This coming Sunday, March 2 is the last Sunday before the Season of Lent begins. It seems to me that the words of OP Kretzman published in The Pilgrim when he was President of Valparaiso University still apply today. He wrote concerning the tradition in many Christian liturgical church do not sing the word “Alleluia” during the season of […] Continue Reading »
It’s that time of the year when we hear the word “want” uttered often, especially from the mouths of children. Sometimes we ask for it, because we ask; “What do you ‘want’ Santa to bring you for Christmas?” But we adults do the same. We often ask someone; “What do you ‘want’ for Christmas?” Most […] Continue Reading »
“A Magnificent Moment” is what the President of our church body, The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod called the times in which we live. Does this seem like a “magnificent moment” for you? With all the unrest in our world, the striff in our families and often it times seems like there is little hope for […] Continue Reading »
It’s raining outside. It’s been raining for two days and the Greenbrier River which runs below my house is flowing almost at the full bank stage. As it continues to rain today, I am watching my little boat ride out the rising water. I have it tied to a large tree instead of the dock this morning […] Continue Reading »
Well it’s a New Year and there are many things that remind us of new beginnings. Not only are we in the so called “post holiday” times, the calendar tell us that we have begun 2013. That means putting a new date on checks and other documents. It means that we are in a new […] Continue Reading »
I’ve been asked what the results of the election mean to me and I guess it needs answering. I have determined that the Church has not often stood up for what it believes in the “public square” and therefore must bear some responsibility for the direction our nation is heading. Someone told me this morning, […] Continue Reading »
Just what is the Reformation Sunday which many church’s will observe on Sunday October 28th about? Some will likely answer that it is all about noting and even praising the main leader of the Reformation Movement, Dr. Martin Luther. Other may will note that it is a Lutheran celebration, after all isn’t that where the […] Continue Reading »
The recent storm that knocked out power, internet and other services in West Virginia, forced most of us to do things a little differently that we are use to doing. For many it was an impossible situation. One person told me they thought they were “losing their mind.” Looking back, perhaps we need to ask […] Continue Reading »
Since few church’s have Ascension Worship, one may well come to the conclusion the it’s not really a big deal. I was speaking with a pastor the other day and asked him his congregation was going to have an Ascension worship service and his response was; “Our people don’t come out for services like that […] Continue Reading »
It’s Holy Saturday. All is calm. It is a evening of rest. It’s been a draining week. Holy Week is that way. It’s draining for pastor and congregation alike. So much going on. So much to do. So much to keep up with. But we have made it to this point and tonight will be a […] Continue Reading »
When one thinks of ashes, fire comes to mind. Ashes after all are a product of fire and what’s left over from something that was burned. Ashes and the “dump heap” seem to go together, because both are symbolic of a dead end and the “final straw.” On Ash Wednesday on may indeed think of […] Continue Reading »
It’s amazing! Wow! I’ve never seen anything like that in my life ever! Truly amazing! I’m talking about the weather! It’s the end of January and over 50 degrees outside. The sky is clear – not a cloud in sight, and the wind is calm. If this weather keeps up, I’ll need give some serious thought […] Continue Reading »
Christmas, according to many is all about spending money. And the value of the gift depends upon the amount of money spent on the gift. So as the Christmas shopping season draws to a close and Christmas Day arrives, many will spend Christmas Day analyzing how much was spent on them compared to how much […] Continue Reading »
If you’ve been trying to hold off Christmas maybe hoping it wouldn’t come this year, forget it! I’ve already heard Christmas music playing on the radio. I’ve already seem plenty of ads reminding me that a week after this Friday is “Black Friday.” I’ve already seen stores stocked with everything that’s guaranteed to make your […] Continue Reading »
Can you believe that game last night! Wow, what a game!! I have to admit something – I went to bed when it was Texas 7 and St. Louis 5 thinking that it was all over. I know what you are thinking – what kind of baseball fan is he? Well, I would like to […] Continue Reading »
Well you wouldn’t think that in both the American and National league it would all come down to game number 162 would you? But it is going to be game number 162 that is going to determine what team in both the American and National baseball league will be the Wild card team. After all that […] Continue Reading »
I’m guessing that many of you did as I did last week and even Sunday – kept an eye on Hurricane Irene. Having lived on the Gulf of Mexico for fifteen years and having experienced the effects of several hurricanes, I know first hand the damage that can result from them. Once Judy and I […] Continue Reading »
There is a light rain falling outside this morning. We need the rain for our lawns, gardens and field crops. And yes I should add for he sake of the river also. Since I live on the Greenbrier River, it’s important to me to have and see the river flowing and have a significant amount […] Continue Reading »
On July 4th, 1776, on the sultry streets of Philadelphia, learned men signed a document that proclaimed that the thirteen British colonies on the North American mainland were now free and independent states. In declaring independence from Great Britain, the United States of America claimed freedom and liberty. Ever since that day, American have gather […] Continue Reading »
The Sunday following The Feast of Pentecost which the Christian Church celebrated yesterday, is Holy Trinity Sunday. Yes, this coming Sunday the focus will be on our Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Some may well consider the topic of the Trinity to be a boring one, suited for theologians, but I’m convinced […] Continue Reading »
