Posted by jmarple |
It’s that time of year again. Many struggled through the holidays and now there is a demand that we enter the new year by doing everything better. As if the pressure wasn’t already enough. I honestly hate New Year’s resolutions. Last year, I did make one but promised I wouldn’t beat myself up if I didn’t accomplish it. My goal was to read 52 books in a year (one a week) and I thought this…
Posted by hlewis |
Last Saturday I played for the wedding of a lovely bride who adores Christmas, and who sang in many children’s programs with me at Indian Heights United Methodist Church. The wedding sermon was inspiring, as Pastor Ali talked about how Mary and Joseph had a rough start as a young couple, yet leaned on each other and grew together as they raised their Holy Son.
The next day in church we…
Posted by svanbaale |
It can be difficult to trust in God, especially when things don’t make sense or go against what society tells you is right.
This week’s Gospel Reading is Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth, focusing more on Joseph. It describes Joseph’s character, saying he planned to wed and divorce Mary because she was pregnant before their marriage. Joseph assumes that because Mary is pregnant…
Posted by jmarple |
This Sunday, our choir will tell the story of Jesus’ birth through beautiful music and lyrics. My gratitude goes toward the choir members and Heather Lewis for making this happen!
I once was at a preaching conference and a lecturer said, “If you have nothing to preach on, open the hymnal. Each hymn is a sermon.” I love that idea.
If you have been in church recently, you have…
Posted by hlewis |
I grew up with chocolate Advent calendars. My two brothers and I took turns every day in December opening paper windows to find and eat chocolate. Oh, the anticipation every three days! We also always had an Advent wreath with four red candles (a German tradition — like the Advent calendars) that we lit every evening at dinner in December, and took turns snuffing out the candles with Mom’s fancy…