Pastor’s Ponderings

        In sermons this month, we have been looking at our Methodist heritage and some ways that it still has meaning for people today. This seems like an opportune time to inform you about some plans for next summer. I am excited to host a tour to...

A couple of weeks back, the Gospel lesson read in the worship service had to do with Jesus at a dinner party (Luke 14:714). Especially Luke’s telling of the life of Jesus, Jesus was regularly sitting down to eat. In this particular passage, he was the guest in the...

During the month of September, we are looking at the theological roots of United Methodists through a series of sermons on Sunday mornings. I thought I would use these “pastor ponderings” to share more about our theological heritage.   On Sunday mornings in...

A month ago, I got to visit the land of Norway. As some of you know, my grandparents on my father’s side were both from the southwestern part of Norway. They both came to the U.S. in their early 20’s. They met and raised a family in Brooklyn, New York.  A highlight of...

According to Google, searches for prayer were at an all-time high during the height of the pandemic. People were looking for ways way to cope amidst the fear and uncertainty. Now that COVID continues to recede we still may wish to find ways to cultivate a deep...

For six years, Christy Mossburg has served as the Director of Christian Education here at Calvary United Methodist Church. This was her second time serving in this position. She guided our children’s ministry and lead small group studies for adults. She organized and...

Last week, I mused about the value of spending time out in nature. On Sunday, I preached about the way in which all of us are called to care for God’s creation. I wanted to share with you a little bit more about that theme this week.   I fear that future...

Recently, I snuck away to be with a friend for a weekend camping trip. My friend could not take off days during the week right now, so I took off a Saturday and Sunday and we headed west to spend a short time in the George Washington Forest along the border of...

In this space, I try to offer some reflections on what it means to live as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ today, drawing upon our Methodist heritage, my understanding of the Bible, and my experience as an individual and as a pastor of several different...

The Baltimore Washington Conference has provided a tool for our congregation to learn about demographic and social patterns in the surrounding area. With a few clicks on the computer, I can pull up several detailed reports that indicate who lives within a 3 ½ mile...