I have to confess that I fret.  Lately I have been waking up around 5 a.m. and have trouble falling back asleep.  The political situation in the United States, in particular, has made me very anxious.  During the day I can push it to the back of my mind, but at night the anxiety rises …

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I have been reading the One Year Bible in 2025.  In fact, I am leading a Bible study of sorts on the One Year Bible and some of you are in it.  I’ve really been enjoying both reading the Bible and getting feedback from other people about it. This last week I read a couple …

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December 5 – 8 was a very busy four days filled with Lewis Center church activities.  We had a cookie walk, cantata, and tree lighting.  As a pastor, I am used to December being a crazy month with all kinds of things crammed in.  But things have generally been quieter for me since I retired.  …

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2025 is my year to read through the entire Bible – again.  And I thought it was a good time to invite you to read through it with me.  I will be reading the One Year Bible and sending out a weekly e-mail to encourage you and give you some background information on what you …

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On November 24, Tom and I participated in the Hanging of the Greens at Lewis Center United Methodist Church.  Lewis Center is an active, faithful community of folks and Tom and I try to participate as we can when we are in Ohio.  Most Sundays we serve as a greeter (me) and an usher (Tom).  …

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The very first church that I served as a pastor was Lake Brady United Methodist Church.  I graduated from seminary in May of 1984 and started as the pastor of this church on July 1.  I was 24 years old at the time.  With my newly minted degree, I looked forward to changing the world …

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Before the time change in November, I was leaving my house to take my morning walk in darkness.  I walk first thing in the morning.  I like to walk early because it is routine.  It doesn’t matter how awake I am, my habit is pulling on my boots and heading across the road as soon …

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The Bible is full of stories about wilderness.  The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years.  The prophets lived in the desert.  David fled to the desert for protection against his enemies.  John the Baptist made the wilderness his home.  Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to prepare for his ministry.  Whenever …

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This Christmas, I had several opportunities for making music.  Music allows me to worship God more than any other medium.  I worship when I sing and when I listen to music. The Lewis Center United Methodist Church Choir presented a cantata this year.  Cantatas are a beautiful way of making music.  They also seem to …

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During Advent I led my first Bible since I retired.  Some people at Lewis Center United Methodist Church had been asking for an evening Bible Study and both the pastors were too busy to do it.  They asked me if I would be willing to do it and I gladly said yes.  Then I went …

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