Monthly Newsletter (Page 2)

Reflecting on Holy Week By the time you read this newsletter, we will be preparing for Holy week, which begins on Palm Sunday when Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. From that point forward, the mood turns somber as Jesus prepares for his final moments on the cross of Good Friday, which is the most difficult day of Passion week. Can you imagine the intense thoughts and emotions that Jesus must have experienced throughout his final week? The truth…

Something New  The Church is now in the season of Lent, which is very much a season of reflection. During the Lenten season, it is customary to reflect on the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness—just before he began His ministry. Also, during Lent, many people will choose to “give up” something, which, in some way, mirrors Jesus giving up food and water while he was in the wilderness. The purpose of giving up something is a form…

Drawing Nearer to God Here we are “again” in the month of February and I’m still trying to settle into 2023. I am realizing more and more that it is true that the older we get the faster time seems to go. In just three short weeks the Church will be entering into the Lenten season beginning with Ash Wednesday (the 1st day of Lent). During the time of Lent, Christians are called into deep spiritual reflection in preparation for Easter,…

Many Thanks To God For His Blessings! (Reflecting Back while Forging Forward) Naturally, this is the time of year (the last week in 2022) when many of us reflect on the past year, and as I look back, the one thing that comes into view is God’s many blessings. God has enriched Evelyn and me through calling us to Saint John and we are so thankful. All of you have expressed the truest love and Christian hospitality toward us, which…

What A Beautiful Mess             On my way into the office this morning, I passed through the space in the educational building where Bible study occurs. On most days, it’s orderly and everything is in its place, but as of late the space is a beautiful mess and I love it. It’s a mess with preparation for the Christmas worship service that the children are getting ready to for. The same can be said for the Darby building, which has decorations…

Bringers of the Good News of Jesus Christ! I’ve always found that during Autumn there is a certain kind of spirit among people everywhere that is kinder, gentler, and just overall more peaceful and loving than other times during the year. I believe that this is because of the types of celebrations that families and friends enter into during this upcoming season of hope, joy, peace, and love. Clearly, I’m talking about the Advent season, which points to Christmas when…

Spread Some Joy! “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,a if any tenderness and compassion, then make my JOY complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2). Throughout the past month I noticed that the back of the bulletin was getting quite full of upcoming activities at Saint John. I must say that it brings my heart joy that we…

Fruit Bearing Christians The above Scripture uses metaphor (symbols) that are intended to remind the reader of a future tree of life similar to the one in the Garden of Eden. However, it is not just speaking about a literal tree that bears fruit but a symbolic tree that represents God and His people. Think of it this way: The tree itself is a symbol for the life-giving breath of God while the leaves represent God’s people. Lastly, the fruit…