Dear Members and Friends, The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – that’s us – states “its faith and bears witness to God’s grace in Jesus Christ in the creeds and confessions in the Book of Confessions.”1 Pastors affirm this statement when they are ordained. Ruling Elders affirm it. So do Deacons. “In these statements the church declares […]

Dear Members and Friends,             Once a month I receive a newsletter from Meaningful Ageing Australia. I don’t have any idea how I first learned of this organization, but each month I am inspired by, and my heart is warmed by it because one of the greatest joys of my calling is visiting people who’ve […]

Dear Members and Friends,  We are writing to inform you that Kristen Stanley has resigned as our Director of Christian Education effective November 1, 2019.  While Kristen has been here only a short time, we are grateful for her service, for the relationships she built, for her energy, creativity, commitment to this church, and, especially, for her loyalty to Jesus […]

Dear Members and Friends,             I want to describe a frustration I feel as a pastor. I want to support and participate in the prayer and pastoral ministries of congregations. At the same time, the pastoral role carries a unique responsibility — to honor pastor/member confidentiality. This responsibility has two dimensions which are accurate information […]

To Friends and Members, Would you join me in a daily practice from now through November 1? This practice only needs five minutes or less each day. It doesn’t need any particular place, or specific tools, or skill. Here’s the practice. Think about five things for which you are grateful. Each new day think of […]

Weekly Contact – October 3, 2019  First Presbyterian Church INTERNALLY NURTURING EXTERNALLY SERVING  Here’s my sermon title:   “There’s something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”  These are Fred Rogers’ words. The Scripture lesson is Luke 17:5-10 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” The Lord replied, “If […]

First Presbyterian Church INTERNALLY NURTURING EXTERNALLY SERVING            My sermon for Sunday is titled “You work. I’ll pray.” You’ll learn the power of this statement in its original context and how it might be revised in our day.             “Remembering Apollo 11” is the topic in Sunday’s coffee chats in the lounge and conversation about […]

First Presbyterian Church INTERNALLY NURTURING EXTERNALLY SERVING We will be singing this hymn Sunday morning.  God, You spin the whirling plants, Fill the seas and spread the plain, Mold the mountains, fashion blossoms, Call forth sunshine, wind, and rain. E, created in Your image, Would a true reflection be Of Your justice, grace, and mercy […]

First Presbyterian Church INTERNALLY NURTURING EXTERNALLY SERVING I am excited about Sunday, my first Sunday with you. The sermon is titled “Ain’t Nobody Prayin’ for Me” and the texts are below. Ginny and I look forward to meeting you at the reception. Then seek out the discussion of The Prodigal God or join the Coffee […]