particular Bible was printed in 1972, and a little...

The Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church has begun a process of restructuring that will impact 563 congregations across Maryland, The District of Columbia, and parts of West Virginia. This will include Calvary United Methodist Church. The...