ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 6, 2023Today in worship, we are going to reflect on those things in life that are uncomplimentary, unhelpful, and even unhealthy to us, yet we are often so close to the decision-making that we are unable to perceive the negative implications. Jesus talked about seeing the speck in our neighbor’s eye but being unable to see the log in our own eye. I’m pretty sure if
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 5, 2023I believe forgiveness and gratitude are inherently tied together, though the connection is not always visible at first glance. In the middle of his preeminent sermon, The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said to his audience, “If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15). A
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 4, 2023Someone posted a picture of a sign outside a church that read: “The most influential person in your life is the one you refuse to forgive.” That might be one of the most truthful statements that too few people understand. In Galatians 5:1, Paul writes: “Christ has set us free! This means we are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don’t submit
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 3, 2023Donna and I have stayed at a lot of different hotels (and a cabin in Hot Springs on our way to General Assembly) in the last ten days. Funny how often I have walked outside of the hotel room early in the morning to go to the workout center, only to pause and ask myself, “Which way is the elevator?” Maybe that doesn’t happen to
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 2, 2023Guest Writer: Rev. Paula Gembala Many years ago, I was a two pack a day smoker. I tried time after time to quit, but failed each and every time. One day I was reading my bible and came across this scripture found in Philippians 4:6-7 which says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 1, 2023The group attending the General Assembly is having a grand time. I don’t believe I have ever attended a General Assembly where I have been able to say, “Every speaker has been fabulous!” I know there are still other worship services and workshops today, but even if the rest of the speakers are bad (and they won’t be), it won’t dampen the experience. Our preacher
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJuly 31, 2023Guest Writer: Rev. Paula GembalaHave you ever asked God for patience? I know I have, and if I am being honest, I would say I ask many times each month. I was on the phone with a friend one day who was having an extremely stressful time. She got upset with her husband who was doing something he shouldn’t have been, considering his age. She
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJuly 30, 2023Guest Writer: Rev. Mariah NewellNumbers 20: 10-12 are verses of Scripture which I find oddly comforting. I feel always like I shouldn’t find them comforting. They are the verses where God tells Moses he’s not going to go with the group to the Promise Land. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJuly 29, 2023Guest Writers: Dr. Joel PlaagA musing on Psalm 8:3. When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars which you have set in place… I really didn’t like physics class. I think part of the reason was, even though the teacher was the mother of one of my classmates, I never quite understood all of the directions. The math wasn’t
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJuly 28, 2023I started to write that I was feeling “a little giddy” as we approach the beginning of the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), but using the word “little” to describe my giddiness is an understatement. I know I’m nerdy about church stuff, but our theme this year, The Kindom of God, is really resonating with me, especially as I will see