Chris Rock talks about the difference between making history and just making a movie in the current issue of “Time” magazine. He says, “When Grown Ups 2 comes out, chances are, unless Tyler Perry has a movie out, I might be the…

John Hackmann, our Associate Pastor, was ordained Friday evening at Annual Conference. This is a big deal.  A very big deal.  Our church is thrilled for him and proud of him! The serivce took place in Peoria.  Not too many…

“See how good and healthy it is when Christ’s family gets together!” —Psalm 133:1, RDSV This time, I wasn’t there.  I missed Annual Conference. The first full week in Physical Therapy for my broken ankle was coinciding with it. When…

“Bear one another’s burdens.”  —Galatians 6:2 It’s easy for some of us to be helpers.  To be the ones who know how.  Who can do.  I like being in this group. But to suddenly need help?  To not know what…

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;  great is your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:22-23 “Lamentations:” even the name sounds itself sounds like a downer. Most of us…

“Howdy, Preacher!” I thought I recognized the voice, turned and yup, it was Bill. He was a regular at the church where I’d been the pastor about three months.  He always had a smile to go with his firm handshake.…

With his permission, I quote my friend and colleague John Read, who among other things is a Chaplain in the US Army serving in the middle east, and who posted this yesterday as he reviewed his Memorial Day Weekend —…

A friend shared this prayer, written by Wm. Sloan Coffin.  I invite you to do two things: join me in praying it, and then feel free to leave your comments. “Grant, O God, that they may not have died in…

“Going to bed early.  Tomorrow will be better.”  That’s how the email ended a moment ago.  It’s been a long day for that family, filled with the kind of medical things that can cause concern. Their faith is strong.  They…

“Come, Holy Spirit, and form us into the people of God we were meant to be.   Discard our old, unfruitful selves.   Let us not die and return to dust before we have been transformed by  you.  Amen.” You know…