From a Pastor's Point of View

hope

  • Moving from Point A to Point B

         Each year, as Annual Conference begins, I remembered my ordination service several years ago. I remember how a boy raised in exceedingly challenging circumstances found his way to a place unimaginable among his family. I represent the struggles to… Continue reading

  • Coming Out of the Darkness

         Over the last few weeks, I find myself grappling with new information about the pandemic and a possible end to what quickly became a strange way of life. On the edge of summer, we look forward to churches opening… Continue reading

  • The People that Walk in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light

    “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.” (Is. 9:2).      There is a familiar hymn whose chorus reads, “For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the… Continue reading

  • Tear Open the Heavens

    “If only you would tear open the heavens and come down!” (Is. 64:1 CEB).      Advent is a season that calls us into a re-examination of our faith life. What are the things that we keep in the shadows; that… Continue reading

  • Not Enough Paper to Go Around

    “But there are also many other things Jesus did; and if they were all to be recorded, I don’t think the whole world could contain the books that would have to be written!” (John 21:25 CJSB). As the Gospel of John… Continue reading

  • Gripe, Gripe, Gripe!

    God delivered the people of Israel and what do they manage to do? Gripe about their circumstances. Never mind that Moses, with God’s help, led the people out of bondage. Everyone safely crossed the sea and witnessed one of, if… Continue reading

  • God, the Creator of All

    “God answered him (Moses), ‘Who gives a person a mouth?  Who makes a person dumb or deaf,  keen-sighted or blind?  Isn’t it I, Adonai?’”  (Ex. 4:11 CJB). Those of us who either have or are caregivers for those with chronic illness know what it is like to feel as if we are the cause of our loved one’s affliction. We said or did something… Continue reading

  • Gratitude

    Gratitude…what a simple little word with incredible depth. There is no other way to describe the moments when I am overcome with thanksgiving for my journey. Sometimes I have climbed some very large mountains, while at other times I simply… Continue reading

  • Paralyzed By the Past

    There is someone that I know that just celebrated a tremendous milestone.  There is a reason to be happy and give thanks for the many hurdles that had to be crossed in order to reach this amazing goal.  There were… Continue reading

  • Resurrection on the Darkest of Days

    Today is a day that our church traditionally focuses on the death of Jesus. Our church service is usually called the Service of Darkness. There is typically little, if any, light in the sanctuary. I am drawn to it because… Continue reading