Today was a difficult time to preach. First, for the last three days I've been coming down with the flu. Finally, Saturday night I figured out I was sick, took my temperature of 102+, & decided to head to the doc-in-the-box right after church. Second, it was the day my appointment to another church was announced to my congregations. Some took ( Read more... )

Today was an unusual Sunday at both churches. We were saying goodbye to our choir director at Morris UMC, who was leaving to go to a larger church (doubled his salary). It was one of those days where preaching at two churches presented a challenge. My Friendship church wasn't losing our piano player. So... I decided to do a mini sermon about ( Read more... )

On Easter morning we had a very special service at my churches. Instead of the usual format, the primary message was a drama, acted out in pantomine. I read "The Rag Man" while the actors did their thing. It was followed by a short sermon message. I was so proud of my youth drama team (and special non-youth augmentees) for the great job they ( Read more... )

I have a mid week message post today because my Morris Church offers Holy Week services. Even though our congregation shrinks to a bit more than half the number of our Sunday worshipers, it represents twice the number of our regular Wednesday Bible Study. It's always good to get together with the faithful ( Read more... )

Today's message was one that introduced Holy Communion. It was also a sermon that least followed the script of any of my messages for the last year or so ( Read more... )

Let us pray: God of Faithfulness and God of Surprise, your goodness and mighty deeds inspire us to celebrate your great faithfulness to us in the past. We rejoice in the great things you have done in our lives. Secure in the knowledge of your goodness, help us to move forward, facing the future with holy boldness. Just as Mary anointed you in an ( Read more... )

Let us pray: Most gracious, powerful and loving God, as we continue in our season of Lent, we reflect upon your sacrifice for us. Lord, you are constantly giving to us, providing for us. May we be constantly aware of your gifts, blessings and sustenance. May we be thankful for your provision in our lives. May we respond to your grace by ( Read more... )

Let us pray: Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you and a ( Read more... )

Today's message was unusual because I preached it directly to our 8 and 9 year-olds. I was seated right in front of them for the whole sermon. We celebrated "Bible Day" as we presented embossed Bibles to each of them. Our youth drama team performed two vignettes for the occasion and the Children's Choir sang. It was a great day, and enjoyed ( Read more... )

This is a rare midweek posting. That's because we had a full worship service Ash Wednesday evening. Many of us fasted until after the service when we broke the fast with a soup & sandwiches dinner in our fellowship hall. I have to admit that soup/chili never tasted better! Anyway, here is the message from the worship service. We had the ( Read more... )