Welcome to December! It is a month in which we not only anticipate the celebration of God becoming human in Jesus of Nazareth, it is also the time in which we anticipate family get-togethers, special meals, and a time to renew old acquaintances. It is also a time of dread. I personally dread it becoming […]
It is November. I think of it as the “in-between time.” The time between Halloween and Christmas. Although Advent and Christmas are a high season on the Christian calendar, there are important special dates this month. All Saints Day is November 1, and we celebrate it the Sunday after Nov. 1 as All Saints Sunday. […]
It was a wet September. We witnessed a five-inch rainfall night and then a week later, Hurricane Florence, downgraded to a tropical depression, moved through our area. Perhaps October will not be as dramatic weather-wise. As I sit here writing the first draft of “pastoral ponderings” for October, the sun is shining brightly! There is hope! We hope to […]
It is late summer. I anticipate the crisp, cool autumnal days ahead. Football season is in full swing: First, high school, then college, and pro. I have attended two Maroon Tides games. They play well and appear to be well-coached. I am also impressed with the field and stadium. It is a nice spot for […]
Let us pray to God for the courage to be faithful to God: Faithful God, in the daily choices we make, give us the courage to opt always for the way of our example, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Through the Holy Spirit, guide us on the difficult road we sometimes take without seeing where it […]
In spite of all the misery and evil we do to each other, the book of Ephesians tells us that Christ has ultimate Lordship over the world. This happens not through instruments that inflict pain, injury, and death upon others, but through instruments of peace, truth, and righteousness. Ephesians tell us that our strength […]
I look forward to this month. I have always heard of the Fiddler’s Convention in Galax but never attended. Not only do I get to hear it from my lawn, I even have the privilege of saying a prayer at it. I also checked out the BBQ competition in late July. I sampled about 19 […]
