In the last few months, two good 60 year old friends have had heart attacks. Both of them had 100% blockages in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). These kind of heart attacks are called “widowmakers” because they can lead to death if the person isn’t treated right away. Our friend Tom got immediate treatment …
From Worship Experiences
Until Christ Is Formed In You
I recently read Galatians 4:19 and was struck by the language Paul used. He wrote, “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” That is only a portion of the passage and I don’t usually take verses out of context. But this one verse …
At This Table, Everyone Is Welcome
Tom and I enjoyed listening to Christmas music as we drove up and down I-71 to see friends and family during December. A new song that I heard, one that really stuck in my mind, was “At This Table” written by Idina Menzel. It is on her new Christmas album. I always think it is …
Darkness Has Not Overcome the Light
This is a dark time of year. It is dark at 5 p.m., and – even though we are supposedly climbing out of the darkness – the long, dark, cold nights really get to me. I don’t find them cozy. I feel the cold down deep in my bones and it seems like nothing will …
Barely Singing in the Cantata at Lewis Center UMC
Last Sunday found me barely singing in the cantata at Lewis Center United Methodist Church. Those of you who know me, know I love to sing and I especially like to sing in Christmas Cantatas. Last year I sang with the Lewis Center choir in their cantata and Tamara, the director, welcomed me back this …
Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Today is not a beautiful day in the neighborhood. It is cold and gray, as are so many winter days in Ohio. But it is a good day to write about the movie “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Just about any day would be a good day to write about this wonderful movie. “A …
My Goal Is God Himself, Not Joy or Peace
I recently came across a hymn that I had never heard before. “My Goal is God Himself, Not Joy or Peace” was in devotional book and not identified as a hymn, so it took a little digging on my part to find it. I know so many hymns that it is rare for me to …
Advent: Preparing for His Coming
Today is the first day of December, but it is also the first Sunday of Advent. If you are not familiar with advent, it is the time of preparation before Christmas. There are four Sundays in Advent, and it has always been one of my favorite times of the year. It is the nesting time …
Impact of Antioch Church in Acts 11
Last week at Lewis Center United Methodist Church, Pastor Tom continued talking about the “real life, real impact” of the church. To do so, he read Acts 11:19-30, which talks about the early church in Antioch. The church in Antioch was established by apostles fleeing the persecution in Jerusalem. Some of those who fled preached …
Mission Minded Lewis Center United Methodist Church
One of the things Tom and I really enjoy about attending Lewis Center UMC, the church we attend when we are in Ohio, is how mission minded they are. Lewis Center is filled with people who are really trying to make a difference in their community. The church’s motto is “Real Life, Real Impact” and …