Pastor’s Corner – March 14, 2024
Dear Beloved,
How are you a little more than midway through this season of Lent which goes from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week until the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter? I have been so grateful for the opportunities to worship with you, to learn with you, and to pray with you. I am grateful for some of the special programs we have been able to experience in this season - the conversation with our partners from Beechtree Consulting and Psychological Services the day before Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention Week and the Disability Justice Panel Conversation at the beginning of Disability Awareness. I am grateful for opportunities to understand one another better and know how we can be faithful followers of Jesus who are welcoming and inclusive of everyone and creating an atmosphere where we can be attentive to supporting shalom (a deep and wide comprehensive well-being and wholeness) for all.
Pastor’s Corner – March 7, 2024
The Fruit of the Spirit Part 5
How do we know that Jesus, Immanuel (God-with-us), is really with us? Paul answers that question beautifully in his letter to the disciples in Galatia who must have been wondering the same thing. Paul writes: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we experience any of these gifts in our daily lives, we know that Christ’s Spirit is at work.
The fifth fruit of the Spirit is kindness. Kindness is the practical application of grace, God’s unconditional love. Jesus demonstrated kindness at every turn:
Pastor’s Corner – February 29, 2024
Dear Beloved,
What symbols are most meaningful to you these days? Which ones do you use the most when texting? Are there signs or symbols that serve as special reminders? If you’d like to share responses to any of these questions with me, I’d enjoy getting to know you better by learning about symbols that are helpful to you.
Symbols have been on my mind, heart, and soul a lot lately. Words are so powerful -
Pastor’s Corner – February 22, 2024
The Fruit of the Spirit Part 4
How do we know that Jesus, Immanuel (God-with-us), is really with us? Paul answers that question beautifully in his letter to the disciples in Galatia who must have been wondering the same thing. Paul writes: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we experience any of these gifts in our daily lives, we know that Christ’s Spirit is at work.
The fourth fruit of the Spirit is patience. We have all had those moments when we demand: give me patience and I want it now!
Pastor’s Corner – February 15, 2024
Dear Beloved,
As I reflect on Pastor Marc's pastor’s paragraphs, the scriptures read by worship leaders, and on formal and informal conversations with people from Friedens and in the community, three things keep filling my spirit, body, and mind - prayer, fruit of the Spirit, and community.
Whether we find ourselves in the midst of uncertainty, challenge, anxiety, tears, or calm, I think Jesus offers these gifts
Pastor’s Corner – February 8, 2024
The Fruit of the Spirit Part 2
How do we know that Jesus, Immanuel (God-with-us), is really with us? Paul answers that question beautifully in his letter to the disciples in Galatia who must have been wondering the same thing. Paul writes: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we experience any of these gifts in our daily lives, we know that Christ’s Spirit is at work.
The second fruit of the Spirit is joy.
Pastor’s Corner – February 1, 2024
Dear Beloved,
It is a little hard for me to believe that the liturgical season of Lent begins in less than two weeks. The space between Epiphany and Lent varies each year because Epiphany is a set date which begins on January 6th while Easter moves in relationship to the moon. This year Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent) is February 14th. I hope you will join us f
Pastor’s Corner – January 25, 2024
The Fruit of the Spirit Part 2
How do we know that Jesus, Immanuel (God-with-us), is really with us? Paul answers that question beautifully in his letter to the disciples in Galatia who must have been wondering the same thing. Paul writes: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we experience any of these gifts in our daily lives, we know that Christ’s Spirit is at work.
The second fruit of the Spirit is joy. Joy has to do with the sense of calm that comes from knowing we are never alone.
Pastor’s Corner – January 18, 2024
Happy New Year! How are you midway through the first month of 2024? Have you ever picked a word of the year or had someone pick a word of the year for you or invited the Spirit to guide you to a word or theme for the year? If you have a word or would like to pick a word and want to share it, I’d enjoy encouraging you as you journey with your word.
I have done this for many years. Most of the time, the words that have come to mind, heart, body, and soul have been words that I think many people would find encouraging, inspiring, and uplifting.
Pastor’s Corner – January 11, 2024
The Fruit of the Spirit Part 1
How do we know that Jesus, Immanuel (God-with-us), is really with us? Paul answers that question beautifully in his letter to the disciples in Galatia who must have been wondering the same thing. Paul writes: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we experience any of these gifts in our daily lives, we know that Christ’s Spirit is at work.
The first fruit of the Spirit is love. It is first in place and priority. Love of God, neighbor, and self are the most important Divine commands
Pastor’s Corner – January 4, 2024
Christmastide Greetings, Beloved!
How are you in this Christmas season? What emerges for you as we begin a new year? In my reflections on 2023, gratitude for you and the opportunities to serve with you bubbled up in my being. Thanks be to God for all the ways you continue to share Jesus’ unstoppable love. Thanks be to the Creator for the grace and restoration we are offered. Thanks be to God that we can worship and serve together and grow and learn together.
Pastor’s Corner – December 28, 2023
Matthew and Luke tell the birth stories of Jesus. In Mark’s gospel Jesus is introduced as an adult who comes to John for baptism in the Jordan. The gospel writer John begins his narrative by going back to the very beginning, the moment of creation.
John mimics Genesis chapter one with his opening line: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through the Word.
Pastor’s Corner – December 21, 2023
Dear Beloved,
As we began the season of Advent, I reflected on the gift of hope and offered a breath prayer related to God’s gift of hope. Now we have lit the candles reminding us of God’s gift of love and joy and will soon light the candle honoring God’s gift of peace.
If you or people you know enjoy breath prayers, below are some offerings related to love, joy, and peace. You might enjoy choosing or writing your own. If you do, I’d be excited to hear them if you would like to share them with me. You can create breath prayers out of any phrases that might help you connect to the Creator of breath, to the Spirit in our neighbors, or to the Spirit within you - the possibilities are endless.
Pastor’s Corner – December 14, 2023
Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus with an eye toward ancient Hebrew history—with the Exodus story in mind particularly. For example:
The nativity is told from the perspective of Joseph, Mary’s betrothed. Joseph receives Divine direction from dreams and visions (note Matthew 1:20-21, 2:13-15, and 2:19-21). This is reminiscent of another Joseph, the son of Jacob, who more than 1500 years before Jesus was also directed by Divine dreams and visions to rescue God’s people.
Matthew also makes a connection with another central character in the Exodus—Moses.
Pastor’s Corner – December 7, 2023
Dear Beloved,
Greetings to you in this Advent season! How is it with your spirit? In this season, emotions can sometimes feel stronger - whether those emotions be feelings that we consider helpful or not so helpful. I pray that you can be gentle with yourself and those around you. If you need extra support during this season, please give yourself permission to reach out and ask. We are better together - God made us that way!
This past Sunday we lit the Advent candle of hope. When you hear or see the word hope, what comes to your mind?
Pastor’s Corner – November 29, 2023
Luke’s telling of the nativity of Jesus is punctuated with singing. Mary magnifies God in song for being pregnant with Jesus, the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:46-55). Zechariah blesses God for the unexpected gift of a son named John, who would make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:67-79). The angels sing the good news of the birth of a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:14). The nativity in Luke concludes with the song of Simeon, who recognizes in Jesus the one who will be a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to the people Israel (Luke 2:28-32).
Pastor’s Corner – November 16, 2023
Words of Encouragement from Paul (V)
About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.
Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty. May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.
Toward the conclusion of the letter Paul writes: Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
Pastor’s Corner – November 9, 2023
Dear Beloved,
By the time this reaches your inbox, All Saints Day will have passed, but as I write this I am pondering and praying about how I might honor All Saints Day this year. Usually it is time for me to spend reflecting upon and giving thanks for the many named and unnamed/known and unknown saints who have impacted my life.
This year I have been thinking about all the healthcare workers and behind-the-scenes-professionals
Pastor’s Corner – November 2, 2023
Words of Encouragement from Paul (IV)
About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.
Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty. May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.
Pastor’s Corner – October 19, 2023
Words of Encouragement from Paul (III)
About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.
Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty. May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.