Pastor John’s Corner
As I write this, I’m keenly aware there are thousands of people in this country that are suffering from the loss of loved ones, homes, and all of their worldly possessions dues to the horrific deluge of tornadoes and floods that have occurred during the month of May. Right here in our own neighborhood of the Evansville-Tri-State there was loss of life and property; but not on the scale of places such as Joplin, MO. I give God praise and thanks that none of our parish folks were lost during the tornado that went through Haubstadt and the surrounding area.
A fundamentalist preacher predicted the end of the world on the 21st of May. For those affected by the tornado that hit Joplin on the 21st, I’m sure it must have felt as if the prediction had come true. Let me assure you though that one had nothing to do with the other. First of all, Jesus told us that no man will know the time or the hour that the Son of God shall come again. Doomsday predictors are doing the devils handiwork for him. They are trying to out-guess God. ---- Secondly, I’m absolutely certain that God did not “cause a tornado or flood” to punish any of the people in the places that have been hit so hard by the catastrophes. To believe that, is to believe that God purposely wants you to suffer. God is a God of love. He has a created a universe and put into motion a universe that is so delicate and perfectly balanced that we have no way to truly appreciate or understand it. But – God also gave us dominion over this earth that He created. When we ruin the atmosphere with toxic gases and pollutants, we interfere with the perfection that God put into place. We punch holes in our atmosphere and we speed up a naturally occurring global warming process. This causes changes in our weather patterns’, thus changing the severity of what happens globally to our world. So, let’s look not to God as a cause for our problems, let’s take a closer look at our stewardship of the world God created for us.
Blessings to you,
Pastor John
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Have a Potato Chip- Author Unknown
Have a Potato Chip
A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her some chips. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman, and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" Hereplied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, "Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied! "I ate potato chips in the park with God." However, before her son responded, she added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."
A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her some chips. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman, and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" Hereplied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, "Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied! "I ate potato chips in the park with God." However, before her son responded, she added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."
September Newsletter
Thank you, thank you, and thank you – for supporting our summer of combined worship services. I felt it was a wonderful worship experience and it also gave our organists a bit of a breather for a couple of weeks at a time. Now that summer vacation and recreation time is over, we can get back to our regular schedules of worship, Sunday school, and Scriptures and Donuts.
As the new school year ramps up, so does the beginning of the 2011 Confirmation class. The class will begin on September 26th and run through Palm Sunday of 2011. There are expected to be five youth in this year’s class, all from St. Lucas.
In case you haven’t heard, Reverend Steve Gray, our INKY Conference Minister, resigned and retired as of August 31st after many faithful years in God’s service. We wish him God’s speed as he settles down to “retired life”. In the interim, The Reverend John M. Gantt has been called to serve as the Interim Conference Minister until the Call Process secures a permanent Conference Minister. We wish Reverend Gantt much luck.
September brings the call for Operation Christmas Child and once again Ruth Wilson has volunteered to take lead for the parish. Please start filling your shoe boxes with the necessary items. The
St. Lucas council has agreed to pay the $7.00 per box shipping cost. This should help you in your planning for items to place in the boxes or perhaps even enable you to fill a second box.
I will be taking a vacation from September 13th – 21st. Mrs. Jane Herbert will fill the pulpit on the 19th of September and be on call for clergy emergencies. Jane and her late husband Chuck served at the Chrisney and Lamar UCC churches for many years. She is now a member of St. Peter’s UCC in Evansville.
Blessings,
Pastor John
As the new school year ramps up, so does the beginning of the 2011 Confirmation class. The class will begin on September 26th and run through Palm Sunday of 2011. There are expected to be five youth in this year’s class, all from St. Lucas.
In case you haven’t heard, Reverend Steve Gray, our INKY Conference Minister, resigned and retired as of August 31st after many faithful years in God’s service. We wish him God’s speed as he settles down to “retired life”. In the interim, The Reverend John M. Gantt has been called to serve as the Interim Conference Minister until the Call Process secures a permanent Conference Minister. We wish Reverend Gantt much luck.
September brings the call for Operation Christmas Child and once again Ruth Wilson has volunteered to take lead for the parish. Please start filling your shoe boxes with the necessary items. The
St. Lucas council has agreed to pay the $7.00 per box shipping cost. This should help you in your planning for items to place in the boxes or perhaps even enable you to fill a second box.
I will be taking a vacation from September 13th – 21st. Mrs. Jane Herbert will fill the pulpit on the 19th of September and be on call for clergy emergencies. Jane and her late husband Chuck served at the Chrisney and Lamar UCC churches for many years. She is now a member of St. Peter’s UCC in Evansville.
Blessings,
Pastor John
Monday, April 26, 2010
Newsletter for May/June
When I see the trees pop out in bloom and the spring flowers come into their state of beauty, I cannot help but wonder just how beautiful the earth must have been before God created man. When I reflect on that, I believe it is truly a blessing that God shares this beauty with us. If this beauty has been “toned down” so to speak, so we humans can comprehend it; one can only imagine the magnificence of heaven. What we must always remember is that God gave us dominion over the earth and that requires us to be good stewards of His creation. We just celebrated “Earth Day”. However, as Children of God, we should remind ourselves daily of our responsibility, and remember that loving God --- includes loving the earth he gave us. Every day should be an Earth Day.
We are approaching the end of the “Easter Season” and making our way to Pentecost and the “Pentecost Season.” This is the longest period of our church year and it is also the season that “church life” begins to conflict with “daily life.” This was the main reason I proposed the upcoming summer worship schedule to our councils. You and I know that our attendance will drop at each of the parish churches due to vacations, seasonal farming, sports, county fairs and sometimes, just the desire to sleep late on a Sunday morning. So, I hope you will post the schedule of the services on your refrigerator and continue to worship with us throughout the summer.
There is much talk these days of the new “emerging church.” Like it or not, the church as we knew it in the last century is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Don’t believe it ------ how full was your sanctuary last week? Maybe we need to rethink how we do church services, how can we make church more vibrant, and how can we insure we are getting the message of Christ out in a manner that is still effective. I’m always open to hear your thoughts on what you think we need to do to ensure we are serving God in a manner that is pleasing to him.
Blessings,
Pastor John
We are approaching the end of the “Easter Season” and making our way to Pentecost and the “Pentecost Season.” This is the longest period of our church year and it is also the season that “church life” begins to conflict with “daily life.” This was the main reason I proposed the upcoming summer worship schedule to our councils. You and I know that our attendance will drop at each of the parish churches due to vacations, seasonal farming, sports, county fairs and sometimes, just the desire to sleep late on a Sunday morning. So, I hope you will post the schedule of the services on your refrigerator and continue to worship with us throughout the summer.
There is much talk these days of the new “emerging church.” Like it or not, the church as we knew it in the last century is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Don’t believe it ------ how full was your sanctuary last week? Maybe we need to rethink how we do church services, how can we make church more vibrant, and how can we insure we are getting the message of Christ out in a manner that is still effective. I’m always open to hear your thoughts on what you think we need to do to ensure we are serving God in a manner that is pleasing to him.
Blessings,
Pastor John
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Newsletter for April
Pastor John’s Corner
Lent, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter; these are the specific days that mark the most holy days of our Christian faith and Church year. You might think that I’ve left out a day that is just as important, that would be Christmas. But in my mind I’ll take Easter over Christmas in importance.
While Christmas is certainly more celebrated and more commercialized; it “only” represents the birth of Jesus; the day he came into the world. I’m not saying for a moment that we should not acknowledge the occasion, but in my mind, Christmas simply doesn’t hold a candle theologically to Easter.
The Easter season brings us to the full realization of the teachings, the suffering, the death and the resurrection of Jesus. It is the events of that Easter morning that gave us eternal life as Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, threw open the confines of death itself and walked out of a tomb that had held him for three days. Jesus made the necessity of a relationship with him clear in Luke 24:46-47; “And he said, ‘Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.”
It is the resurrection above all else that seals the covenant between God and man. Without the resurrection, Jesus would most likely have simply been classified as a brilliant teacher, rabbi, prophet or simply a wonderful man who loved the people. But Jesus died and fulfilled the promise that he would rise again and because he did, we too will have eternal life. God is good.
Blessings,
Pastor John
Lent, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter; these are the specific days that mark the most holy days of our Christian faith and Church year. You might think that I’ve left out a day that is just as important, that would be Christmas. But in my mind I’ll take Easter over Christmas in importance.
While Christmas is certainly more celebrated and more commercialized; it “only” represents the birth of Jesus; the day he came into the world. I’m not saying for a moment that we should not acknowledge the occasion, but in my mind, Christmas simply doesn’t hold a candle theologically to Easter.
The Easter season brings us to the full realization of the teachings, the suffering, the death and the resurrection of Jesus. It is the events of that Easter morning that gave us eternal life as Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, threw open the confines of death itself and walked out of a tomb that had held him for three days. Jesus made the necessity of a relationship with him clear in Luke 24:46-47; “And he said, ‘Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.”
It is the resurrection above all else that seals the covenant between God and man. Without the resurrection, Jesus would most likely have simply been classified as a brilliant teacher, rabbi, prophet or simply a wonderful man who loved the people. But Jesus died and fulfilled the promise that he would rise again and because he did, we too will have eternal life. God is good.
Blessings,
Pastor John
Friday, February 26, 2010
Newsletter for March
Pastor John’s Corner
On Ash Wednesday, we met as a parish to celebrate the beginning of the Lenten season. The confirmands worked very hard to put together their service and I thought they did an excellent job of presenting the service for us. They deserve our congratulation for a job well done.
At that service one of our confirmands gave us a brief history of why we put ashes on our forehead, why we celebrate Lent and Ash Wednesday. Her research was a good and well presented series of facts. However, I hope that all of you will take time during these next few weeks to step beyond the facts of why we celebrate Lent. Lent really is a period of solemn prayer and reflection on the current state of our personal relationship with God. Many people will “give up something” as an act of contrition during this period. The something that we give up is supposed to represent a sacrifice on our part in recognition of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Therefore if your sacrifice is indeed a trivial thing, then you trivialize the sacrifice that Christ made. In other words, giving up chocolate hardly equates to Christ giving up his life.
I heard of a church sign the other day that said “Now Open Christmas through Easter!” I thought that was a pretty neat sign because it hits home to many church goers. Our attendance at the two churches says fairly consistent and we can do so very much better. For those of you who come every Sunday, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. But --- it is up to you to make those calls to relatives and friends who miss frequently and invite them to join us again. We would love to have them worship with us again.
Blessings,
Pastor John
On Ash Wednesday, we met as a parish to celebrate the beginning of the Lenten season. The confirmands worked very hard to put together their service and I thought they did an excellent job of presenting the service for us. They deserve our congratulation for a job well done.
At that service one of our confirmands gave us a brief history of why we put ashes on our forehead, why we celebrate Lent and Ash Wednesday. Her research was a good and well presented series of facts. However, I hope that all of you will take time during these next few weeks to step beyond the facts of why we celebrate Lent. Lent really is a period of solemn prayer and reflection on the current state of our personal relationship with God. Many people will “give up something” as an act of contrition during this period. The something that we give up is supposed to represent a sacrifice on our part in recognition of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Therefore if your sacrifice is indeed a trivial thing, then you trivialize the sacrifice that Christ made. In other words, giving up chocolate hardly equates to Christ giving up his life.
I heard of a church sign the other day that said “Now Open Christmas through Easter!” I thought that was a pretty neat sign because it hits home to many church goers. Our attendance at the two churches says fairly consistent and we can do so very much better. For those of you who come every Sunday, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. But --- it is up to you to make those calls to relatives and friends who miss frequently and invite them to join us again. We would love to have them worship with us again.
Blessings,
Pastor John
Monday, February 15, 2010
Pastor John's Corner February 2010
Pastor John’s Corner
I hope by now, you have taken the chance to lift your spirits and take a whole new look at the year 2010. We have been concentrating on just that for the past five Sundays. If our two congregational meetings are an example, I’d say we have made a great beginning.
Congratulations to our newly elected council members and continued good luck to the returning members. You all have a lot of work ahead of you for the coming year. But as I said in my letter to the members of the St. Lucas, when we all work together to accomplish what we feel to be the work of God, we will continue to be successful.
On February 17th, we will celebrate Ash Wednesday with our annual confirmand-designed and run Combined Parish service. As is traditional, we will have communion and the imposition of ashes as part of the service. The service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s. I hope you will come and celebrate the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a period of prayer and reflection for the faithful. We use the six weeks to reflect on our relationship with God and with our fellowman, and make improvements where needed. As part of our Lenten program this year, our Bible Study/Book Discussion for Lent will be called Fearless, based upon the Max Lucado book by the same name. Julie Wallis and I will be offering this Bible Study together. I hope you will take the opportunity to come and talk about how we can use the power of the Holy Spirit to get past those things that worry us and take our mind off of the blessings that God has given us.
Blessings,
Pastor John
I hope by now, you have taken the chance to lift your spirits and take a whole new look at the year 2010. We have been concentrating on just that for the past five Sundays. If our two congregational meetings are an example, I’d say we have made a great beginning.
Congratulations to our newly elected council members and continued good luck to the returning members. You all have a lot of work ahead of you for the coming year. But as I said in my letter to the members of the St. Lucas, when we all work together to accomplish what we feel to be the work of God, we will continue to be successful.
On February 17th, we will celebrate Ash Wednesday with our annual confirmand-designed and run Combined Parish service. As is traditional, we will have communion and the imposition of ashes as part of the service. The service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s. I hope you will come and celebrate the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a period of prayer and reflection for the faithful. We use the six weeks to reflect on our relationship with God and with our fellowman, and make improvements where needed. As part of our Lenten program this year, our Bible Study/Book Discussion for Lent will be called Fearless, based upon the Max Lucado book by the same name. Julie Wallis and I will be offering this Bible Study together. I hope you will take the opportunity to come and talk about how we can use the power of the Holy Spirit to get past those things that worry us and take our mind off of the blessings that God has given us.
Blessings,
Pastor John
Friday, January 1, 2010
Pastor John’s Corner- January 2010
Welcome to 2010 --- the end of the first decade of a new century. Scientists and doctors tell us that babies born this year are almost guaranteed to see the year 2100. Wow, --- one wonders what changes to the world they are going to see as they grow into their adulthood.
I noted with interest that one of our parishioners made comment on Facebook about how quickly all of the Christmas decorations and songs etc. disappear after Christmas day. I totally agree with her. It seems that the great “well, that’s over” sets in as soon as the last gift is opened. People rush to the malls etc. to exchange those gifts they really don’t want and to spend their new gift cards on some hot item. In the process of getting Christmas over with, so many people pack away their Christmas cheer and spirit along with the trees and ornaments, and I think to myself how sad that is. I pray that none of you have fallen into the post-Christmas humdrums. If so, let me know. I have some parishioners to visit in our nursing homes that would love to have you come along with me and sit and talk and pray with them once in awhile. I guarantee it will help you as much, if not more than it does them. I’m blessed to get this spirit renewal twice a month on visitation day.
This has not been a gentle decade for the world has it? In fact I would call this the “decade of fear” which I will address during my first sermon of the year on the 3rd of January. We’ve worried about everything from terrorism, to economic woes, to worldwide flu epidemic. We’ve watched people lose their homes and their jobs due to nothing more than greed at the highest levels. We’ve seen business after business close and unemployment continue to rise.
This can drive us all a bit nuts if we let it. But --- I refuse to let it get to me. God created us and God loves us. God will show us the way through all of these worries if we will trust in Him and rely on His guidance. So, --- when I wish you a Happy New Year, --- that is exactly my wish for you. Have a happy – healthy --- Holy Spirit filled 2010. Pastor John
I noted with interest that one of our parishioners made comment on Facebook about how quickly all of the Christmas decorations and songs etc. disappear after Christmas day. I totally agree with her. It seems that the great “well, that’s over” sets in as soon as the last gift is opened. People rush to the malls etc. to exchange those gifts they really don’t want and to spend their new gift cards on some hot item. In the process of getting Christmas over with, so many people pack away their Christmas cheer and spirit along with the trees and ornaments, and I think to myself how sad that is. I pray that none of you have fallen into the post-Christmas humdrums. If so, let me know. I have some parishioners to visit in our nursing homes that would love to have you come along with me and sit and talk and pray with them once in awhile. I guarantee it will help you as much, if not more than it does them. I’m blessed to get this spirit renewal twice a month on visitation day.
This has not been a gentle decade for the world has it? In fact I would call this the “decade of fear” which I will address during my first sermon of the year on the 3rd of January. We’ve worried about everything from terrorism, to economic woes, to worldwide flu epidemic. We’ve watched people lose their homes and their jobs due to nothing more than greed at the highest levels. We’ve seen business after business close and unemployment continue to rise.
This can drive us all a bit nuts if we let it. But --- I refuse to let it get to me. God created us and God loves us. God will show us the way through all of these worries if we will trust in Him and rely on His guidance. So, --- when I wish you a Happy New Year, --- that is exactly my wish for you. Have a happy – healthy --- Holy Spirit filled 2010. Pastor John
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Pastor John's Corner December 2009
Pastor John’s Corner
We declare this to be a season of hope, joy, and love as we merge into the Advent and Christmas season. And why shouldn’t we. This is the month we celebrate the birth of God’s Son. Angels announced his arrival. Wise men came from distant lands to see him. The very celestial sky was lit up by his star for all the world to see.
The night was still, cold and crisp --- when suddenly the sound of a newly born baby rang out from a stable in a little town called Bethlehem, in Judea. That awesome cry of an infant’s first breath of earthly air announced the arrival of God as he would walk on this planet in human form for 33 years. This baby would grow to experience the same feelings and emotions and joys and sorrows and pain and death that we humans do.
For the skeptic or agnostics among us who may say “Even it it’s true, --- so what?” I would say this; I find this story to be awesome; because you see, God created us to experience all of those emotions, and He created the emotions too; but --- God couldn’t know the true impact they have on us because he had not experienced them from our level. But – God cared enough about us, and He loved us enough to come to earth and experience everything we experience from our level. And, for me, knowing that God cares enough about me to want to know why I feel and act the way I do, fills me with hope and joy and a sense of pure love.
As you experience your Christmas season, by all means, please continue to support our local Lord’s Pantry through our Blessings Jar. Take note of and support the First Presbyterian Church 2009-10 Winter Clothing and Blanket Collection. Support the Veterans of the Cross offering and drop a little in the Salvation Army bucket each time you pass one. Have a Holy Spirit filled Christmas.
I wish you Christmas peace,
Pastor John
We declare this to be a season of hope, joy, and love as we merge into the Advent and Christmas season. And why shouldn’t we. This is the month we celebrate the birth of God’s Son. Angels announced his arrival. Wise men came from distant lands to see him. The very celestial sky was lit up by his star for all the world to see.
The night was still, cold and crisp --- when suddenly the sound of a newly born baby rang out from a stable in a little town called Bethlehem, in Judea. That awesome cry of an infant’s first breath of earthly air announced the arrival of God as he would walk on this planet in human form for 33 years. This baby would grow to experience the same feelings and emotions and joys and sorrows and pain and death that we humans do.
For the skeptic or agnostics among us who may say “Even it it’s true, --- so what?” I would say this; I find this story to be awesome; because you see, God created us to experience all of those emotions, and He created the emotions too; but --- God couldn’t know the true impact they have on us because he had not experienced them from our level. But – God cared enough about us, and He loved us enough to come to earth and experience everything we experience from our level. And, for me, knowing that God cares enough about me to want to know why I feel and act the way I do, fills me with hope and joy and a sense of pure love.
As you experience your Christmas season, by all means, please continue to support our local Lord’s Pantry through our Blessings Jar. Take note of and support the First Presbyterian Church 2009-10 Winter Clothing and Blanket Collection. Support the Veterans of the Cross offering and drop a little in the Salvation Army bucket each time you pass one. Have a Holy Spirit filled Christmas.
I wish you Christmas peace,
Pastor John
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Pastor John's Corner- November 2009
November has arrived and that brings the beginning of Daylight Savings time, colder weather, Thanksgiving and the onset of your Christmas shopping --- and the first Sunday of Advent. It is a month of change.
It seems that about the first of November each year, the American society begins to have a collective sense of guilt and compassion. You will soon be receiving all kinds of mail telling you about the hungry and the desperate. The pictures will be of people dressed in rags and obviously homeless. Quite frankly, most of this is just effective marketing designed to reach some level of sympathy and a higher level of your checkbook. Are there good causes out there? --- Yes; but --- before you start sending out checks, do a little research and find out how much of your money is really going to overhead for some organization and how much of your donation goes to actually benefit those you intend it to.
If all of the above makes me sound harsh and hard, --- I’m certainly not. I do however hate the fact that it often seems the only time this country gets a collective conscience is when people start feeling guilty for all they are about to eat. That’s not the spirit of Thanksgiving nor is it the spirit of Christian love.
I do sincerely hope you will take every opportunity to recognize the desperation that many people in this country are finding in themselves this year. People who last year were donating to others are now finding themselves is the line waiting for free food from a food bank. By all means, give please support our local Lord’s Pantry. Take note of and support the First Presbyterian Church 2009-10 Winter Clothing and Blanket Collection. Clean out that section of your closet where the clothes shrunk on their hangers since last year and give them to someone else. Support Operation Christmas Child, give to our Blessings Jar, or drop a little in the Salvation Army bucket each time you pass one. Have a generous Thanksgiving.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor John
It seems that about the first of November each year, the American society begins to have a collective sense of guilt and compassion. You will soon be receiving all kinds of mail telling you about the hungry and the desperate. The pictures will be of people dressed in rags and obviously homeless. Quite frankly, most of this is just effective marketing designed to reach some level of sympathy and a higher level of your checkbook. Are there good causes out there? --- Yes; but --- before you start sending out checks, do a little research and find out how much of your money is really going to overhead for some organization and how much of your donation goes to actually benefit those you intend it to.
If all of the above makes me sound harsh and hard, --- I’m certainly not. I do however hate the fact that it often seems the only time this country gets a collective conscience is when people start feeling guilty for all they are about to eat. That’s not the spirit of Thanksgiving nor is it the spirit of Christian love.
I do sincerely hope you will take every opportunity to recognize the desperation that many people in this country are finding in themselves this year. People who last year were donating to others are now finding themselves is the line waiting for free food from a food bank. By all means, give please support our local Lord’s Pantry. Take note of and support the First Presbyterian Church 2009-10 Winter Clothing and Blanket Collection. Clean out that section of your closet where the clothes shrunk on their hangers since last year and give them to someone else. Support Operation Christmas Child, give to our Blessings Jar, or drop a little in the Salvation Army bucket each time you pass one. Have a generous Thanksgiving.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor John
Monday, September 28, 2009
Pastor John's Corner October 2009
Pastor John’s Corner
Summer has officially passed us and we are now well into the fall season. I look forward to this season every year because I love to sit and watch the farmers as they get out in the fields and begin to gather in the harvest. It reminds me that we are fortunate to be involved in taking care of the resources that God had given us and to be involved in taking care of our brothers and sisters around the world with the crops that this community harvests.
October also gives us a chance to give of ourselves through the Neighbors in Need offering. This offering will be collected on October 4th and we will leave the envelopes out and available to you for at least one more Sunday. Two thirds of the NIN money is used to support the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice’s initiatives. Much of the rest of the money goes to support our Native American neighbors in the Uinted Church of Christ. Please consider giving to this offering.
We have also begun our fall Bible study, entitled “The Jesus I Never Knew,” a book by Philip Yancey. I invite all of you to come on either Sunday evening at 6:30 pm or on Wednesday Morning at 10:00 am and join in this discussion.
Finally, I want to invite the members of St. Lucas to come and join in the singing with our choir. Music is one of the ministries of our church and our dedicated few that have been participating in this ministry for years would love to have you join them. Think you don’t have the voice for it? I challenge you to come and find out that there in harmony in numbers. Remember, God hears the same sounds from you as you sing along in the privacy of your car or in the shower. If you’re good enough to sing for God in private, we want you to join us to make a heavenly chorus!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor John
Summer has officially passed us and we are now well into the fall season. I look forward to this season every year because I love to sit and watch the farmers as they get out in the fields and begin to gather in the harvest. It reminds me that we are fortunate to be involved in taking care of the resources that God had given us and to be involved in taking care of our brothers and sisters around the world with the crops that this community harvests.
October also gives us a chance to give of ourselves through the Neighbors in Need offering. This offering will be collected on October 4th and we will leave the envelopes out and available to you for at least one more Sunday. Two thirds of the NIN money is used to support the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice’s initiatives. Much of the rest of the money goes to support our Native American neighbors in the Uinted Church of Christ. Please consider giving to this offering.
We have also begun our fall Bible study, entitled “The Jesus I Never Knew,” a book by Philip Yancey. I invite all of you to come on either Sunday evening at 6:30 pm or on Wednesday Morning at 10:00 am and join in this discussion.
Finally, I want to invite the members of St. Lucas to come and join in the singing with our choir. Music is one of the ministries of our church and our dedicated few that have been participating in this ministry for years would love to have you join them. Think you don’t have the voice for it? I challenge you to come and find out that there in harmony in numbers. Remember, God hears the same sounds from you as you sing along in the privacy of your car or in the shower. If you’re good enough to sing for God in private, we want you to join us to make a heavenly chorus!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor John
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Pastor John's Corner- September 2009
Pastor John’s Corner
God has continued to be generous and gracious to us. What looked to be a start of a potentially disastrous growing season has seemed to turn out well after all. I have to admit that I was beginning to be concerned --- and as I think about that, I am the first to say that I was forgetting to just let God handle the things that God handles. Like so many people do, I wasted time being concerned about things totally out my control when God had the situation under control the whole time.
A new church Christian Education year has begun and it is time for Confirmation to begin, choir practice to begin, the Youth Group to re-form, and Sunday school classes to rotate. Add to that another Bible study and this all adds up to the beginning of another busy nine or so months. As you can see, these are all opportunities for you to serve God and your church. I can assure you there are any numbers of ways that the church can use help. I thank the many of you who continue to serve as liturgist and occasionally give the Children’s moment. However, I also know that there are always others that could be helping with this duty. Please consider signing that little sheet of paper that comes around.
It is, of course, also time for our youth to be going back to school, whether it is grade school, high school, or college. I think that if there is anything I would like to have you consider, it is that education, whether Christian education or formal education, really should be a family affair. Helping kids with homework, listening to their needs and their concerns about what goes on in their life is the surest way to keep up on your child’s social development. As your children make it through each day of school, just remember this; your smile and or hug in the morning --- may be the most reassuring part of their entire day. Don’t miss an opportunity to show your kids how much you love them.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor John
God has continued to be generous and gracious to us. What looked to be a start of a potentially disastrous growing season has seemed to turn out well after all. I have to admit that I was beginning to be concerned --- and as I think about that, I am the first to say that I was forgetting to just let God handle the things that God handles. Like so many people do, I wasted time being concerned about things totally out my control when God had the situation under control the whole time.
A new church Christian Education year has begun and it is time for Confirmation to begin, choir practice to begin, the Youth Group to re-form, and Sunday school classes to rotate. Add to that another Bible study and this all adds up to the beginning of another busy nine or so months. As you can see, these are all opportunities for you to serve God and your church. I can assure you there are any numbers of ways that the church can use help. I thank the many of you who continue to serve as liturgist and occasionally give the Children’s moment. However, I also know that there are always others that could be helping with this duty. Please consider signing that little sheet of paper that comes around.
It is, of course, also time for our youth to be going back to school, whether it is grade school, high school, or college. I think that if there is anything I would like to have you consider, it is that education, whether Christian education or formal education, really should be a family affair. Helping kids with homework, listening to their needs and their concerns about what goes on in their life is the surest way to keep up on your child’s social development. As your children make it through each day of school, just remember this; your smile and or hug in the morning --- may be the most reassuring part of their entire day. Don’t miss an opportunity to show your kids how much you love them.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor John
Monday, May 25, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Pastor's Corner, May 2009
I love the Easter Season. It is a season of refreshment; refreshment of the earth, refreshment of all the flowers and trees, and refreshment of our faith as we once again celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I love the dedication of our choir members as they work hard to put together a program worthy of presentation as praise to God. I also love the fact that we have well attended worship services during Easter and I thank you for making our services a success. The sound of so many voices lifting up praise and prayers to God is the true sound of love. I love the fact that families use this season get together and share meals together and worship together. Yes, indeed, Easter is a joyous season.
One the other side of the coin though, for me personally the downside is that I know that our pews are going to be emptier for a little while. The planting season has begun and our farmers and their family members will be busy getting the corn planted and then the wheat harvested. However, when I do occasionally frump about the lack of attendance on a given Sunday, I remind myself that it is the hard work and efforts of people right here in these two congregations that contributes to feeding the world. In my book, that is exactly the work God would have you do. So, I pray for a safe planting season and a bountiful harvest.
I want to appeal to the youth of our congregations once again. We need your support to keep the youth group going. Our leaders have worked very hard to bring you a well rounded program. If there are things you would like this group to become involved in and would then support, come on out and get involved.
God’s speed,
Pastor John
One the other side of the coin though, for me personally the downside is that I know that our pews are going to be emptier for a little while. The planting season has begun and our farmers and their family members will be busy getting the corn planted and then the wheat harvested. However, when I do occasionally frump about the lack of attendance on a given Sunday, I remind myself that it is the hard work and efforts of people right here in these two congregations that contributes to feeding the world. In my book, that is exactly the work God would have you do. So, I pray for a safe planting season and a bountiful harvest.
I want to appeal to the youth of our congregations once again. We need your support to keep the youth group going. Our leaders have worked very hard to bring you a well rounded program. If there are things you would like this group to become involved in and would then support, come on out and get involved.
God’s speed,
Pastor John
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Pastor John's Corner for April
Pastor John’s Corner
At long last spring has arrived. I don’t know why this winter has seemed so very long since after-all we didn’t actually start getting any really bad weather until after Christmas. But I’m glad to see the flowers blooming and see the gold finches turning back to their summer yellow.
Spring always brings with it the Easter season. This year we will celebrate Palm Sunday on the 5th of April and then Easter on the 12th of Easter. As usual we will have our Easter Cantata at St. Lucas at 7:00 a.m. This will be a parish event and I hope all of you will attend if you are in town. This year’s Cantata will be “Lord of Glory.”
We have had such a wonderful attendance at our spring book discussion of The Shack. I thank Julie Wallis for taking this task on. She has done a marvelous job of getting us through the book and leading us in discussion. For me though, it didn’t matter if you loved or hated the book. The fact that we had 25 people attend regularly and share their comments was a beautiful thing. I plan to look at other things that we might do together to generate covenantal discussion.
With the Easter season and each new flower we see blooming in the yards and in the fields we are once again reminded of the glory of the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Just as the flowers that die off in the fall and go dormant only to rise again in the warmth of spring full of beauty, so did our Savior lie dormant in his grave for three days. But --- come the third day, a miracle of beauty did occur. Christ arose from that cold dark grave and exclaimed that no longer can death be the victor. Through Christ, our salvation had been secured.
I hope all of you will continue to make our worship services a priority in your life. I also want to wish our farmers a good and safe planting season.
God’s speed,
Pastor John
At long last spring has arrived. I don’t know why this winter has seemed so very long since after-all we didn’t actually start getting any really bad weather until after Christmas. But I’m glad to see the flowers blooming and see the gold finches turning back to their summer yellow.
Spring always brings with it the Easter season. This year we will celebrate Palm Sunday on the 5th of April and then Easter on the 12th of Easter. As usual we will have our Easter Cantata at St. Lucas at 7:00 a.m. This will be a parish event and I hope all of you will attend if you are in town. This year’s Cantata will be “Lord of Glory.”
We have had such a wonderful attendance at our spring book discussion of The Shack. I thank Julie Wallis for taking this task on. She has done a marvelous job of getting us through the book and leading us in discussion. For me though, it didn’t matter if you loved or hated the book. The fact that we had 25 people attend regularly and share their comments was a beautiful thing. I plan to look at other things that we might do together to generate covenantal discussion.
With the Easter season and each new flower we see blooming in the yards and in the fields we are once again reminded of the glory of the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Just as the flowers that die off in the fall and go dormant only to rise again in the warmth of spring full of beauty, so did our Savior lie dormant in his grave for three days. But --- come the third day, a miracle of beauty did occur. Christ arose from that cold dark grave and exclaimed that no longer can death be the victor. Through Christ, our salvation had been secured.
I hope all of you will continue to make our worship services a priority in your life. I also want to wish our farmers a good and safe planting season.
God’s speed,
Pastor John
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Pastor John's Corner- February 2009
The season of the Epiphany is almost half over. Epiphany literally means “to reveal” and we associate it with the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. By doing so, it is said; they revealed the Christ Child to the world as a Savior for all people not to just a select few people or a particular society.
Let’s think about that theme of “to reveal” for a moment and in particular, think about what we can do to “reveal” the spirit of Jesus Christ to others. In order to reveal, we must discover and I’d like us to focus on the discovery and reveal process this year as a parish. Let’s begin by asking ourselves a series of questions: “Are we the best that we can be?” “Are we using all of the talents that God has given us?” “Am I personally serving God to the best of my ability?” “What am I doing to help my church serve the community in which I live?”
I suspect that if we take some serious time for reflection we will find that we, personally or as a faith community, have barely touched the surface of using the talents that God gave us. So, here is a list of things I’d like you to think about and maybe you too can come up with an epiphany.
1. How can we develop a “Prayer Chain” for each church or
maybe even a parish-wide one?
2. Finish this sentence: I think _______ would make our worship
services more inspirational and or vital, and this is what I can
do to help.
3. Finish this sentence: I really wish our church would _______
and this is what I can do to help.
Three simple questions to think about; and yet they all require thought and personal involvement. They require working together and planning and volunteering. I’m betting if you ask yourself these questions and then share your answers with each other that a ground swell can occur and we can accomplish great things for 2009. Ask God for help; He’s always there!
Pastor John
Let’s think about that theme of “to reveal” for a moment and in particular, think about what we can do to “reveal” the spirit of Jesus Christ to others. In order to reveal, we must discover and I’d like us to focus on the discovery and reveal process this year as a parish. Let’s begin by asking ourselves a series of questions: “Are we the best that we can be?” “Are we using all of the talents that God has given us?” “Am I personally serving God to the best of my ability?” “What am I doing to help my church serve the community in which I live?”
I suspect that if we take some serious time for reflection we will find that we, personally or as a faith community, have barely touched the surface of using the talents that God gave us. So, here is a list of things I’d like you to think about and maybe you too can come up with an epiphany.
1. How can we develop a “Prayer Chain” for each church or
maybe even a parish-wide one?
2. Finish this sentence: I think _______ would make our worship
services more inspirational and or vital, and this is what I can
do to help.
3. Finish this sentence: I really wish our church would _______
and this is what I can do to help.
Three simple questions to think about; and yet they all require thought and personal involvement. They require working together and planning and volunteering. I’m betting if you ask yourself these questions and then share your answers with each other that a ground swell can occur and we can accomplish great things for 2009. Ask God for help; He’s always there!
Pastor John
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Pastor John's Corner- January 2008
Pastor John’s Corner
I truly do hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I know Kathy and I certainly did. It was wonderful to see the sanctuaries all decorated and to once again hear the old and familiar Christmas Carols. I was really impressed by the youth of the parish as they performed in the Christmas Pageant. And of course no Christmas would be complete without the youngsters doing their part of the Christmas program. It was wonderful too to see large attendance at each of our Christmas Eve services.
The year 2008 was beset with bad weather in the spring and bad financial news for not only our country but for the world in the fall. History was made though as this country elected its first President of a mixed race. I don’t know about you but, I take pride in saying that President-Elect Barrack Obama is a member of the United Church of Christ. I guess though, --- the thing that I take away from this election is the hope that just maybe, this country is beginning to “get it”! We are all children of God and there is just no room for things like racial bigotry and hate in any society that claims to be God fearing and or professes to be a “Christian nation.” I wish the new president and our country well as we begin a new era in our country’s destiny.
We have just completed a very successful year in the parish. Each church has gained new membership in addition to those gained through the confirmation process and we frequently see visitors in the pews. I’m thankful to see our St. Paul’s “Scriptures and Donuts” program going strong and I’m also grateful to see good attendance at our Bible study programs. I’m looking forward to the Lenten season when Julie Wallis will be presenting a book discussion series on W. Paul Young’s fictional novel “The Shack”. I hope many of you will attend.
I wish you a very spiritually rewarding 2009. Study your Bible and share your faith with someone who may be searching for help to get through the year. God bless you all.
Pastor John
I truly do hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I know Kathy and I certainly did. It was wonderful to see the sanctuaries all decorated and to once again hear the old and familiar Christmas Carols. I was really impressed by the youth of the parish as they performed in the Christmas Pageant. And of course no Christmas would be complete without the youngsters doing their part of the Christmas program. It was wonderful too to see large attendance at each of our Christmas Eve services.
The year 2008 was beset with bad weather in the spring and bad financial news for not only our country but for the world in the fall. History was made though as this country elected its first President of a mixed race. I don’t know about you but, I take pride in saying that President-Elect Barrack Obama is a member of the United Church of Christ. I guess though, --- the thing that I take away from this election is the hope that just maybe, this country is beginning to “get it”! We are all children of God and there is just no room for things like racial bigotry and hate in any society that claims to be God fearing and or professes to be a “Christian nation.” I wish the new president and our country well as we begin a new era in our country’s destiny.
We have just completed a very successful year in the parish. Each church has gained new membership in addition to those gained through the confirmation process and we frequently see visitors in the pews. I’m thankful to see our St. Paul’s “Scriptures and Donuts” program going strong and I’m also grateful to see good attendance at our Bible study programs. I’m looking forward to the Lenten season when Julie Wallis will be presenting a book discussion series on W. Paul Young’s fictional novel “The Shack”. I hope many of you will attend.
I wish you a very spiritually rewarding 2009. Study your Bible and share your faith with someone who may be searching for help to get through the year. God bless you all.
Pastor John
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Pastor John's Corner December 2008
Pastor John’s Corner
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” These words from Luke 2:10-11 are a singular discourse and account of the birth of Jesus. Matthew, in his gospel, only says “Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of King Herod.” He then tells us the story of the visit of the royal astrologers or “wisemen” as we tend to call them. Mark and John speak nothing about a miraculous birth.
Why then do you suppose it was so important for Luke to tell us about a “miraculous birth” with angels and shepherds on the hillsides and all of the other things that we have come to associate with the Nativity scene? And of course the second question would be; “Why, after 300 years, did we suddenly decide that this was event that needed to be told in this particular manner.”?
I think the answer lies in the simple word: “hope”. By the year 313 AD approximately 90% of the Roman Empire had “converted” to Christianity, however, there was a large split looming in the faith because of a division over the acceptance of the divine nature of Jesus. So the Emperor Constantine, at the Council of Nicaea, established and wrote the Nicene Creed, thereby “officially establishing” for the church, the Divinity of Christ. That then brought into play, Luke’s gospel and the telling of the Nativity story as we know it today.
I personally love the Christmas story because it is a story of hope. It tells of a longing of people to be a part of the kingdom of God. It gives us hope to know that God loves us enough to send his very own son, and that makes the birth of Christ very personal to me. Luke wrote of the birth because he felt it important that we hear the story and realize that this wasn’t just a man that God tapped on the shoulder to give a good message. This man had been miraculously conceived and angelically announced. This man was God’s Son.
I hope you too have a miraculous Christmas.
Pastor John
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” These words from Luke 2:10-11 are a singular discourse and account of the birth of Jesus. Matthew, in his gospel, only says “Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of King Herod.” He then tells us the story of the visit of the royal astrologers or “wisemen” as we tend to call them. Mark and John speak nothing about a miraculous birth.
Why then do you suppose it was so important for Luke to tell us about a “miraculous birth” with angels and shepherds on the hillsides and all of the other things that we have come to associate with the Nativity scene? And of course the second question would be; “Why, after 300 years, did we suddenly decide that this was event that needed to be told in this particular manner.”?
I think the answer lies in the simple word: “hope”. By the year 313 AD approximately 90% of the Roman Empire had “converted” to Christianity, however, there was a large split looming in the faith because of a division over the acceptance of the divine nature of Jesus. So the Emperor Constantine, at the Council of Nicaea, established and wrote the Nicene Creed, thereby “officially establishing” for the church, the Divinity of Christ. That then brought into play, Luke’s gospel and the telling of the Nativity story as we know it today.
I personally love the Christmas story because it is a story of hope. It tells of a longing of people to be a part of the kingdom of God. It gives us hope to know that God loves us enough to send his very own son, and that makes the birth of Christ very personal to me. Luke wrote of the birth because he felt it important that we hear the story and realize that this wasn’t just a man that God tapped on the shoulder to give a good message. This man had been miraculously conceived and angelically announced. This man was God’s Son.
I hope you too have a miraculous Christmas.
Pastor John
Pastor John's Corner- November 2008
Vacations are a wonderful time if we only let ourselves physically and mentally actually take one. Probably one of the hardest things for me to do is to “let go” and walk away to let someone else do the job. Kathy will be the very first to attest that I am a person who has not learned to relax. But this last week Kate and I again made our way to Nevada and California, and for once I think I really relaxed and refreshed myself.
I owe part of that relaxation, and my sincere thanks, to Julie Wallis who shared her book with us called “The Shack.” I read this book from start to finish in one sitting, (four hour planes rides will give you that opportunity) and I believe it truly set the tone for our vacation. If you have not read this book, I would suggest you put it on your personal Christmas list of “things to do for myself.” I guess I would call it a “Christian fiction” book, but it is deeply theological and will not only give you much to think about, but will maybe even challenge your ideas about God’s essence and will possibly open you up to new and insightful thinking about faith ---- not religion ---- faith.
The second book I read, (yes, on the plane ride home) was called “FIREPROOF”. This story is about a couple who discovered, almost too late, that the power of Christian faith and the Holy Spirit were the only answers that might save their marriage. The book has just recently been released as a movie. Buy this book somewhere and read it.
My other relaxation blessing came as Kate and I were driving through the Lake Mead and Valley of Fire National Recreation areas. The convertible top was down, the sun was sitting low on the mountain horizon, the scenery was breath-taking and suddenly the “Hallelujah Chorus” came wonderfully and loudly through our Sirius Satellite Radio Station. God is Still Speaking! --- And when God says “take a break,” God not only means it ---- God provides the tools and the setting.
Christ’s Blessings,
Pastor John
I owe part of that relaxation, and my sincere thanks, to Julie Wallis who shared her book with us called “The Shack.” I read this book from start to finish in one sitting, (four hour planes rides will give you that opportunity) and I believe it truly set the tone for our vacation. If you have not read this book, I would suggest you put it on your personal Christmas list of “things to do for myself.” I guess I would call it a “Christian fiction” book, but it is deeply theological and will not only give you much to think about, but will maybe even challenge your ideas about God’s essence and will possibly open you up to new and insightful thinking about faith ---- not religion ---- faith.
The second book I read, (yes, on the plane ride home) was called “FIREPROOF”. This story is about a couple who discovered, almost too late, that the power of Christian faith and the Holy Spirit were the only answers that might save their marriage. The book has just recently been released as a movie. Buy this book somewhere and read it.
My other relaxation blessing came as Kate and I were driving through the Lake Mead and Valley of Fire National Recreation areas. The convertible top was down, the sun was sitting low on the mountain horizon, the scenery was breath-taking and suddenly the “Hallelujah Chorus” came wonderfully and loudly through our Sirius Satellite Radio Station. God is Still Speaking! --- And when God says “take a break,” God not only means it ---- God provides the tools and the setting.
Christ’s Blessings,
Pastor John
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