“Away in a Manger” is one of my favorite hymns (songs).  I sing it all year, not just at Christmas time.  The words are simple and yet I feel them in my heart every time I sing them. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet …

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I was poking around in a seasonal gift shop this last week, and I saw a decorative sign that really struck a chord with me.  At the moment, it is the only Christmas decoration on display at our house. “Dance like Frosty Shine like Rudolph Give like Santa Love like Jesus.” I’ve had a hard …

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On a beautiful evening in September, Tom and I walked down to Ottawa Beach to see the sunset.  The day had been clear and warm and the evening promised more of the same, with no clouds in the sky.  I took my “good” camera (not my cell phone) hoping to get some really good pictures …

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Pastor Matt has been preaching on the Parable of the Sower during the month of August.  It has been a good series with plenty of things to think about.  I especially liked his final sermon on the series, which talked about the good soil and producing fruit. The Parable of the Sower is a familiar …

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Last week I spent every evening volunteering at Vacation Bible School at Lewis Center United Methodist Church.  I spent many hours at Vacation Bible School when I was a pastor, but rarely had a specific job.  Because Tom and I are spending an uncharacteristic summer in Ohio, I was able to volunteer to be part …

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This last Sunday we said goodbye to Pastor Phil at Lewis Center United Methodist Church.  We have been attending the church for about five years now, and Pastor Phil has been the associate pastor at the church during that time.  The United Methodist Church appoints pastors where their gifts can best be used.  In May …

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Pastoral duties filled last weekend.  On Saturday I presided at the graveside funeral for a long-term family friend in Benton Ridge, Ohio.  Sunday I preached two services at Wedgewood United Methodist Church in Akron, Ohio.  They were definitely good days where I felt like I was doing what God wanted me to do.  But they …

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Now that we are back in Ohio, I have resumed my morning walks in Char-Mar Ridge Park.  Recently, as I was walking, I smelled an intense fragrance and smiled.  The honeysuckle is back in bloom. I may be allergic to most plants, but I love the smell of honeysuckle.  I’m still allergic to it, but …

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This was the third year Tom and I did not worship in a sanctuary on Easter.  This statistic is especially remarkable because of all the Easter services I attended for so many years.  During my 21 years at Wedgewood we usually had three services every Easter Sunday.  If you add in Holy Week services, I …

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