3 I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers. 4 I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy.5 I’m glad because of the way you have been my partners in the ministry of the gospel from the time you first believed it until now. 6 I’m sure… [Read more…]
January 30, 2012
Knowledge makes people arrogant, but love builds people up. (1 Corinthians 8.1) It’s been a while since I’ve preached. So, when I saw the options from the lectionary texts, I was scratching my head on deciding whether to preach on prophets, demons, or idols. I chose idols. Not because it was any easier than the three,… [Read more…]
January 23, 2012
For Christmas, my son got Sea Monkeys in his stocking. Basically, you just add water to the packet and after 24 hours, little sea monkeys should begin to grow. Water has that effect on things. Just add water and life will happen. That’s what my Sunday was like. After months of no rain, we have… [Read more…]
January 16, 2012
Stewardship and commitment to the church are wonderful opportunities for people to explore on their own personal commitment. Below are ideas of interactive prayer stations that focus on these themes. (For more specific instructions on layout, purpose, design, and more ideas, you can view previous posts tagged under “Interactive Prayer Stations.”) To view pictures of… [Read more…]
January 15, 2012
Today was one of those days in which I should have just crawled back into bed. Actually, the whole week was like that. Already my energy was low from having to plan and lead a 6-hour presbytery retreat for 50 council members and committee chairs a couple of days ago. With me being presbytery moderator… [Read more…]
January 8, 2012
“When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2.10-11) Epiphany for me always feels like the… [Read more…]
January 4, 2012
You are one body and one spirit just as God also called you in one hope. (Ephesians 4.4) I’m not a baseball fan – not because I don’t like baseball, but because I’m just not a sports fan in general. Having said that, on a flight back from Chicago, I watched the movie, Moneyball, about… [Read more…]
January 1, 2012
8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1.8) The Baptism of the Lord is a wonderful opportunity to remember one’s own baptism. They may not be able to remember the actual moment, especially if they were baptized as an infant. However, they have an opportunity to remember the meaning… [Read more…]
January 1, 2012
“I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1.8) Today is one of those days when you wonder how many people will actually arrive at church since it is New Year’s Day. I have long stopped trying to stay awake until midnight to ring in the New… [Read more…]
January 31, 2012
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