Pastors Pen

Sometimes, use words… July 2, 2023 Scriptures: Romans 6:12-14, Matthew 10:40-42 I have long spoken about a truth I learned years ago regarding the term, ‘In the Name’. We find it throughout the bible in both the New and Old Testaments and because of that I think it is important to understand what it meant […]

I wonder as I wander… June 25, 2023 Scriptures: Genesis 21:8-2, Matthew 10:24-39 Lately, I find I have been reflecting on what the future may look like. Not in ways you may think, as in planning for some particular lifestyle, or even what I would like to be doing in say the next 5 years

Our task(s)… June 11, 2023 Scriptures: Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 The two short stories in our gospel passage today appear in Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s accounts. And although they are similar in substance, the differing accounts give different details than the others. But today’s version from Matthew’s gospel is noticeably different in some respects

‘The way we love…reveals who we are’ June 4, 2023 Scripture:2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20         It is a good idea once in a while to consider just how blessed we are, to reflect on all of the good things in our life.  And if we are totally honest with ourselves we may also take

One body…many gifts May 28, 2023 Scriptures: Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 We are all familiar I think with the story of Pentecost…that defining ‘birth moment’ in the history of the Christian faith when the Holy Spirit descended upon the followers of Jesus, appearing as tongues of fire dancing on their heads and prompting them

‘…this is eternal life’ May 21, 2023 Scriptures: Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11  Our passage today has several phrases that stand out…small turns of phrase that can stand all alone, words that catch the imagination, causing wonder in the listening heart.  Words spoken by Jesus on the night of his arrest, just after he washed his

a friend worth having… May 14, 2023 Scriptures: John 14:15-21         Normally we spend time talking about the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, the seventh Sunday after Easter, or 50 days after the resurrection, which this year falls on the Sunday after next. On that Sunday we read from the opening chapters

Searching for a dwelling place May 7, 2023 Scripture: John 14:1-14 I believe that a healthy and balanced faith understanding is one which is able to hold both belief and imagination at the same time. Each playing a part in shaping our understanding, and informing how we live our lives. A healthy faith is one

Share the story… April 23, 2023 Scriptures: Luke 24:13-35 Our scripture readings for the last three weeks, including today’s, all speak to the telling of stories…of people sharing stories about their faith and belief…excitedly sharing how they had seen and encountered the risen Lord after the resurrection.  Two weeks ago we heard of Mary Magdalene

Living in ‘Contrast’ Scriptures: John 20:19-31         I remember several years ago being given a small essay on the state of the modern church, and in particular on some of the steps that might be taken to revitalize her, to give her new life and to steer her in a new direction.  I probably still