Of all the privileges that come with being a minister, I think that my favorite is presiding over baptisms. Among the many things that we have missed over the past several months, I have probably missed baptisms the most. It is a beautiful and wonderful gift to get to...
Dear FPC friends, As I transition to a new season of life and ministry this week, I give thanks for the time I have spent as part of your community as a Sid and Cathy Batts Pastoral Resident for the past 15 months! It has been a strange time to enter ordained...
This past Monday we recognized the anniversary of Kristallnacht, The Night of Broken Glass. On November 9, 1938, the destruction of more than 1,400 synagogues began in Nazi Germany. Over the years Kate and I have watched so many films about Nazi Germany and all the...
As we are approaching the end of the year, it is that time when we begin to think about our stewardship plans for the upcoming year. Thinking about what that means, I did a Google search of stewardship and came up this definition: “the job of taking care of something,...
Before you stop reading this blog merely because you think during a time of pandemic and flu, earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires, political division and racial strife there is nothing to be grateful for — take heart! Modern life often forces us to focus on...
This summer, every Monday morning, I woke up early to complete my weekly long run. Physiologists and running coaches have long touted the value of a weekly long run for every serious training program. For reasons, I don’t understand, the magic number is 70 minutes....
Friends, I want to begin with gratitude to the PNC for their incredible work during a season that brought unique challenges. Their graciousness, humor and humility throughout all our encounters truly inspired and encouraged me these past months. I also want to thank...
I am tired of Zoom. And I am tired of Livestream. And I am tired of working from my couch. And I am tired of getting notifications from my calendar that remind me of important events that have now been canceled. I know that I am not alone in these sentiments. But in...
About a month ago a dog showed up at our farm in Patrick County, Va. She stayed under a tractor left out in a pasture. We started feeding her and eventually she moved her home to a hay shed. She never growls and always wags her tail, but she is very afraid. Skittish...
Genesis 1:27 27: So God created humankind in God’s own image. Imago Dei. We are all created in the image of God. That is such a beautiful idea. Do you believe it? Do you believe you are created in the image of God? With all of your (my) imperfections, flaws and...
