Pastors Pen

Who is looking for who? December 31, 2023 Scriptures: Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 This passage is filled with interesting images…with Mary and Joseph’s faithful adherence to the law and customs surrounding Jesus’ dedication and reception into the covenant community, with Simeon’s affirmation that Jesus indeed was the promised Messiah, along with his prophecy that Jesus […]

‘Scrap’ December 24, 2023 ‘Scrap’ as he had been known for quite some time now, started out with a much more noble self image. He could trace his original family lineage all the way back to the Cedars of Lebanon. Those same majestic trees from which King Solomon had drawn, when he first set about

Rejoice, pray, give thanks? Really? December 17, 2023 Scriptures: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28         Our second reading, found at the end of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, was meant to remind the early church in Thessalonica of their call to follow his example, and to hold fast as witnesses

‘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