Events Serve Announcements Give The Lord is Always Near The Rev. Fleming Rutledge, an Episcopal priest and theologian, stated in a lecture that she considers herself a profoundly unspiritual person. I was taken aback to hear this from someone who has authored a five-hundred-page book on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who is recognized as an internationally renowned preacher, and has … [Read more...]

Events Serve Announcements Give Back at the Pulpit and Looking Forward I am looking forward to getting back into the pulpit! It's been a wonderful six weeks of taking a break from preaching and sermon preparation, but I'm really eager to get back into it. For me, preaching is a labor, but it's also a profound source of joy. I want to thank everyone who stepped in during my absence: … [Read more...]

Events Serve Announcements Give Continued Life Planning Last week I wrote here about funeral planning, suggesting it was a gift to leave behind for loved ones, and encouraging that getting started could be as simple as leaving a preference for even just one thing, perhaps a favorite hymn or two. It brought enough of a reaction to be worth a part two. Have a will. Update it every five … [Read more...]

Events Serve Announcements Give SWAN SONGS As I sit to write this on a Wednesday night, tomorrow we will have the funeral celebration of life for Gordy Faust; this Sunday will be the first hymn sing we've had at FPC in a number of years. From the conjunction of those two events comes what follows. The thought of planning elements of our own future funeral is for some uncomfortable and … [Read more...]

Events Serve Announcements Give Praying for Kerr County, Texas Our hearts are heavy upon hearing about the loss of lives, property, and the individuals still missing due to the recent flooding in Kerr County, Texas. Kerr County is six hours south of Kilgore, where I served as a pastor for six years. However, I am familiar with Kerr County because it is home to Mo-Ranch, a Presbyterian … [Read more...]