Message As I sat in the prayer garden one day this past summer, I was looking at the placards on the fence. There are names of people who are now in heaven. They were faithful here on earth and are now with Jesus. In Hebrews 12, the Bible says, “therefore, since we are surrounded by
October 10, 2019
Message Labor day is celebrated in the US as the first Monday in September. It is a day that honors the American labor movement and the power of collective action by laborers, who are essential for the workings of society. Included here is a Labor Day poem by Bobby Gilles that you can read as
September 10, 2019
Letter from the Pastor Friends: Words cannot adequately express my deep gratitude for you all. The kindness you have shown me throughout this transition time, the kind words at the reception on May 19, and the gifts, cards, and notes have been overwhelming. As I read through them, I gave great thanks to God for
June 1, 2019
Letter from the Pastor At the recent Hymnfest, I told the congregation that one of my favorite hymns is “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (#563 in our Hymnal). I first sang the hymn at Union Seminary when I was working on my Master in Christian Education degree. It was a cold, January day, but that
May 2, 2019
Letter From the Pastor These past few weeks, I have sought out times to reflect and sit in quiet. We are leaving the Upstate after 18 years, and that has brought about some significant grief. My daughters were born here, and I run by the first house we lived in almost every day. I glance
April 2, 2019
Letter From the Pastor Frederick Buechner is one of my favorite pastors. As we move into the Season of Lent this month, I invite you to consider his words on this Holy Season. In many cultures there is an ancient custom of giving a tenth of each year’s income to some holy use. For Christians,
March 14, 2019
Letter From the Pastor The island of Iona in western Scotland is top of the list as one of my most holy places. It is noteworthy as being a 45 minute boat ride south of Fingal’s Cave, whose natural acoustics inspired Felix Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides Overture. But the island is most known for the Iona
February 1, 2019
Letter From the Pastor New Year Prayer Lord God Almighty, I understand that I am unable to do anything without your help, so I ask you to enable me by your grace to fulfill your will. Give me grace to do whatever brings most glory and honor to you, pleasure and profit to me, and
December 28, 2018
Letter From the Pastor December ushers in the season of Advent. When I was a child, my mother had a long red stocking that she hung in in the kitchen. This stocking had white string, each numbered 1 through 25. We would buy little candy canes and tie them to the stocking, and then take
November 30, 2018
November 1st is the Holy Day in the church known as All Saints Day. It is a day that we remember with thanksgiving those who have served God faithfully here on earth, who inspired our faith and witness, who strengthened our church family, and who now rest with God in heaven. When thinking of saints,
November 26, 2018
