Quote of Note #101: Sacrifice our own Agenda

"Our legacy is written in heaven; we are called to practice compassion for the plight of others and to sacrifice our own agenda to the work of Christ, a task beyond human capacity.  That is the definition of discipleship; that is the business we had all better be about--the Father's business." Stan Moody, "I've Met … Continue reading Quote of Note #101: Sacrifice our own Agenda

Pastor Note #98: Hearing Our Neighbors’ Cry of Distress: A White Pastor Talks to his White Congregation about Race

A Sermon Preached on June 7, 2020 These are very challenging times for our society.  We all like church to be a place of comfort, peace, and ease.  But sometimes it just can’t be like that.  Sometimes we have to wrestle with hard and uncomfortable things.  And that’s what we’re going to do today. If … Continue reading Pastor Note #98: Hearing Our Neighbors’ Cry of Distress: A White Pastor Talks to his White Congregation about Race

Pastor Note #97: A Christian Rationale for Social Distancing in a Time of Pandemic

Medical experts widely agree that the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 is spread by minute droplets of saliva and mucus that come out of the mouth and nose of someone who is infected by the virus.  Those droplets contain the virus.  The viruses in those droplets find their way into the eyes, nose, or mouth of … Continue reading Pastor Note #97: A Christian Rationale for Social Distancing in a Time of Pandemic

Blog Announcement: My Video Notebook Now on YouTube

Pastor Gary's Video Notebook on YouTube I appreciate all the support that readers have given to my various Notebook posts here on this site.  I have now also added a sort of sister outlet to written offerings here.  You can find a growing library of video reflections and sermons on my YouTube channel--Pastor Gary's Video … Continue reading Blog Announcement: My Video Notebook Now on YouTube

Pastor Note #96: Why I Wear a Mask, My Badge of Love

For me it is quite simple.  I wear a mask because I don’t want to make anyone else sick.  I wear a mask to protect the people around me. The Covid-19 virus, like most other respiratory viruses, is spread mostly by tiny droplets of saliva and mucus that come out of our mouths and noses … Continue reading Pastor Note #96: Why I Wear a Mask, My Badge of Love

Pastor Note #95: A Declaration of Easter

A Declaration of Easter At Christmas we sing a song with these words: No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found. The resurrection of Jesus is the first expression of the fulfillment … Continue reading Pastor Note #95: A Declaration of Easter

Quote of Note #100: No Panic in Heaven

"The Lord never makes a mistake.  One day, when we are in heaven, I'm sure we shall see the answers to the whys.  My, how often I have asked, 'Why?'  In heaven, we shall see God's side of the embroidery.  God has no problems--only plans.  There is never panic in heaven." Corrie ten Boom, He … Continue reading Quote of Note #100: No Panic in Heaven

Quote of Note #99: Worry and God’s Strength for the Day

"Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength--carrying two days at once.  It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time.  Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow--it empties today of its strength. . . . Jesus is stronger than all of our problems." Corrie ten Boom, He Cares, He Comforts: In Sickness and In … Continue reading Quote of Note #99: Worry and God’s Strength for the Day

Quote of Note #98: In Life and in Death We Belong to God

Question #1:  What is your only comfort in life and in death? Answer:  That I am not my own, but belong--body and soul, in life and in death--to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.  He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the … Continue reading Quote of Note #98: In Life and in Death We Belong to God

Quote of Note #97: Comfort in All Times of Need

Question 26:  What do you believe when you say, "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth"? Answer:  That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them, who still upholds and rules them by his eternal counsel and providence, … Continue reading Quote of Note #97: Comfort in All Times of Need