Pastor’s Ponderings

These are crazy times. The news that comes at us can upset us, irritate and frighten us. There are moments when we can appreciate the great kindness of others and the value of community. There are times I have found myself moved to tears about what has been lost...

What a shock it’s been for us. Just a month ago we were hearing stories about coronavirus spreading in China. A little over two weeks ago, we were learning about the importance of washing our hands regularly for twenty seconds or more. Then there came the rush to the...

There is a lot of news and worry swirling around these days about the coronavirus/covid-19. We are all concerned and want to be vigilant and responsible about this public health threat. For now, there is no reason or public help guidance for us not to gather as a...

  The season of Lent begins this week with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time for paying attention, opening our eyes, our ears and our hearts in order that we may find and be found. Back in the early 1400’s, when daring sailors were pushing farther and farther west...

I was away last Sunday. Wanda and I traveled to be with members of her extended family in Cleveland, Ohio. While we were away, we went to visit a United Methodist Church that we regularly drive by when staying with family. It isn’t very often that I get to sit with my...

Last Sunday we sang a hymn called “Lord God, Your Love Has Called Us Here.” The words are by Brian Wren, an English hymn writer and author who has been influential in raising the awareness of theology in hymns. This hymn was written in 1973 and speaks about the ways...

To love the way Jesus loves involves pouring yourself out for real people with all their quirks, faults, smells, and needs. Take that harried young mother in the doctor’s waiting room. Perhaps loving her as you love yourself means offering to watch the toddler while...

On January 19, Rev. David Cooney preached a sermon that started us on a new sermon series based on the book, Reckless Love: Jesus Call to Love Our Neighbors by Tom Berlin. Some of you have asked about the book. It was printed by Abingdon Press last year and is...

One of the most depressing times of the year, for me, is the weeks that follow after Christmas. The decorations in the house come down. The lights in the neighborhood are turned off and put away. There is no big day to look forward to being with loved ones and...