Julie Ellerbrock, Director of Children’s Ministry Romans 5:5 “and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”  Reflection: As I prepare and think about the possibilities and plans for Christmas 2020, no doubt it will be unique or different. I have tried to envision how to carry out some of our beloved family traditions. Yet, I find myself sometimes thinking “different” means disappointing or hard or lonely. Then, I remember my family’s 1994 Christmas experience and was reassured that the hope I find [...]

Richard Ethun, proud husband of Karen and dad of Elizabeth, Angela and Cecilia; member for 30+ years; and Sunday School Teacher of the Good Will Class Jeremiah 29:11-13 11For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. 12Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. 13When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart,    Reflection: I am an early riser. I usually get [...]

Rev. Katie Montgomery MearsPsalm 130:1-2, 5-61 I cry out to you from the depths, Lord—2 my Lord, listen to my voice!    Let your ears pay close attention to my request for mercy!5 I hope, Lord.   My whole being hopes,    and I wait for God’s promise. 6 My whole being waits for my Lord—    more than the night watch waits for morning;    yes, more than the night watch waits for morning!Reflection:When someone tells me I’m going to have to wait on something, I go to a negative place pretty quickly. I hate inefficiency and slowness and, unfortunately, I’m a pretty awful version of myself at the DMV.  [...]

Rev. Michelle Manuel and Shelby Olive Psalm 23 (NRSV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  2     He makes me lie down in green pastures;  he leads me beside still waters;  3     he restores my soul.  He leads me in right paths      for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,      I fear no evil;  for you are with me;      your rod and your staff—      they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me      in the presence of my enemies;  you anoint my head with oil;      my cup overflows. 6 Surely [...]

Rev. Katie Montgomery Mears Good morning God,  It is so easy to grumble and complain about life (“it’s 2020”) but the truth is, I have so much to be grateful for. I want to change my perspective and let thankfulness be the leading edge in my life.  So on this Thanksgiving morning, I am practicing the discipline of gratitude by naming before you the blessings in my life:  The love and grace of Jesus Christ, through whom I am able to have a personal relationship with you!  A precious daughter who keeps us on our toes, and a loving [...]

Rev. Michelle Manuel Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:46-47 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Reflection: I know what I’m about to write is controversial. I know, I know, the very LAST thing we need [...]

Savannah Burch 2 Samuel 6:12-22 So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul [...]

2 Samuel 6:12-22 So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from [...]

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Reflection: Airplanes are a weird place to be. If you think about it, humans were not “meant” to fly. We do not have wings, and our lungs cannot handle such high altitudes on their own. Yet, we have found a way to soar through the skies. It is unnatural, however we do it frequently (less so nowadays) without much thought. Sometimes when I am on an airplane, though, I swear I can feel the 30,000 feet [...]