Here I am, Lord. It's a little before 5:00 A.M., and I've been awake for a half an hour or so, lying in bed, my mind wandering from thought to thought. I seem to be done sleeping, though the clock tells me that I shouldn't be. Have you wakened me for some reason? Or is … Continue reading Prayer Note #36 — The Time of my Life
Author: gachorpenning
I am a husband, father, and grandfather. The southwestern Pennsylvania is currently home, though I've called several other places home before this. I maintain a YouTube channel of Bible teaching videos and a podcast of Bible teaching audio. I like to make things out of wood and other materials. I like taking photographs and use a lot of them in my blog posts. For thirty-nine years, I served as a pastor of churches in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York.
Prayer Note #35 — A Prayer for Artists and Artisans
Thanks you, Lord, that you have led me to discover the pleasures of making things with my hands -- durable things that last, things that can be appealing to the eye, things that show the natural beauties of the wood and stone that you have made and the metals you have shown us how to … Continue reading Prayer Note #35 — A Prayer for Artists and Artisans
Marriage is a Mess and Homosexuals Didn’t Do It
Let me encourage you to read this blog posting from Rebecca Hamilton, a Catholic-Christian, Oklahoma legislator. Marriage is a Mess and Homosexuals Didn't Do It.
Prayer Note #34 — Refreshment from the Suffocation of Sin
Though I am mired in sin, yet still have mercy on me, O Father and Lord of my life. Capture my every thought and all the impulses of my being. Make me yours in every facet of my life, so that I might have peace and full redemption in every branch and twig and leaf … Continue reading Prayer Note #34 — Refreshment from the Suffocation of Sin
Pastor Note #42–A Boy on the Streets, Part 2
When he realized that I was having trouble making out what he had written, he began to be distressed. I tried to give the impression that I understood everything he had written on the sheet in my hands, but it must have been obvious that I didn't. Jordan had appeared at the church door again, … Continue reading Pastor Note #42–A Boy on the Streets, Part 2
Pastor Note #41–From the Earliest Days
From my earliest days, I have been part of a Presbyterian church. Much of my extended family was actively involved in the life and ministry of that church. Although the congregation of my youth was biblically grounded, it was not especially remarkable compared to other churches in the community. About the time … Continue reading Pastor Note #41–From the Earliest Days
Pastor Note #40–Working the Streets; The Ministry of Risk-taking
When the doorbell rang, I jumped up and turned off the television. It was 4:20 in the afternoon, and I was watching a re-run of M*A*S*H instead of working on my next Sunday's sermon. After a few seconds, I walked slowly down the stairs to answer the door. There were three little boys and a … Continue reading Pastor Note #40–Working the Streets; The Ministry of Risk-taking
Pastor Note #39: A Statement of Faith
God is not an idea or a concept but is rather a Personal Being of infinite power, beauty, and goodness. He is a Being who desires to be known and reveals himself to us. He makes himself known to us through the works of his creation and through direct experience of his Holy Spirit. … Continue reading Pastor Note #39: A Statement of Faith
Pastor Note #38–A Prayer at the Closing of a Church
I was the second to the last installed pastor at Central Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio. On November 20, 2011, the last service of worship was held in that 151 year old building by that congregation that was founded in 1839. I participated that service along with my successor and my predecessor pastors. I prayed … Continue reading Pastor Note #38–A Prayer at the Closing of a Church
Pastor Note #37 — A Boy on the Streets, Part 1
[A story from my time as a pastor in downtown Columbus:] He wanted milk with the sandwiches I had given him. I had offered him lemonade, soda, and orange juice. But he wanted a glass of milk. When he drank it, it left a mustache on his upper lip. After a moment, he wiped it … Continue reading Pastor Note #37 — A Boy on the Streets, Part 1
Gary Chorpenning's Notebooks 