“We don’t talk about …” Last fall, we had a message series that focused on things we don’t talk about, mainly the old adage that we aren’t supposed to talk about money or religion. In those messages we talked about the importance of not ignoring these topics and shared some positive and healthy ways to … [Read more…]
“Methodist Measure” If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.” Deuteronomy 15: 7 “Hey Pastor, can I tell you a story?” When Larry Schler begins a visit like … [Read more…]
“Mature Audiences” When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They discussed among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, … [Read more…]
“Uncomfortable Conversations” September is national suicide awareness/prevention month. Suicide is not something we like to talk about. We fear the topic. We hush our voices when discussing someone who has died by suicide. We act as if by avoiding the subject, we can keep from putting the idea in someone else’s mind. But the facts … [Read more…]
“A Powerful Force” This week I am using this space not so much for a devotion or meditation, but to update you on an incident that occurred here at the church this week. On Thursday morning we had a pipe fitting burst in the wall behind the bathroom on the main floor of the education/office … [Read more…]
“Outside the Church” Last Sunday I shared the story of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, being told in church and after church that he was no longer welcome to preach in their buildings. After these less than warm receptions, and seeing some successful ministries to the masses in the open air, Wesley … [Read more…]
“Who Are We?” If you stand for nothing, Burr, what will you fall for?” “Who are you? Who is this kid and what’s he gonna do?” I must admit, in our family, we are big fans of the Broadway show Hamilton. It mixes our enjoyment of history with Broadway and presents the material in an … [Read more…]
“Do you need anything?” I was going through my inbox today and I came across this devotion. The message really resonated with me, and I think it’s a concept many people struggle with from time to time. It’s so much easier to help others than to ask for help ourselves. Asking for help can seem … [Read more…]
“Getting Ready” Everything is coming together, and it is almost that time. Class schedules have been received and extensively examined. Backpacks have been upgraded. Notebooks, folders, pencils and highlighters are all gathered and sorted out for each of them. New clothes have been purchased (from the men’s department now instead of the boy’s department, I … [Read more…]
“Grace? She Died Thirty Years Ago!” Around our house, rarely does a week go by that we don’t quote National Lampoons Christmas Vacation at least once. One of our favorite characters is Aunt Bethany, the hard of hearing aunt who is the family’s memory, even though her memory is fading. This particular quote takes place … [Read more…]