Pastors Pen

‘…must we change everything? Maybe’ May 22, 2022 Scripture: John 5:1-9         Jesus had been traveling much as of late.  Just the week before he had taken a shortcut through Samaria on his way back to Galilee.  While traveling through, Jesus had an encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, after which he had […]

A Celebration of  Mothers, and their Service to Humanity Scripture: Selections from Proverbs 31, To all here who are mothers, and to all the mothers we each know and love, I say with heartfelt thanks, ‘Happy Mother’s Day’! It somehow doesn’t seem right that we only set aside one day in which to lift up

‘if you love me…then show it!’ May 1, 2022 Scriptures: John 21:1-19 Today’s reading tells us that the disciples were not quite ready to assume the mantle that Jesus had given them…not ready to go it alone without Jesus leading them.  Instead of going out and continuing to minister in the name and manner of

the other Mary…’ April 17, 2022 Scriptures: Based upon John 20:1-18 I would like to share the gospel reading for today from the perspective of the person who John tells us was the first to see our risen Lord Jesus on Easter morning. And I will share that story in the form of an imaginary

At least for today… Maybe again someday… A Play for Palm Sunday, 2022           Cast in Order of Appearance: Crowd Reporter: I. B. Long Commercial Announcer Judas Miriam King Herod’s Viceroy Imperial Policeman Matthew Mary ****************** Crowd: (Loud cheering) Reporter:  Hello and good morning everyone, this is I.B. Long of Station WRME -TV coming to

It’s not just God, you can do that too… March 27, 2022 Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32         The Parable of the Prodigal is one of the most familiar to us all. The study of human relationships and the lessons to be learned in studying this passage are many indeed, regardless of which of the three

On the contrary… March 20, 2022 Scriptures: Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9 As I have shared in the past, the Prophets in the Bible were extremely influential in their day.  Both widely respected and  at times greatly reviled, they forged their mark on the history of the faith through perseverance, even in light of persecution.  They

‘Thoughts and prayers’ may not be enough… March 13, 2022 Scripture: Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35 When it comes to a relationship with our living Lord, it is and always has been a partnership, with us as the far lesser, but still critical partner. Knowing that, with our Lord as the one who promised to be

‘…a time of testing’ March 6, 2022 Scriptures: Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 In past encounters with this passage, I think I have often seen it as a time of testing and a purification of purpose that was unique to Jesus. As some sort of final spiritual preparation he had to undergo before beginning his ministry