2 Corinthians 12:1-10 has pretty much been my theme passage lately. Especially the repeated interjection, “I do not know but God knows” in verses 2 and 3. Over and over in the last few months I have repeated this refrain in wonder. I am amazed and awed that God cares for me so much that …
From Worship Experiences
Faith Is Confidence, Not How We Feel
I have many favorite Bible verses. One of them is Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” I was reminded of this verse a few weeks ago when a friend mentioned that she just wasn’t feeling God right now. Too much trouble and …
Beatitudes: Beauty and Simplicity in Following Christ
Some of the most famous words of Jesus are found in the Beatitudes, part of the Sermon on the Mount. Most Christians are familiar with the words, although they are sometimes contrary to the ways we want to live. Pastors Matt and Phil at Lewis Center United Methodist Church have been preaching a series on …
Leaning Left Against the Plumb Line
I bruised a rib and pulled a muscle in my back in an accident last week. For about a week I couldn’t stand up straight. Even when I thought I was standing up straight, Tom would point out I was leaning left. The injury is gradually getting better and now it really only hurts when …
Back to School Park and Pray Ministry
Now that students are headed back to school, some virtually and some in person, I know parents, grandparents, and teachers are very concerned. Here in Delaware County, most of the schools are still intending to have in person classes. I wondered how I could be supportive during this stressful time for everyone. Last week at …
New Lead Pastor at Lewis Center UMC
The first Sunday in August was the first Sunday for the new Lead Pastor at Lewis Center United Methodist Church. The previous pastor retired in June, and Pastor Phil has been doing everything in July. I’m sure he was glad to welcome the new Lead Pastor, Rev. Matt Yoder. Pastor Matt was one of the …
Serve the Lord With All Your Heart
John and Jackie are moving. They are still going to be living near Columbus, but they are moving into a little bit bigger house. The thing with moving is – whether you go five miles or five hundred – you still have to move everything. Of course, Tom and I are helping them. We are …
Procrastination Jeopardizes the Future
I was thinking recently about procrastination. No one has ever accused me of being a procrastinator, but there are times when I have accused Tom of being one. Tom likes to consider all his options before he makes a decision about something. And he waits because there might be better options available tomorrow. I consider …
Thunderstorms Threaten Worship Service
Last Sunday scattered thunderstorms were forecast for the Lewis Center area. Tom and I returned to the outdoor worship service at Lewis Center United Methodist Church. But we were a little concerned about the service being rained out or the worship leaders being threatened by lightning. Of course, Lewis Center was on top of it. …
Outdoor Worship at Lewis Center UMC
This last week we went to our first in-person outdoor worship service at Lewis Center United Methodist Church. We hadn’t worshiped with a congregation since the beginning of March. This was the second outdoor worship service for Lewis Center. They have two huge, wonderful shade trees on a large lawn. The lawn gently slopes down …