Noise, noise, noise: we live in a world filled with noise. Whether I am at home or at work, I am bombarded by noise. There is, of course, the never-ending sound of traffic—neighbors coming and going, sirens blaring, cars whizzing past my office accompanied by...
Friends, how did you survive the Blizzard of 2016? In many ways it has been a fascinating week. It seems there’s nothing quite like 30 inches of snow to expose our true natures. I was traveling last week, originally scheduled to fly into Dulles Saturday...
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...
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...
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...
A friend recently gave me a new book which I finished reading last week. For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards is by bestselling author Jen Hatmaker. It is a book for and about women (sorry, guys) and our struggles...