Every year, Merriam-Webster chooses a few words that defined the year based on the number of searches the dictionary publisher records in its online dictionary. For instance, in 2020, the word of the year was “pandemic” (of course) and in 2021, it was “vaccine.” The...
As I’ve continued to think about what it would look like for my relationship with the Lord to be “renewed,” one obvious attribute would be I’d become more loving. I say this is obvious because the great command is for us to love God with all that we are. So, of...
Do you remember your baptism? It's unlikely that you do if you were baptized as an infant. If, like me, you were baptized as an older child or teenager, you may remember a few details. And even if your baptism was only a few years ago, you probably don't think about...
A group of 14 middle-schoolers recently attended Modgnik, a retreat that helps students discover how Jesus' kingdom is different than the ways of the world. Kathryn Hendricksen, one of the parents who mentored the 10 girls during the weekend, sent us this reflection...
When it comes to telling others about Jesus, we often make it harder than it really is. What if it wasn't so complicated after all? And what if one of the most unlikely people in the Bible shows us the way? If we head to Jesus' tomb on the day of His resurrection, as...
It's time for our regular youth programs to get started again at First Pres. Here are some highlights. Sunday Morning Discipleship Starting, on Sunday, Aug. 27, our discipleship groups and Sunday school classes are back between the worship services (10:15-11 a.m.)....
I’ve been thinking about the end, or purpose, of the Christian life and think it can be summed up as being with Jesus, knowing Jesus and doing what Jesus does. Over the next few weeks, I want to look at each of these starting with being with Jesus. Jesus died to save...
We all know we need to testify about Jesus. But when it comes time to do it, some of us lack courage. Now, you may think that either you’re born with courage or not, but you can actually grow your courage. You can have more courage to testify. Here are three ways....
Why do the Gospel writers highlight Peter’s denial, likely the worst day of his life? One reason: to show how faithful Jesus is to his followers, even when they let him down. Peter has just failed Jesus utterly, but Jesus is about to prove him himself utterly...
In one of my devotions this week I read this line: “Through silence, solitude and stillness, the sediment of life is settling down, and things are getting clearer.” (Peter Greig, Lectio 365, June 20 morning). Add to this that the practices of silence and solitude were...