“The ABC’s of Christmas” by Erin Klassen, The Young Clergy Women Project A is for an angel, Gabriel, who began the story with a greeting: B is for Bethlehem, where our story takes place. People traveled from far and wide to arrive in the city; it was a very busy place. C is for a […]
The sky was brighter than usual that night, making it easier to keep track of the sheep. And then it got really bright. You would have thought that all that “glory” shining would have been “the sign.” That’s what most of us look for–great big obvious clues about God’s presence. But instead, the angel says […]
The season of Epiphany begins January 14, 2018. For five weeks, we’ll explore how God reveals himself in film, with a special focus on Jesus’ words in John 10:10, “I came that they might have life and have it to the full…” Pastor Mary’s message will be based on a different film each week. You […]
For many, the “holiday season” is no holiday at all. It is filled with difficult times, humps to get over, gatherings to endure, varieties of pressures and a flood of memories that darken and dampen the short days and long nights. This season is not a joy for everyone, and yet God offers comfort in […]
Every angel seems to use “do not be afraid” as an opening line. But perhaps no one needed to hear it more than Joseph. What was happening to him was the stuff that ruins lives. As a man, he had all the rights to abandon Mary and preserve his dignity. The stakes were high–who would […]
Zechariah freaked out when the other-worldly creature appeared to him. But Mary was simply “perplexed.” Why would such an incredible message come to a common girl just barely a woman? Then her reply to such a foretelling about her purpose in life was also simple: “Let it be so.” Have you ever struggled with finding […]
It was just another day at the temple for Zechariah. It was his priestly turn to make sure everything was done properly and in good order. But it turned into something quite different when an angel showed up at the altar. Have you ever had a moment in your life after which you knew nothing […]
That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one […]
God loves people who love to give. God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. Today’s worship service focused on II Corinthians 9: 6-15 and Psalm 65. On October 1, each person in church was given $5 for […]
“Do not be afraid.” – The Angels The angels that appear in the story of Jesus’ birth would have been very comfortable in our world of tweets and hashtags. Their messages were often short and to the point – their favorite line being #DoNotBeAfraid. As we look at the stories of these winged messengers to […]