Recent Posts
Easter=Taking the Next Step
For many Americans, Easter is simply a nice holiday. Easter coincides with the coming of spring in our country and is beautifully adorned with pastels and lilies. There are plenty of jelly beans, chocolates, and floppy-eared bunnies to go around. Who could argue with any of that?!
Hand up! I can!
Eight Days a Week
I’ve loved the Beatles for as long as I can remember. While many of their melodies remain at the top of my musical favorites list (Here Comes the Sun), I recognize that some of their tunes from the 1960’s might seem a little dated and corny all these years later. In fact, one of their biggest hits from 1964, “Eight Days a Week,” has always seemed to me to be the rare Beatles gutter ball...
Spring Break Versus Holy Week
Every few years, on average, our local schools’ spring break crashes into the Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday) on the calendar. 2024 is one of those years! At the risk of casting a little shade at those who are seeking the sun in warmer climates, I’d like to do a little side-by-side comparison between the two experiences. The best of all possible worlds is to enjoy the benefits that both opportunities afford!
Meet Erin Pacheco
This week, our church community is taking a big step forward in inhabiting our vision to follow Jesus in three dimensions: (1) Upwards in connecting to God in worship – (2) Inward in connecting to one another in friendship – and (3) Outward in serving our neighbors. Pastor Jeff has done an amazing job of stretching us in the outward dimension over the past five years. And, starting this week, we’ll have the benefit of having a skillful leader with the full-time focus of growing our commitment to worship, both on Sunday and all of life. I’ve asked Erin a few questions with the hope that her responses will put you on the fast track of knowing and appreciating her as much as I do!
– Pastor Gregg
Strange Season - Good Season
It’s been a little weird around here lately. February temperatures have repeatedly soared up into the ‘70s (I love it). There are daffodils and other spring flowers* already boldly erupting from the soil (also love it). I even saw a snapping turtle paddling around the pond at church earlier this week (really love it). And then there’s Leap Day, which I know is necessary to keep our solar calendar in good mathematical order, but whenever I try to do the calculations, it makes my brain hurt.**
On top of all these seasonal oddities, it’s Lent at the same time. I’ve had a hard time squaring my inner longing for silence and solitude with the call of the outdoors and sunny skies.
Lenten Luggage Drop
A new season is upon us! No, it’s not spring yet – despite the amazingly warm February temperatures and recent blaze of sunshiny days. It’s the season of Lent.
Alas, even to a passionate pastor, “Lent’ sounds less inviting than “spring.” After all, Lent begins with Ash Wednesday when the Biblical chorus for the day resounds, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Hardly a sunny sentiment. Fiercely realistic, though. You have to hand it to the Church on that front.
On the other hand, the season of Lent is all about following Jesus...