Pastor’s Study

“Give thanks with a grateful heartGive thanks to the Holy OneGive thanks because He’s givenJesus Christ, His Son And now let the weak say, “I am strong”Let the poor say, “I am rich”Because of what the Lord has done for us Give thanksWe give thanks (give thanks)We give thanks”                  Thanksgiving always brings to mindContinue reading ““Give Thanks”“

“‘Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’  37  He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” Luke 10:36-37 NRSV His voice was commonplace in our home during my earlyyears. Day after day, IContinue reading “The Art of Neighborliness”

“First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean.” Matthew 23:26 NRSV                  Yesterday, I found myself in our backyard performing some much-needed trimming to a couple of small trees and a few boxwoods.  Now, granted, these landscaping features are at the rear of our property and often goContinue reading “What’s Unseen Is Still Important“

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NRSV                  There are two days during the year of which I am not particularly fond.  The exact dates vary from one year to the next, but one is guaranteedContinue reading “What Do Your Words Say About You?“

                 The month of April brought with it a number of opportunities to return to worship, fellowship, and the sharing of meals with brothers and sisters in Christ.  It all began on the first Saturday evening of the month with a “Night of Hope” which included a meal of soup and sandwiches, and worship featuringContinue reading “More to Come“

                 You have become accustomed to a monthly article from me that is often related to a particular topic, Scripture reference, or season of the Christian Year.  As we begin this journey of spring, when all things are said to be made new, I wish to do something slightly different.  I have been encouraged overContinue reading “Springtime This and That“

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24 NRSV Back on February 2, Punxsutawney Phil (the famous groundhog from Pennsylvania) emerged from his stump and, with a bit of assistance, was able toContinue reading ““Tis the Season”“

“…but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place at which I have chosen to establish my name.’ Nehemiah 1:9 NRSV “This year’s felt like four seasons of winter and you’dContinue reading ““Where Do We Go from Here?””

“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice.  He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.  And he was a Samaritan.” Luke 17:15-16 NRSV                  As children, we are taught that “please” and “thank you” are the “magic words” we are to useContinue reading “Don’t Forget the Thank You!”

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…” Colossians 3:17 NRSV A few days ago, a friend shared with me a cartoon in which Charlie Brown was thinking to himself, “Isit just me or are the summers getting shorter?” I think that is a fair questionContinue reading “A Labor of Love”