Instead of the election, let’s talk about puppies and food

A great big warm thanks to both Danny Massie and Alexandra Mauney for their outstanding leadership over these many months. Danny concluded his ministry as Interim Pastor yesterday. Alexandra’s last day with us will be November 15. They have both contributed...

Bidding Farewell 

There are a lot of ways to say goodbye, to bid farewell to family, friends and even mere acquaintances. Every language has at least one and many have multiple ways to express this sentiment given the situation and circumstances.  Adios, adieu, ciao, au revoir,...

Returning to normal: a work in progress

This passage from Romans 5:1-5 has been a part of my daily prayers these past 6 months: Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast...

Coming Back Stronger

Just a few days ago, I heard on the news a report about successful Black women entrepreneurs in Detroit. The woman being interviewed said that an entrepreneur is someone who can endure risk and bounce back from hardship. That strikes me as an excellent description of...

When feeling uninspired

Well, it’s Tuesday evening as I write this, and Ann Alexander has reminded me that tomorrow is the deadline for a pastoral message from me to be submitted for next week’s e-news. Of course, I would love to write something helpful, something instructive, maybe even...

In Praise of the Groundhog

I have no quarrel with the groundhog. They used to make large holes in pastures, and cows would step in them and break their legs. Hunters enjoyed lying on ridges and picking them off with rifles and scopes from 200 yards away. Now that the coyotes are plentiful and...

As Christians, we must speak up for all who cannot breathe.

Thursday night my daughter Sydney and I attended a service of Lament and Repentance on the steps of the FPC Sanctuary. It was crafted by our Batts’ pastoral residents (Nate Sell, Alexandra Mauney, and Keith Dove) and our Director of Discipleship and Young Adult...