UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL May 6, 2012 Easter 5 John 15:1-8 Dear Friends in Christ,   Spring is the time of the year when a lot of people like to make use of their binoculars.  Binoculars are especially good to take with you on a visit to the park or on a trip in the country.  ... Continue

The Temple Comes to the Temple March 11, 2012 John 2:13-22 Lent 3   Dear Friends in Christ,  It was easy to identify the temple in Jerusalem: It was the magnificent building made of stone, divided into two rooms. A wall enclosed the courtyard that contained an altar for sacrifice and a basin for washing. ... Continue

A Test of Faith Dear Friends in Christ On Wednesday we entered the Season of Lent — 40 days of preparation — a time for us to think about the Sacrifice of Jesus.  A time to think about what He gave up for us? What is hard for you to give up?  ... Continue

Glory and Cross Mark 9:2-9 The Transfiguration of Our Lord   Some big things happen on high mountains in the Bible. Noah’s ark landed on Mt. Ararat, and there God promised never again to flood the entire earth. Abraham climbed a hill to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice before God provided a ... Continue

"Jesus is Here - Come and See!" John 1:43-51 January 15, 2012   In our text this morning we are told that Jesus found Philip and called to him: “Follow Me.” With that command came the power to do so, and thus Philip was made a disciple. What do people do with good news? ... Continue

Strange Man. Strange Message. Mark 1:4-11 Epiphany 1 January 8, 2012   Today we see John the Baptist, miracle child of Elizabeth and Zacharias' old age. He's all grown up now, and he stands out from the crowd. His wardrobe is strictly Old Testament prophet in style. You won't find camels' hair with leather accents ... Continue

A WHITE CHRISTMAS December 24, 1999   Dear friends in Christ Jesus,   Do you know what one song has sold the greatest number of records in history?    If you’ve listened much to the radio lately, you’ve probably heard it several times in the past two or three weeks.  It’s Irving Berlin’s “I’m Dreaming of ... Continue

While You Wait...Be a Responsible Steward November 13, 2011 Mark 12:38-44   Dear Friends in Christ,   Do you like to watch people?  People watching a favorite pastime for many people.  I suspect we all like to watch people.  A favorite place to watch ... Continue

“First Things First” October 23, 2011 Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”   “Which will bring you the greater return on your investment?  [A] One dollar a week for 52 years, or [B] one penny a week doubled for ... Continue

“Begin With the End in Mind: Living as Fruitful Stewards in Time”   Today, we begin our stewardship program Bearing Fruit for Jesus: His Grace and Power at Work Within You. For this week, our focus is on being fruitful with our time.   The text is from Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time ... Continue