Pastor’s Ponderings

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7) Not too far back, Wanda and I went to a restaurant. We had friends rave about the quality of the food and the fun evening that was spent there. So, we thought we...

Pastor Pondering – January 3, 2023 Just after Advent and Christmas and the pastor has a decision to make: What will be the focus of the worship on the first Sundays of January? Epiphany always falls on January 6, the twelfth day of Christmas. Epiphany is the...

So, we made it nearly to the end of 2022 and are about to welcome 2023. I hope and prayer that the coming year will be a time of peace and joy, health and prosperity to all. May it be a time in which we grow in our walk with Jesus Christ and live out our faith with...

  What do you mean we have church services on Christmas Day!     Yes, friends, this is one of those years when December 25 falls on a Sunday. When many families are rising to open presents and stockings, your pastor and music director will be at the...

Happy St. Nicholas Day! In many parts of the world, December 6 is the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Myra. It is celebrated as a Christian festival with particular regard to Saint Nicholas' reputation as a bringer of gifts, as well as through the attendance of church...

What qualities do you value most? What values do we share as a congregation? And what values do we hope to see more of in our life together? Identifying our values as individuals and as an organization helps us know who we are and where we are headed. Values shape our...

The children sang last Sunday morning at the beginning of the worship service. It was wonderful to see and hear them. The song they sang has stayed with me this week, especially as we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday.   “Count your Blessings” by Johnson...

I hope you are enjoying the lovely weather we’ve been having. The colors of the leaves and clouds and sky are dazzling to see. Even though the leaves need to be raked and cleared away, the world is full of brilliant colors that take the breath away.   I remember...

Last Sunday, we welcomed back the members of the Grateful Hearts class. It was great to see them with us again in the parish hall and the sanctuary. I want to offer my thanks to all those who are working to restart the Grateful Heart class here at Calvary Church. The...

There was a lot taking place in the Parish Hall last Sunday. Over 10,000 meals were put together in under four hours. More than 75 volunteers were busy giving their time – and chatting with new friends. And we all got to try on some lovely red hair nets! It was a...