The election of Donald Trump to President has been difficult for me. I have been praying to come to peace with the election and praying for him as he takes office. How shall I respond to the election of a horrible person to our country’s highest office? I have definitely become more politically active, making …
From Worship Experiences
Prayer: Placebo or Power?
Today Tom and I returned to Wesley United Methodist Church. Rev. Patton, who is the Senior Pastor and who preached last week, was not there. Instead, Rev. Gene Yates, the Pastor of Pastoral Care, gave the message. His theme was “Prayer: Placebo or Power?” I liked the theme and the way he organized his message. …
Wesley UMC, St. Simons Island
Tom and I have now been on St. Simons Island six days. We came on a Tuesday, explored until dark (tomorrow’s post), worked at Fort Frederica the next four days, and went to church today, our first day off. Unlike other national park sites where we have worked, St. Simons is a hotbed of civilization. …
One Year Bible Published by Tyndale
Yesterday I finished reading through the Bible – again. I read the last day’s assignment in the One Year Bible New International Version published by Tyndale. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve read through the Bible, but I try to do it at least every other year. I like the discipline of reading …
The Child Leapt to Welcome Jesus
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Luke 1:41 Most of my life, I have been the first one in the house awake on Christmas morning. When I was a child, I leapt out of bed, awakened my brother and sister, and we …
Love Came Down at Christmas
Yesterday was the fourth Sunday in Advent. The theme for the day was love, which always makes me think of the Christina Rossetti poem, “Love Came Down at Christmas.” This simple, direct poem was first published in 1885. It has been set to music but is not usually considered a Christmas favorite. Love came down …
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Sunday was the third Sunday in Advent and the theme for the day was joy. One of my favorite hymns is “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” Every time I sing it my heart is lifted up. The words were written by Henry Van Dyke in 1907 and the tune is Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” from …
Kept in Perfect Peace
Yesterday I got to preach in a church for the first time since I retired. My dad arranged for me to preach at Lexington Church of the Cross. I was a little nervous but I didn’t have any problem coming up with a sermon and the congregation seemed very receptive. Tom said it went better …
Hope Is the Thing with Feathers
Yesterday was the first Sunday in Advent, the season in the church where we prepare our hearts and lives to receive Christ. During the season of Advent, most churches incorporate an Advent wreath into their worship. There are five candles, each standing for one of the important components of Advent. The candle on the first …
I Don’t Want to Die
Tom and I attended a powerful worship service at Linworth United Methodist Church yesterday. The theme of the service was reconciliation and the election results were mentioned several times. The essence of the message was this: continue to live your calling as Christians day by day and treat all people with love and kindness. It …