This last weekend, I became a true Iowan. I had the privilege of attending my first Iowa football game. It was a beautiful day for a game. Too bad the score wasn’t beautiful. Iowa just couldn’t get into the end no matter how hard they tried. And once they did, the refs didn’t...
Throughout this fall, many of the pastors in our Presbytery have been reading a book called Resident Aliens, by Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon. The Macedonian Ministry cohorts within our Presbytery represent roughly 25 pastors who gather monthly for study, prayer, worship, and sharing a...
I’ve always been a fan of the Manning family. From when Archie played football at Ole Miss while my dad and uncles were there, to Peyton and the Colts and Eli with the Giants, my family has always rooted for their team. (Except, of course, when the Giants play the Eagles. Then I can't root...
While many were watching the first Presidential debate last night, I was returning home from a visit to First Presbyterian Church, Lakota. While there, Dave Feltman and I represented the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry, discussing creative ways to function as the church in the years...
For those who missed our congregational meeting this last Sunday, we are excited to announce the launch the Psalm 98 campaign! Psalm 98:4 says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth.” Through this campaign we seek to do just that...
Dear Friends, Author Glennon Doyle Melton, in her new book Love Warrior, writes “I wonder why it’s so much easier to be honest with strangers than with family.” We pondered this question together in worship on Sunday. One reason could be that with strangers, we don’t...
My family had a great time at the Home Fest at First this weekend. In particular, the kids loved the Donut Man, the bouncy house, the face-painting, and the outdoor worship service both Saturday night and Sunday morning. As we were driving home on Saturday night Lylah said, “mom, guess...
With the summer coming to an end, we approach an exciting time! In the last seven years of life in Iowa, I’ve come to love the Fall – the beginning of fall sports, the mild weather, the beautiful changes in the scenery, preparation for...
In Mark 3, Jesus chooses some of his disciples to go up on a mountain with him, and it’s there that he reveals that he’s chosen these 12 men to be his apostles. These 12 men are the ones that Jesus gives authority to: authority to preach and to cast out demons. From his many...
In our liturgy we use in worship services marking significant life events, we sometimes use the phrase, “Without God’s grace, no promise is sure.” Indeed, there is much uncertainty in life. One of the only things for which we can be...
