Last Sunday I preached on the baptism of Jesus. For churches that observe the liturgical year, it was “Baptism of the Lord” Sunday which means that I was only one of thousands of pastors across the country and around the world who were preaching on...
Today is Epiphany. It is also my daughter’s 27th birthday. Happy Birthday, Honey, and save me a piece of the Oreo Ice Cream Pie! But, back to Epiphany. Epiphany means “manifestation”, as in, a manifestation or appearance of the divine. On the church’s liturgical calendar (which...
Friends, as 2015 draws to a close, I leave you with a poem and a prayer……. When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of...
Friends, it is Christmas Eve. Tonight in churches, on military bases, in houses and huts and tents, on hospital wards, in airports and bus terminals, in homeless shelters and on street corners, people all around the world will, in various and unique ways, celebrate the...
This morning I experienced one of those magical moments of the Christmas season. It was dark and still in my house, no one stirring yet, and I sat on my couch, wrapped in a blanket with mocha in hand, mesmerized by the white lights and...
I have been thinking a lot lately about giving and receiving. It is, obviously, the prime gift-giving season of the year, but I’m not referring to the presents I’m buying or making for family and friends. Instead, I’ve been reflecting on the relationship between giving,...
Last Sunday was the first Sunday in the season of Advent. Advent is pretty much a lost concept in our culture. For the church, it is a season of preparation and anticipation. We spend the weeks leading up to Christmas preparing for and anticipating the...
For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God. For the gifts to every nation, thanks be to God. For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping, Future needs in earth’s safekeeping, thanks be to God. In the just reward of labor, God’s will be...
Advent at Calvary Presbyterian Sermon Series: Christmas Parade of Homes by Reverend M. Michelle Fincher First Sunday of Advent, November 29 Christmas Parade of Homes: Celebrating with Mark Second Sunday of Advent, December 6 Christmas Parade of Homes: By the Light of John Third Sunday of Advent, December 13 Service of Lessons...
This Sunday our sermon series on the Ten Commandments draws to a conclusion. We started this series on Labor Day weekend—doesn’t that seem like a long time ago? Now, two and a half months later, summer heat has been replaced by November chill. Leaves which...