Category Archive

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished.” (Matthew 4:1-2) Greetings St. Philip’s UCC! While some of us are still taking down and putting away the last of our Christmas decorations, in the blink of an eye, here we … Read More

“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” (Matthew 2:6) Greetings St. Philip’s UCC! Twelve days after Christmas, it isn’t a partridge in a pear tree that we celebrate, but rather the coming of the wise … Read More

“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 Greetings St. Philip’s UCC! I am so excited to join you on this new adventure in ministry together! Through us, indeed, God is doing something new — something … Read More

Farewell As this month begins, I will be retiring after more than 38 years as an active settled pastor. Those years have taken me to Levasy, MO, Defiance, MO, DuQuoin, IL, Edwardsville, IL, Florissant, MO, and then, four years ago, to South St. Louis County. These past four years have been filled with many blessings and challenges, including the COVID-19 … Read More

Two flocks of geese I observed one day seemed like a helpful metaphor. The first was flying low, squawking loud in that complaining tone as if arguing about which should lead and which direction they should take together. The second was high in the sky, organized, quiet, taking turns leading and following their leader in that characteristic “V” shape which … Read More

Carrying Our Load and Bearing Other’s Burdens A caretaker for disabled foster children and her own children were living in a home so unsafe and inadequate, it hindered their care and healthy growth. A television show (I’m not sure which) recruited neighbors, area tradespeople, and merchants to cooperate in an extreme makeover, which rehabilitated the property and dramatically enhanced the … Read More

Upset? Maybe it’s God calling? Many people I know are so upset about the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, this week. They think watching the news is making them less effective at work and with their loved ones. But what if the high emotions and grief are one way God uses to help you know how to use your spiritual … Read More

Out of all the answers Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gutter gave interviewer Kori Street, it was the ones about hope that were most moving. Recordings of his responses to hundreds of questions are now computer indexed for quick selection. An artificial intelligence program called a Chat Bot can simulate a real-time conversation, almost as if he were there. He spoke of … Read More

Our ‘Good Enough’ Lenten series concludes this month with worship on Easter celebrating our Lord’s Resurrection! On that day (April 17) we will have communion and we will baptize Sloane Slavik (daughter of Holly and Sam)! You are also invited to worship with us on Good Friday, April 15, at noon as we remember the crucifixion together. As the pandemic … Read More

The idea that you have to be constantly working and unhappily grinding to be successful. ‘Always working’ is an idea worth questioning, challenging, and surpassing. A better idea is that rest, recovery, and reflection are essential parts of becoming the person God wants us to be! Living a successful and happy life should involve ‘being’ as much as ‘doing’. This … Read More