Pastors Pen

‘Our Advent Season’ December 10, 2023 Scriptures: Isaiah 40:1-11 This past Thursday I was invited to, and attended a lunch for area ministers that was put on by the Presbytery. About 25 or so of us gathered at Calvary Presbyterian Church in the heart of Newburgh. There was some initial housekeeping information shared by the […]

The ‘clay’ out of which we were formed December 3, 2023 Scriptures: Isaiah 64:1-9, Mark 13:24-37 Today, as the first Sunday of Advent begins our calendar year as a Christian church. The season of Advent spans the four weeks before Christmas, and is a time of both preparation and anticipation. And today, I would like

Ezekiel’s ‘reset’ November 26, 2023 Scripture: Ezekiel 34 The 34th Chapter of Ezekiel is actually quite well known in theological circles, as the author is very clearly calling out the authorities of the faith, as well as offering up the promise of a new day, a new reign, led by a just and a righteous

‘…one talent at a time’ November 19, 2023 Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-29 Today’s story is an interesting parable. Like so many we read in the gospel accounts, this one can be viewed in several ways. On the one hand it simply seems to be a condemnation of the servant who was given only

‘essential oil…’ November 12, 2023 Scriptures: Matthew 25:1-13, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 This puzzling little parable can be approached from at least two directions. There seem to be winners and losers to be sure, but the only advantage the bridesmaids who were ‘welcomed in’ to the wedding banquet appeared to have had, was that they had

‘Authentic Christians…’ November 5, 2023 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 In a nutshell, our gospel passage today is saying simply that Jesus’ followers should not follow the actions of the priests who were teaching in the Temple, but rather listen to and follow their words, as these were in line with the Jewish Law.

‘Filoli’ October 29, 2023 Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40 First of all, I would like to acknowledge that the last two weeks were so important for Nan and I. It was important for us to just take some time to stop, to reflect, and to focus in on what really is important, rather than just running from

‘able and willing…’ October 1, 2023 Scripture: Philippians 2:1-13 Picking up from our discussion last week regarding the possibility of experiencing the ‘Kingdom’ Jesus spoke of, as we dwell and labor together in blessed community, today’s scripture from Philippians affirms this by saying that indeed this is the way to fulfill the plan and purposes

Pursuing the ‘Kingdom’ September 24, 2023 Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16 I often think about the seemingly huge difference between what Jesus proclaimed in saying that the ‘Kingdom of Heaven was among us’…and what we see all around us each and every day. Except for passing glimpses throughout history, in which it seemed as though such a

Once forgiven…all forgiven September 17, 2023 Scriptures: Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 While at first this scripture seems like a story of the correct behavior we should all exercise when it comes to forgiving one another, and reminds us of how God may be upset with us from time to time and act as a ‘stern