Our Creation Justice Team will be leading worship this Sunday in celebration of Earth Day. Earth Day is an annual reminder that climate change has a major impact on our planet, our lives, and our future. It can also increase awareness and drive change. From LED lighting to solar panels to using compostable products to… Continue reading Creation Justice Sunday: April 21
Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters
I have reached a milestone birthday: 60.
A milestone is a significant occurrence in life – it can be reaching a certain age, or it can be an event. Often a milestone marks the start of a new chapter. For example, the day you graduated from high school was a milestone in your life. Can you remember when you were finally old… Continue reading I have reached a milestone birthday: 60.
Easter Pop Quiz
Instructions: This is an “open book” test. The answers are found in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21, and Acts 1. You may do it by yourself or in a group. Comparing answers is encouraged. Place an “x” on the line if you think the answer is Biblically correct. Share this with neighbors,… Continue reading Easter Pop Quiz
Can you sum up the gospel in seven words?
“He is not here. He is risen.” Matthew 28:6. In seven words, that’s the Easter message. Several years ago, the Christian Century magazine asked this question: “What would you say is the core of the gospel? Can you state it in seven words or less?” What an enormous task! As Easter people, how would you answer… Continue reading Can you sum up the gospel in seven words?
What kind of day is Palm Sunday?
It’s the observance of a tragedy. It’s not a day of simple optimism. We know all about optimism; we’ve tried to be optimistic while the various countries of the world, including our own, position for war. We’ve tried to be optimistic while our government is falling apart and lacks the moral leadership to dig us… Continue reading What kind of day is Palm Sunday?
Too
Holy One, Sometimes life just seems to have too many times: Too many times of violence and death Too many demands and problems Too many broken dreams and lives Too many wars, fights, and arguments Too many moments of greed Too many people devouring each other like laughing hyenas on a dead carcass Too many… Continue reading Too
Take time to notice
As we move into the month of March, take time to notice. Over thirty years ago, Ed was on his deathbed. One of the last things he said to me had to do with being a workaholic. He relayed the following story of his life: One day he arrived home, his wife was busy trying… Continue reading Take time to notice
Writing our story with intentionality
Are you drawn to a particular gospel writer? Some love Matthew with the power of the Sermon on the Mount and the insight calling us to help “the least of these” in chapter 25. Mark stands out for some with its straightforwardness, lack of a birth narrative, and how it ends. Luke, who begins by… Continue reading Writing our story with intentionality
What is dead within us?
Life is precious; life is short; be intentional. “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” – Psalm 51:17 The marks of Ash Wednesday remind us of our mortality. From dust we have come and to dust we shall return. I’m reminded of… Continue reading What is dead within us?
On being intentional with our listening
Master of the obvious – that’s me! When… Jesus asked a lame man at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem (John 5:6) if he wanted to get well. The answer seems obvious. And yet questions (even questions with apparently obvious answers) have the uncanny ability to clear away assumptions. We should never assume that every sick… Continue reading On being intentional with our listening