I joked this past Sunday that when the Christmas season comes around, I typically find myself feeling not so much like Buddy the Elf, but more like Ebenezer Scrooge. This year, as part of my Scrooginess (I just made that word up), I decided to read Dicken’s classic A Christmas Carol. I’ve seen this book … [Read more…]
“Advent: Bearing the Light” A few years ago, Sara created an Advent devotional guide. This year she is sharing it again on her website (www.saramsnyder.com). I highly encourage you to utilize this resource as we navigate our Advent journey to the manger. Blessings, Chris This Sunday marked the first week of Advent. Like many, our … [Read more…]
This Week in Church This week I am sharing an update on the current status of our congregation’s ministry in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday Nov 18, our Bishop, Robert Farr, shared a message to all United Methodist congregations and clergy in the state of Missouri. In this letter, Bishop Farr recommended … [Read more…]
“God-Fearing” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 I like to think I am a handy guy. I switched out all the mechanicals on a toilet a few weeks ago. I have designed and built some furniture around our house. I can assemble almost … [Read more…]
“How Long, O Lord?” How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” Psalm 13:1-2 I write this message on the morning … [Read more…]
“Water Damage” Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart … [Read more…]
“Perfect Unity” Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the … [Read more…]
“I Love It When A Plan Comes Together” “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you … [Read more…]
“Independencitis” But Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord … [Read more…]
“Change My Heart, O God” Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said,” everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.“ Mark 14:35-36 I don’t think I’m the … [Read more…]