The misinformation about Halloween never ceases to surprise me. The word “Halloween” is the modified version of its origin, “All Hallows’ Eve,” marking the evening before All Saints’ Day. All Saints’ Day on November 1st serves to honor all the saints, with many churches celebrating it on the nearest Sunday. Our Roman Catholic and Orthodox sisters and brothers have numerous Saints …
Why Serve?
Last April I was asked to chair the newly-formed volunteerism committee at PTCUMC. The idea of leading this group felt both exciting and a bit overwhelming at first, but I knew it was an important step in finding ways to nurture a culture of service in our church. Over the next five months, nine of us gathered regularly, sharing not …
Traditions of Faith
For thousands of years, God’s people have been practicing traditions of faith. One of those being the rite of passage into “adulthood in the faith”. In the Jewish tradition, it’s called the Bar Mitzvah. For Methodists, the tradition of Confirmation goes back to the very beginning of the Methodist movement itself in the mid-18th century. The idea behind confirmation is that teens …
God Sightings
A few years ago during VBS, kids and leaders were challenged to look for “God Sightings” each day. A “God Sighting” is when you see or experience God. Listening to everyone share their “God Sightings” that week had such a positive impact on me that I continued looking for them long after VBS ended. One of my favorite places for “God …
The Power of Presence
Grief is one of the hardest things we face as human beings. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the sacred privilege of sitting with families in the depths of that pain. Each situation has been unique. One had been long expected. Another was the culmination of a long and difficult struggle. And one came as a complete shock to …
Jarod Neidlinger
Jarod Thomas Neidlinger passed away suddenly on September 30, 2024. He was a music writer and composer, played basketball, and loved spending time with his dogs. Jarod was a very talented and creative writer and was in the process of writing a screenplay for a sitcom. He also enjoyed the calming and quiet effects of nature. Jarod and his family have …
Memorable Moments
“Remember that time when…” I am a firm believer that relationships are strengthened by memorable moments together. Those stories are what creates a bond between friends. And I’m willing to admit something… not a lot of those stories happen sitting in church or on the couch. They happen during events when you are out of your normal element, and are …