ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 24, 2025 It is Christmas Eve, and as we think about our theme from the Season of Advent, my hope is that the joy hasn’t crushed you or left you feeling crushed. We have talked a lot about the expectations we have, alongside the expectations that many people have of us, and of course, there is a very secular version of joy that has us
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 22, 2025 Prayer for the Week Walk with me, Emmanuel I am wanting to find Christmas Guide me through the obstacles I am wanting to find Christmas Pick me up when I stumble and fall I am wanting to find Christmas Invite me to focus when I am distracted I am wanting to find Christmas Lift my spirits when I am distraught I am wanting
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 21, 2025 Every parent has certain dreams when it comes to their child. Most everyone has certain hopes when they begin a new part of life. And I am guessing that you bring certain expectations to this season of the year. Even when I pretend that I am open to whatever might come my way, there is still nostalgia deeply rooted in certain memories that
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 20, 2025 Tomorrow in worship, we will be talking about expectations that people have of us. For some of you, once you were married or maybe once you had kids, you discovered expectations for the holidays that you were not expecting. It seems strange to say that you were caught off guard because you did not expect the expectation. Yet so often, people have an
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 19, 2025 Today, Cypress Creek Christian Church will be offering a Blue Christmas Service. Actually, there are two opportunities — 11:30am and 6:30pm. Both of them will be in the chapel. The service is for anyone who might be finding this season especially difficult. There will probably be as many reasons as there are people, and that’s because things happen in our lives that leave
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 18, 2025 I was crushed when the Nebraska Women’s Volleyball team was upset by Texas A&M in the NCAA Tournament over the weekend. I felt really bad, and then I watched an interview with one of the players, and I realized how hurt she felt. However, I then read an article about how children are still dying in Gaza, which was then followed by a
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 17, 2025 Guest Writers: Rev. Paula Gembala Earlier today, I went out to check the mail at the church. There were approximately 15 preschool-age children accompanied by parents in the playground. Each of those kids was singing, playing, and just having a grand time. The parents were chatting with one another and had big smiles on their faces. For me, this was a picture of
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 16, 2025 I took a nap yesterday. I don’t take a lot of intentional naps, though I have been known to sit down after a long Sunday and be asleep before my backside has sunk too far into the couch cushion. I did not sleep well the night before, and though Monday was my day off, I spent the morning visiting with two separate clergy
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 15, 2025 Prayer for the Week From a friend & colleague: Rev. Michelle Beech (Daily Inspirations) www.ekklesialove.com/ …but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary. ISAIAH 40:31 A PRAYER FOR THE WEEK We hope whole-heartedly for You, O Creator God!
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS December 14, 2025 I had a chapel wedding yesterday, and from what I heard, the wedding party had some challenges and mishaps on their way to the wedding. There was clearly some stress when they arrived, and both the groom and the bride looked a little distant at the beginning of the ceremony. When it came time for my meditation, it was specifically written for them,