Pastors Pen

Sheep and lambs?’ May 5, 2019 Scripture: John 21:1-17, 19b After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way.  Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of […]

‘Doubting Thomas’ or ‘Thomas just like me’? April 28, 2019 John 20:19-29 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After

“Minority Report” Joseph and Nicodemus Easter 2019 Scripture: John 20:1-18 Often in approaching the holy days in our church calendar, I try to look for new insights within the old familiar stories and scriptures.  To consider the stories of other characters whom we may not often think of as major players in these much-heralded stories

At least for today… maybe again someday… Palm Sunday 2019 All: (Loud cheering) Reporter:  Hello everyone, this is I.B. Long of Station WRME -TV coming to you live from beautiful, sunny Jericho.  We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming this afternoon to bring you a late breaking story.  Full coverage of the Daily Gladiator will resume

‘Waste not…want for everything’! April 7, 2019 Scripture: John 12:1-8 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume

Who is this ‘prodigal’? March 31, 2019 Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 Again this week, our gospel reading is an old familiar tale.  A story we all have heard many times, with its usual lessons regarding any one of the characters in the story.  And for reference’ sake, I included the definition printed on the front of

‘the hard work of loving…’ March 10, 2019 Scripture: Luke 4:1-13 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The

‘Rejoice…pray…give thanks’ March 3, 2019 Scripture: 1 Thess. 5:12-24 …but we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and ask you toesteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the

‘…called to be different’ February 24, 2019 Scripture: Luke 6:27-38 “But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat

‘truly a table for all’… February 3, 2019   Scriptures: Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 4:21-30   As I read through the scriptures and then returned to the gospel reading from Luke, I tried to imagine myself as being there in the crowd that day and listening to Jesus.  And in particular, I tried to hear whatever