Monthly Archives: December 2016

My interests in both mathematics and history led me to another interest in codebreaking and its role in WWII. I’ve done a lot of reading on the subject and have even taught some courses. The coming of December 7 (75th … Continue reading →

We eagerly await JOY’s time of transition coming to an end and our new pastor’s arrival.  This is an active waiting, as we prepare for him.  Committees and ministry leaders consider what he needs to know as he begins ministry … Continue reading →

In response to a parishioner saying that tithing was outdated and was only an Old Testament idea and nowhere to be found in the New Testament, I once heard a pastor say, “You’re right.  In the New Testament it says … Continue reading →

The idea for this devotion comes from something I heard from Wolfhart Pannenberg, one of the greatest Lutheran theologians of the past 50 years and from a sermon I heard by Dr. A. R. Kretzmann. The first coming of Christ … Continue reading →

We are now in Advent, preparing for the birth of Christ.  Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, talks about the example of humility Christ gives us by coming to us as a baby.  “Have this mind among yourselves, which … Continue reading →

Listening from the shower on Sunday morning, a song came on.  The lyrics & tune hooked me and I thought: this is a song we should be singing for Advent! Then the refrain came on and I recognized it: ‘Even … Continue reading →

Have you ever been afraid? Whether it’s over medical issues, family concerns, financial woes, or any of the other anxieties that trouble us – I think we all know what it means to be afraid, really scared! We’re in very … Continue reading →

 While preparing another blog on the 613 commandments of the Old Testament, I was reading some of them given in Leviticus. One of them about gleaning, in Leviticus 19:9-10, brought back old memories. It reads “When you reap the harvest … Continue reading →

I’m waiting to meet a friend in Barnes and Nobles and writing this as I wait.  I’m early again, but I don’t mind.  This is one of my favorite places.  As I sit waiting, I hear Christmas carols being played … Continue reading →

We should be getting good at change.  It seems there’s been a lot of change going around here in the last year.  Hold on, because we’re not done with changes yet.  Almost a year ago, Pastor Ed announced his retirement … Continue reading →