From the Pastor
Not Seeing is Believing
Poor Thomas. Because of one simple mistake, written down by John, the beloved disciple, in the eternal words of the Bible, Thomas is now forever labeled as “Doubting Thomas.” Out of all the nicknames that Bible characters have, this one...
Continue Reading
From the Pastor
Mission…Impossible?(John 20:19-31)
I used to watch the TV show “Mission Impossible.” I remembered that recently when I heard of another installment of the movie version due for release later this year. The TV show always began with the opening title...
Continue Reading
From the Pastor
Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound(John 1:16-17)
It’s a cruel irony that Girl Scout cookie sales and March Madness always seem to coincide with the season of Lent. Just when I’ve convinced myself I’m a person of modest self-discipline, it all...
Continue Reading
From the Pastor
When “More” Can Never Satisfy(Ecclesiastes 5:8-10; 2 Corinthians 9:7)
Juli and I had the opportunity to have some time away this past month. Many thanks to Pastor Zach and to those who filled in (Pastor Jim Stoltenberg, Mark and Megan Mantey, Bob Hirt) for me during...
Continue Reading
From the Pastor
Welcome to October! Fall may very well be my favorite season of the year. The football season is in full effect, the weather starts to cool off a bit, and programing at the church gets back into motion! New things continue to happen throughout the fall, as the leaves change...
Continue Reading
From the Pastor
Though the Earth Give Way(Psalm 46 )
This month marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11. I was too young to remember where I was and what I was doing the day that JFK was assassinated. But I’ll never forget the day the twin towers came down. Our family was in St. Louis at the...
Continue Reading
From the Pastor
A God Who Speaks(John 10:27-28)
August is that traditional time of year that all thoughts turn to the new school year. After a brief time of a well-earned rest and recreation, educators and students alike jump back into their school routine. This year, those preparations are...
Continue Reading
From the Pastor
Communicating the Message(Psalm 96/Romans 10:14 )
It can seem at times that technology is not our friend. Habitual smart-phone use has been linked to diminished cognitive function. Social media postings can promote hate and be a vehicle for bullying activity. The list goes on...
Continue Reading
From the Pastor
The Need for a Quiet Place(Mark 6:30-32)
We’ve all had times that life’s balance has gotten a little lopsided and out of control. I remember when I first started serving as a pastor at a small, multilingual congregation not long after Juli and I were married. I had...
Continue Reading
From the Pastor
Bearing One Another’s Burdens(Galatians 6:2a; Philippians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Many years ago, when I traveled to Europe for the first time (before Juli and I were married), I heard and read about all kinds of horrible things happening to unwary foreigners there...
Continue Reading