Less than a week later, I am writing to you all again with great sadness over yet another mass shooting in our nation—this time in Boulder, Colorado. Ten innocent lives have been snuffed out by a disturbed individual with a semi-automatic weapon. As we have been making our way through the pandemic, the absence of regular mass shootings has been so refreshing. I wondered if we may have turned the corner; indeed, it has just felt as though we all already have too much on our plates. Now, though, it seems that life in America really is returning to "normal." God help us. …

The sickness of racism and violence continues to plague our communities and our nation. Jesus weeps with us, and people of all backgrounds are called to stand up for love and against hate—to live in beloved community with one another in unity and peace …

Daylight savings time begins this Saturday night! Set your clocks one hour ahead ("spring ahead!") so that you don't miss worship on Sunday morning!

This coming Sunday—March 14—we will be reflecting on what it means to take up our cross and follow Jesus (Luke 9:21-27). The question we'll be discussing in Zoom worship is, "What does 'taking up your cross' mean to you?"

As Lent continues, this Sunday we'll be exploring the story of Mary, Martha, and Jesus found in Luke 10:38-42 …

Well, if you can believe it, my one-year anniversary of serving as Bethany's pastor is this coming Sunday, February 28th. How has it already been a year?! Then again, these past 12 months of the pandemic have been jam-packed with many new "normals", tons of Zoom meetings, a few care packages, lots of anxiety, encountering God through virtual worship and other new ways, and some very meaningful conversations and reflections …

Today is Ash Wednesday—we acknowledge our brokenness and sinfulness as human beings as our Lenten journey begins. Indeed, ashes upon our foreheads symbolize the fact that "we are dust, and to dust we shall return." Because it is still not safe to gather together, you can click here for my Ash Wednesday reflection …

I am reminded of the great power of prayer. May we trust that God's Spirit is present with us as we navigate these challenging situations.

Last night's storm was yet another experience among many recently that reminds us all just how chaotic this world can be. Things can change in an instant, and we often feel like tiny leaves being blown to and fro by powerful forces well beyond our control. And yet, today, we try to pick up the mess and move forward with our lives as best we can. Our faith remains a profound stabilizing force in our lives despite whatever comes our way …

We are living in an era with no shortage of crucial issues to address; we have big questions to answer as individuals, as a community of faith, and as a nation. It can be a challenge knowing where to begin ...

Many of us, myself included, are very concerned over possible violence and chaos that may ensue at these protests in the coming week and beyond. It's hard not to feel frightened and overwhelmed during these unprecedented days.

To help shore up our faith for times like these, our Presbytery is offering a Zoom prayer service on Sunday evening, January 17th at 5 p.m.

Various news outlets are reporting calls for armed protests at all 50 state capitals. These are frightening, tense days—we are all praying that cooler heads will prevail and that we'll avoid violence as we transition to a new presidency …

How do we, as followers of Jesus Christ, find our way through such turbulent times? I'm not sure I have the answers but I think we need to first acknowledge that our nation is quite sick. Very few people want violence and as Christians, we reject it in all forms. I pray there are ways that we can speak up on behalf of love and unity, of civility and respect when others work to promote division and misinformation, threat and chaos. I pray our churches might be more willing to reflect upon God's Word and the ways it does influence our politics and our humanity. Ultimately, I pray that we would all strive to be more loving as this is what our faith is all about …

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope that your celebrations and merry-making are continuing even as we continue to make our way through this current lockdown and into the new year. At least you have a good excuse in order to enjoy lots of yummy foods …

God's Spirit is presenting us with gifts everyday of our journey. The pandemic hasn't stopped us from finding creative ways to connect, nor has it been able to suppress the power of love and hope …

Tonight, at 7 p.m., The Gathering presents the 7th annual “Write Christmas” community writing workshop—this year via Zoom! You can participate as a writer or simply as a spectator in this 90-minute online gathering of creative minds …

Dr. May Tucker has put together a couple of lovely Advent carols for us to sing-along to from home. The lyrics are at the end of this email. Click here to see this, the latest in her series of sing-alongs …

As you birth more joy into the world through the power of singing, I pray that God’s peace and hope will fill your hearts …

I pray that you all had a meaningful Thanksgiving, and that the spirit of gratitude is with us always …

The beautiful hymn “Let All Things Living” reminds us that we still have so much to be grateful for, even in the midst of a pandemic. In the spirit of thanksgiving, we’ll be focusing on our great gratitude for all of God’s blessings in our lives and in the world this coming Sunday, November 22 …