Posted by svanbaale |
If anything good has come out of the pandemic, it is the ability to worship anytime, anywhere. Prior to March 2020, for most churches, if you were not able to attend worship on a Sunday, you missed it.
In March 2020, churches shut their doors rather abruptly and had to come up with innovative ways to worship, not only on Sundays but for Easter, Christmas, and other major holidays. Prior…
Posted by rgarza |
This has been a year with all sorts of unexpected events. Some were good and some were not-so-good. It has also brought more clarity to how precious life is.
Treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time ... and remember that time waits for no one.
Enjoy life, don’t worry about the future.…
Posted by jbrudvig |
Advent can be a frustrating time for those of us who do not like to wait. After all, we have things to do, people to see, and places to go during the holidays. In addition, we have been culturally conditioned to expect instant gratification. Microwaves, fast-food options, drive-through lanes, self-checkouts, and smart phones all feed our need for speed. We can even pay extra at amusement parks and…
Posted by hlewis |
Thanksgiving is my favorite. No extra performances or gifts, just food, family, friends, and focusing on being thankful. Here’s my grateful list:
Happy, healthy kids: Each of my kids started a new level of school this year. In the years between toddlers and teenagers, the question is always, “What do I do to help this kid become a nice human?” As they grow, their influences…
Posted by lcooper |
Worshipping in church used to be the most common place to express our glory to God. When we mentioned church, we meant that on Sunday we would get in the car and go to church. If we were lucky enough to live close by, we would walk to worship.
This changed suddenly when the pandemic hit. People began worshipping from home to stay safe. However, there was always something missing from watching…
Posted by svanbaale |
(Jesus said) “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
“But…
Posted by rgarza |
Have you ever tried walking when it’s so windy out? It’s hard to keep your balance, much less go in a straight line.
There are many challenges each of us go through each day. These challenges are not just how bad traffic is or work is busy, but it’s also personal challenges we go through each day.
As long as you remember what you’ve gone through before in your life that…
Posted by jbrudvig |
On Sunday, Nov. 6, we will once again gather to celebrate All Saints Day. During the worship service we will call out by name Salem’s mission partners who have died during the year and give thanks to God for the newly baptized.
On All Saints Day we hold in our hearts all those who have gone before us: grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, children, relatives, and friends. It is…
Posted by hlewis |
I have a dear friend who didn’t grow up in the church and decided to read the Bible to figure out his faith. I regret not suggesting he start with the New Testament and then go back to the Old — he got so bogged down by all of the laws and stories of God’s wrath that he never got to the stories of Jesus and God’s love and mercy. Much later we both went through a very difficult time, and…
Posted by rgarza |
There are many times that we go through challenges in our lives. We pray for guidance and to help us through those times. But is that enough?
I start my morning with prayer, giving thanks for what I have and what God helps me with. I then pray for my family and loved ones, and end with a prayer for myself. The prayer I ask is for guidance, protection, and many other personal thoughts. It’s…