Tag: church
No Fear
Like many faith communities, large and small, our congregation is trying to strike a healthy balance – no pun intended – between prudent response and panicked reaction – to the covid-19 pandemic. We have decided to temporarily suspend all group church activities, including Sunday morning worship services. We have done this not because we think… Continue reading No Fear
Not a Ghost – Mark 6:33-56
Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” It is one of the strangest stories in the New Testament. Jesus, shrouded in darkness, comes to his disciples – walking on the water, no less. Not surprisingly, it terrified them. I am sure I would have had a similar… Continue reading Not a Ghost – Mark 6:33-56
Seasons
Well, it’s fall again. Really? Can that be true? I wonder as I sit sweltering with a fan blowing in my living room. The old heat pump ain’t what it used to be – and I am feeling it. Still, the calendar doesn’t lie. It is the autumnal equinox – fall has begun. That means… Continue reading Seasons
Silent Night, Holy Night
Tonight, it will be as it is every year. The sanctuary lights will be lowered to a soft glow, the candles will be lit, the crowd will hush as they hear the lovely music begin. We will gather – those of us who come to church every time the doors open – those who only… Continue reading Silent Night, Holy Night
Week 51 Are We A Help or a Hindrance in Spreading God’s Love?
By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 51 Scripture Readings: 3 John Key Scripture Verses: 3 John 1:11 (NIV, Life Application Bible) “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” This book… Continue reading Week 51 Are We A Help or a Hindrance in Spreading God’s Love?
Week 49 The Risen Christ Gives a Report Card to the Churches
By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 49 Scripture Readings: Revelation 1-6 Key Scripture Verses: Revelation 1:17-19, 11 (NIV, Life Application Bible) “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.… Continue reading Week 49 The Risen Christ Gives a Report Card to the Churches
Week 49 Beginnings of Romantic Love – As God Intended It
By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 49 Scripture Readings: Song of Songs 1-2 Key Scripture Verses: Song of Songs 2:12-13, 14-15 (NIV, Life Application Bible; consulted commentaries: The Layman’s Bible Commentary, Believer’s Bible Commentary) SHE (quoting her beloved and what he said to her) “’Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has… Continue reading Week 49 Beginnings of Romantic Love – As God Intended It
Week 46 Complacency in Worship and Thanksgiving
By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 46 Scripture Readings: Zechariah 1-7 Key Scripture Verses: Zechariah 7:4-6 (NIV, Life Application Bible) “Then the word of the Lord Almighty came to me: Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past… Continue reading Week 46 Complacency in Worship and Thanksgiving
Week 45 When God Gives Us Our Marching Orders
By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 45 Scripture Readings: Haggai Key Scripture Verses: “’But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” Haggai was… Continue reading Week 45 When God Gives Us Our Marching Orders