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!”
Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters
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…
The Race Is On
By now, the race is on. Thanksgiving leftovers are history, shoppers have come home with bags and bargains in tow, Amazon / UPS / Fed-ex are dropping off the online purchases, and the festivities have officially begun. For the next week or so, advertisements will dominate the airwaves, catalogs will clutter our mailboxes, and coupons… Continue reading The Race Is On
Advent is a season full of strikingly different juxtapositions
This is a challenging season for us. We know the stories of Jesus’ birth so well that they can easily become clichés, obscuring the awesome message that God has taken human form as a vulnerable child. So, what can we learn? Advent is a season which is full of strikingly different juxtapositions. The focus of… Continue reading Advent is a season full of strikingly different juxtapositions
Advent & Christmas Top Ten List
10.Q: Christmas is on a Sunday, what are we going to do?A: Celebrate! That’s right, celebrate! “Celebrate” is the simplest and yet the most profound answer to that query. Come & Join us! 9.Q: Are there any other details about Christmas Day we need to know?A: There will be no fellowship time after worship. PJ’s… Continue reading Advent & Christmas Top Ten List
Not an Advent tradition most folks ever consider
The world just topped 8 billion in human population. Is there room in the inn for you, me, and all of God’s children? Advent is a season when we intentionally prepare our hearts and make room. That means removing the clutter and junk from our lives to allow space for Christ’s coming. This season is… Continue reading Not an Advent tradition most folks ever consider