Category: Religion
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The Mustard Seed
Introduction Every Sunday as Pastor Peter begins the sermon, he invites you to prepare by having your Bible and note taking materials with you. I had never considered suggesting this practice, especially right before delivering a sermon. But I like it and you may have noticed I have adopted the same reminder. …
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Handling a Cultural Shift
The Introduction Today is one of those transitional days. We are honoring our dads and their influences in our lives, and we are closing out spring and moving into true summer. It is interesting how we mark our calendars and how pivotal days like today keep us connected to traditions and guides…
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Examining the Church Family 2021
Introduction Last week we focused on the family of faith through a look at our parents–the mothers and the fathers. Today, we are going to step away from the nucleus family and consider the aunts, uncles, and even cousins in our lives. Therefore, let’s begin getting to know our extended family. Here…
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How gluttony becomes a sin
Good morning, Church Family, I am Susan Smith, the associate pastor and I know you are all as tired of the cold and snow as I am, but we are looking forward to Spring like weather this week. Sadly, though a quick google search reveals the behaviors of people partying…
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Yes, 2021 arrived, now a few musings for a new year
For a week, I have thought about how to look at 2021. One challenge that showed up in my inbox was to identify one word for the new year. Immediately one popped up: Resilience. Why? Think about the history of our country. How many times has a challenge presented itself and the very principles that…
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Christmas Day musings 2020:
An exercise in stream of conscious writing When I woke up at 4:30 this morning, I could not help but remember how many times as a kid that 4:30 did not seem so early for Christmas morning. This time I did not run to the living room to see what Santa…
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Blue Christmas thoughts
All the world seems excited to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, holiday traditions, and the excitement of Christmas, but for others the holiday season is a struggle. The reasons for feeling blue in the midst of all the holiday hype ranges from the loss of a spouse, family member,…
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A Summer with the Psalms
The Literature in the Psalms Two years ago, I spent a summer with books. Notice I did not say I spent a summer with the psalms. For over 12 years, I had read almost nothing except seminary resources, followed the lectionary readings at least three times which is really nine years,…
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Learning from the New Testament couple Priscilla & Aquilla
Growing up in the Methodist Church in Montgomery City, my world was expanded by the people with whom our family worshiped. I would like to introduce you to Burt and Beth. My mental picture of them is watching Burt open the car door outside the church, reach in for Beth as she…
Susandoodles 