Posted by svanbaale |
This week’s Gospel is the first section of the first chapter of the book of John. It is a fitting way to start the new year, because it will be 2022 by the time we read it in church this Sunday.
“John 1:1-18 is a poetic introduction of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to using the Greek word Logos, meaning ‘The Word.’ This passage clearly describes Jesus as identical to…
Posted by hlewis |
Did you know there are actually twelve days of Christmas? The count begins on Christmas day and ends on Epiphany, Jan. 6. I have always loved learning about the back story of songs and hymns, and thought I’d share the interesting story behind The 12 Days of Christmas.
The song begins, “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...” “True love”…
Posted by tgraham |
As some of you know, my daughter Katie and her family have been on the prayer list of our church due to her recent diagnosis of lymphoma. It is Stage 3, meaning above and below the abdomen. The good news (if there can be any) is that lymphoma is a much more curable form of cancer. She has her two sisters here, a lot of friends’ support, and me. Mostly grandma support for an 8-year-old boy and…
Posted by svanbaale |
Here we are once again in December. Many people throughout the world are frantically shopping for gifts, decorating their homes, and planning holiday celebrations with loved ones. For Christians, Advent is a time to slow down. We wait in…
Posted by rgarza |
’Tis the season it is. This year, I felt, went faster than last year. I definitely had more things that needed to be done outside the house, as well as more visits to my mom’s house and a high school senior that had senior stuff going on even after school was out to prepare for her senior year.
The things that I noticed that changed this year, just from these last few months, were the…
Posted by jloos |
This week in middle school Sunday school, we studied the story of Ruth. We were challenged by the curriculum when the authors had us dive deeper into the word hesed.
Many biblical words such as mercy, compassion, love, grace, and faithfulness relate to the Hebrew word hesed (חֶסֶד), but none of these completely summarize the concept. Hesed is not…
Posted by jbrudvig |
Dear Partners in Ministry,
Soon we will be entering the season of Advent and another busy time of holiday preparations, Christmas programs, family traditions, travel, and never-ending to-do lists. Amid the chaos of our busy lives Advent invites us to make time for Sabbath renewal. But given all that has happened during the past year, many may struggle to experience the “hope, love, joy,…
Posted by hlewis |
When I was in college, I was given lots of opportunities as a young musician. I directed and accompanied church choirs; taught piano lessons and keyboard classes; and played and sang for weddings and funerals. It was a great way to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and start to really see how I could bring joy and comfort to others through music.
I did try to avoid difficult situations,…
Posted by tgraham |
I've had to do a lot of stepping up in my life. I've done it with disdain, indifference, fear, excitement, need, commitment, and so on. But how often do I purposely step down? When do I let others step up? Why should I let others step up?
I think this is a very important question for parents. Your 2-year-old says, "ME DO IT!" and if you're like I was you cringe and hover. I cringed and…
Posted by svanbaale |
This Sunday will be quite eventful. It is Reformation Sunday, Confirmation, and also Halloween.
Reformation is the anniversary of the day Martin Luther is said to have posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Luther chose that date, the evening before All-Hallows Day (also known as All Saints Day), because he knew the…