The season of‘ “Lent“ in the church year is so named, because it comes at the time of year when the sun  light begins to lengthen.  It marks 40 days before Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Christ.   As a teenager I heard many say “What are you going to “give up” for Lent?”  the Catholics at least in Milwaukee where we lived…

As a little child of four, I was given a shiny new quarter from my father and mother to do a most important ritual known to me.  With George Washington’s head on one side and the nation’s eagle on the other, I held that quarter tight in my hand from home to church for fear that I would misplace it before the…

Saturday, July 20 Here We Go!  Twenty-Six excited, nervous, bright, ready to serve young and younger men and women left the FPC parking lot about 8:15pm Saturday evening for our 18 hour bus ride to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. We were surrounded by friends and family who, along with so many members of our congregation, have supported us over…

“Did Jesus really rise from the dead?” some ask.  I’ve heard skeptics question the resurrection since my college years.  Why I believe in Christ’s resurrection: If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, evil would have won.  Paul wrote ‘I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received:  that Christ died for our sins in accordance to the scriptures, and…

When I agreed to attend the Great Banquet in 2015, I came expecting very little impact on me.  I expected no change in me.  This was NOT because I felt my relationship with God was just right or that I was perfect.  On the contrary, I was fully aware of the heavy baggage I had been carrying for many years.   I had…

With a Song in Our Hearts by Jeff Nickloy Recently we heard a solo on Sunday set to the music of Leonard Cohen’s famous song Hallelujah.  It seemed somehow profound that such a beautiful song, written by a Jew, could be adopted by Christians and rendered into a version that celebrated the birth of a baby they recognize as Lord.   At points…

The Christmas season is a wonderful time to be a believer— people are in a giving spirit, and a church, because of its founder, Jesus Christ, encourages its members to be especially devoted to serving the least of these, reaching out to the lonely and those more often forgotten.  There is a state hospital in Richmond, and the church I served  had a Sunday…

Lord of the Dance by Brian Wuerch This past Sunday our choir did a Don Hart arrangement of “Lord of the Dance”.  The song, written originally in 1963 by the English poet and songwriter, Sydney Carter depicts Christ’s life as a dance.  Carter based the song on an old Shaker tune, “Simple Gifts”.    The Shakers, sometimes referred to as the “Shaking Quakers”,…

“Glorify and Enjoy God” by David Layman You may not have noticed the new addition to our church sign but the words have a special meaning as explained below by David Layman. Although active church members might not like to acknowledge it, many today consider Christians to be of sour disposition. To them the faith is a list of things we ought…

 Johnathan- it was fun for me because of the children and giving them high fives. I learned it is better to serve others.  It was also a  great learning experience I also connected to youth.  I loved spending time with my friends and serving people. I loved to play the games and activities with the younger kids and also dancing with the…

As I go through the steps to prepare for our first mission trip to Sumpango, Guatemala, the absolute laundry list of details that must be conquered have had a way of stealing all my attentions and intentions.  I find myself begging for God to not only give me the strength I need to conquer The List, but also to help shift my…

Lent by David Layman The Ash Wednesday worship service usually includes the imposition of ashes on the forehead, with a worship leader saying “Dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” This is a quote from Genesis 3:19, where God pronounces judgment upon man and woman because of their sin, and the mortality which results. Ash Wednesday begins the penitential season…

Why God Made Winter by David Layman Did you ever wonder why God made winter? Of course, a little snow is beautiful. Each snowflake is different–there’s a lesson in that, for sure! The increasing minutes and hours of darkness make the coming of Jesus to be the light of the world even more enlightening. But wouldn’t a couple of weeks of snow…

God Can Mend a Broken Heart In Ways We Don’t Expect by David Layman If you haven’t read Part I of David’s story, click here.  Before Christmas I wrote of the Christmas visit with my grandfather when I was nearing the end of my schooling for the ministry, going through an unwanted divorce, and wondering if there was a church somewhere that…

                                          Christmas Renewal by Brian Wuerch My Christmas wreath received a makeover this year.  For many years we have hung a large wreath high on our exterior chimney facade.  We add lights and a huge red bow for embellishment.   But, this year, as I brought the old wreath down from our attic, it was obvious that it was in need of some…