I didn’t plan on getting sick and missing time at work. I am grateful for Pastor Jim, caring congregational leaders, and for resources that allowed me time away from work to get well. I’m glad that I at least got to video my way into the worship service. Self-care is not something at which I… Continue reading Well, last week was certainly different!
Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters
What makes you come alive?
What makes you come alive? Howard Thurman was a friend and colleague of Martin Luther King, Sr. He was a mentor to MLK Jr., too. Author, philosopher, theologian, mystic, educator, and civil rights leader, he recognized that many people live as though they were already dead. Thus, he challenged one and all: “Ask what makes… Continue reading What makes you come alive?
What the church needs
Howard Thurman was an American author, theologian, and educator. Thurman’s theology of radical nonviolence influenced and shaped a generation of civil rights activists – he was a key mentor to leaders within the civil rights movement, including MLK, Jr. One of Thurman’s poems, The Work of Christmas, was turned into a hymn we sing a lot… Continue reading What the church needs
What phrase doesn’t spark energy, passion, or excitement?
The phrase, “Annual Meeting,” isn’t one that sparks a lot of energy, passion, or excitement in most folks. But it is necessary. Like worship, refreshments will be served afterwards. Votes will be tabulated on our ministry budget and the slate of our future leaders. Will we use an abacus for the tally? Come and find… Continue reading What phrase doesn’t spark energy, passion, or excitement?
“Tell them about the dream!”
It was one of the biggest speeches of his career, and he knew it. MLK Jr. was already widely recognized as the spiritual leader of the American civil rights movement. The podium set up in front of the Lincoln Memorial would be his biggest pulpit ever. The eyes of the nation were on the keynote… Continue reading “Tell them about the dream!”
It’s time to Bee the Church.
Connecting names and faces challenges all of us. Have you ever finished having a lovely conversation with someone at church but 10 seconds after you walk away you can’t remember their name? Or ever see an old friend at church, but you get home, and their name escapes you? Ever look at a prayer list… Continue reading It’s time to Bee the Church.
Here’s my Top Ten list for venturing forth into 2023
Happy New Year! Here’s my Top Ten list for venturing forth into 2023: Shalom, Paul
I see Jesus in other ways.
Now that Christmas day is over, what does Jesus look like to you? We’ve just managed to make it through another season of shopping, rushing, parties, cooking, relatives, food, and such. So, what did you learn about what Jesus looks like? Well, the baby born in Bethlehem looks like anything but a king to me.… Continue reading I see Jesus in other ways.
What are we going to do with baby Jesus?
All three of my children were unique when they were first born and how they developed. Michael would smile in the hospital every time he would hear my voice. I’d be across the room and say something, and Michael would smile and try to find me. The nurses kept saying that it must be gas.… Continue reading What are we going to do with baby Jesus?
Most years I sing, and I cringe a little…
I confess that I love singing church music this time of the year – the old familiar carols and the new ones. I’ve been singing in church for over 50 years! I’ve sung in the sanctuary choir cantatas for almost as long. This year marked the 44th year that I have sung in a cantata.… Continue reading Most years I sing, and I cringe a little…