Pastor’s Ponderings

We have seen far too many deaths from gun violence. All of us should be upset, outraged, angry especially as followers of Jesus Christ. As a society, we have been successful at making automobiles safer to drive, water safer to drink, and developed medications that can...

Faith grows as we read and study the Bible. Christian have long held that reading and studying the Bible can bring us into a vital relationship with God. The Bible offers us insights into God’s character and the ways in which God calls us to be in a relationship. The...

I was planning to write about another of the pathways of discipleship that we are looking at this month, but there is much more pressing news that is on our hearts right now.   The vicious attack in Israel carried out by Hamas on October 8 resulted in hundreds of...

Calvary United Methodist Church helps people grow in their walk with Christ through practicing and promoting five discipleship pathways. We’ve been looking at these in our worship this month as well as in a series of these “pastor ponderings.” Last week I lifted up...

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? A disciple is a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher. To be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to set out on the path to follow Jesus and become more and more like him, especially regarding how we...

Mission Sunday coming October 8 Once again, we will have a hands-on mission project in the Parish Hall running on a Sunday morning, 9 AM to noon. On Sunday, October 8, the Parish Hall will be transformed into a Mission Site and we will package 10,000 meals with our...

The Calvary Weekday School is back in session. I hear the children playing on the playground just outside the Baker Center each morning. If you come to the Church on Sunday morning, you might not know about the church's excellent program for children and families in...

Here is a list of specific and practical things we can do to care for creation. This comes from Mike Koob, a member of Middletown United Methodist Church and Global Ministries Earthkeeper. This is intended to get us thinking about how we can respond to the growing...

I made a trip down to Washington, D.C. this morning to be present for the installation of Dr. Carla Works, as the new Dean of Wesley Theological Seminary today. The installation took place in the Oxnam Chapel on the seminary grounds. Wesley President David...

It was great to bless the backpacks on Sunday and say a prayer over students and teachers going back to start a new year of school. It was also a wonderful time to recognize and the member and friends of the congregation that are 90 + years of age.   To celebrate...