Tag: church

No Fear

Like many faith communities, large and small, our congregation is trying to strike a healthy balance – no pun intended – between prudent response and panicked reaction – to the covid-19 pandemic. We have decided to temporarily suspend all group church activities, including Sunday morning worship services.  We have done this not because we think… Continue reading No Fear

Not a Ghost – Mark 6:33-56

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” It is one of the strangest stories in the New Testament. Jesus, shrouded in darkness, comes to his disciples – walking on the water, no less. Not surprisingly, it terrified them. I am sure I would have had a similar… Continue reading Not a Ghost – Mark 6:33-56

Silent Night, Holy Night

Tonight, it will be as it is every year.  The sanctuary lights will be lowered to a soft glow, the candles will be lit, the crowd will hush as they hear the lovely music begin.  We will gather – those of us who come to church every time the doors open – those who only… Continue reading Silent Night, Holy Night

Week 51 Are We A Help or a Hindrance in Spreading God’s Love?

By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 51 Scripture Readings: 3 John Key Scripture Verses: 3 John 1:11 (NIV, Life Application Bible) “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” This book… Continue reading Week 51 Are We A Help or a Hindrance in Spreading God’s Love?

Week 49 The Risen Christ Gives a Report Card to the Churches

By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 49 Scripture Readings: Revelation 1-6 Key Scripture Verses: Revelation 1:17-19, 11 (NIV, Life Application Bible) “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.… Continue reading Week 49 The Risen Christ Gives a Report Card to the Churches

Week 49 Beginnings of Romantic Love – As God Intended It

By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 49 Scripture Readings: Song of Songs 1-2 Key Scripture Verses: Song of Songs 2:12-13, 14-15 (NIV, Life Application Bible; consulted commentaries: The Layman’s Bible Commentary, Believer’s Bible Commentary) SHE (quoting her beloved and what he said to her) “’Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has… Continue reading Week 49 Beginnings of Romantic Love – As God Intended It

Week 46 Complacency in Worship and Thanksgiving

By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 46 Scripture Readings: Zechariah 1-7 Key Scripture Verses: Zechariah 7:4-6 (NIV, Life Application Bible) “Then the word of the Lord Almighty came to me: Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past… Continue reading Week 46 Complacency in Worship and Thanksgiving

Week 45 When God Gives Us Our Marching Orders

By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 45 Scripture Readings: Haggai Key Scripture Verses: “’But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” Haggai was… Continue reading Week 45 When God Gives Us Our Marching Orders

Week 44 The Gift of Prayer

By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell (Guest Blogger) Week 44 Scripture Readings: James 4-5 Key Scripture Verses: James 5: 13-16 (NIV, Life Application Bible) “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray… Continue reading Week 44 The Gift of Prayer