Posts by Pastor

December 3, 2023 ~ First Sunday of Advent Rev. Beckie Sweet   It is December of 2023 ~ and we have plenty of reasons to live in fear.  If one lives in Ukraine, Armenia, the Gaza Strip, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other war-torn places on God’s earth, one would live in fear of genocide, killing of family members, kidnapping, rape, and the loss of one’s home, business, and place of worship.  If one lives in an environment...

November 26, 2023 ~ Reign of Christ Sunday Rev. Beckie Sweet   JUDGING (from the Wittier Friends Church) I dreamt death came the other night, And heaven’s gate swung wide; An angel with a halo bright Then ushered me inside; And there to my astonishment Stood folks I’d judged and labeled As “quite unfit,” “of little worth” and “spiritually disabled.” Indignant words rose to my lips But never were set free; For every face showed...

November 19, 2023 ~ Thanksgiving Sunday Rev. Beckie Sweet   Bruce Goettsche, a now-retired pastor from Illinois, shares one of his childhood memories.  He says, “I remember when I was in Cub Scouts a long, long time ago, we were having a meeting with parents in the basement of the church where we met.  We had a speaker for some reason that night and I have no idea what he was talking about.  But I do remember something he did....

When God encounters us with a calling or a challenge, too often we respond with FEAR. We ask, “Am I too old?”  “How will I fit this into my plans?”  “Is this too hard for me?” “What do I get out of this?”  “Won’t this cause embarrassment?”  “Who will help me?” God invites us to TRUST that we are already equipped for service in God’s name. Certainly serving for God will be challenging, surprising, fulfilling, and joyful! So, what’s...

November 12, 2023 ~24th Sunday after Pentecost Rev. Beckie Sweet ~ “A Place at the Table”   A long-time member and proud grandfather stood at the baptismal font with his family for the baptism of his baby granddaughter.  Another infant from another family that was new to the congregation was also baptized at that same service.  Following the service, the two families intermingled at the front of the church as they...