Author: Larry Davies A few years ago, our children’s ministry set up a Christmas tree. Next to the tree, they provided markers and paper that could be folded and inserted into ornaments. The sign said: “Prayer Tree” and invited us to write our prayer requests for Christmas and hang the ornaments on the tree. Hundreds […]
Where do you begin to count your blessings? Most of us begin with our loved ones, our families and/or close friends. As we continue to name our blessings, we are grateful for shelter, plenty of food to eat, and we could go on and on. Unfortunately, many of us have grown accustomed to taking […]
Methodist history reminds us that John Wesley, the “father of Methodism,” would open weekly class meetings with this question: “How is it with your soul?” There is no information about how the participants in those 18th century prayer and Bible study meetings ever responded. It is, however, a challenging question worthy for consider-ation by Christians […]
It’s been said that the two most difficult things about evangelism for Christians are: #1) Starting and #2) Stopping! A lot of Christians keep their faith to themselves for various reasons. However, our calling and joy is to abide in Christ and be filled with the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit gives us courage and boldness to […]
All Saints’ Day, also called All Hallows’ Day, or Feast of All Saints, in the Christian church, is a day for honoring and remembering saints and celebrated on November 1. A “saint” is usually defined as a person acknowledged as “holy or virtuous and typically regarded as being in heaven after death.” Following church activities one Sunday a father asked his young daughter, “What was your Sunday School […]
It’s turning cooler and it won’t be long until Christmas. The end of the year reminds us that taxes will again be due. If you own stocks and are thinking about donating to your church, consider making a Gift of Stock. If the stock has appreciated, you may be able to take the full amount […]
Author: Rev. Dr. R. Franklin Gillis, Jr. Betty and I have missed going to church. We miss attending in person Sunday school and congregational worship. We miss personal greetings, handshakes, and hugs from fellow members. We miss getting together with family and friends. We miss going to our favorite restaurants for a meal. The […]
Author: Larry Davies I was a young boy walking home from baseball practice and noticed a shortcut through a neighbor’s back yard. There was a chicken coop, but I wasn’t concerned. “Chickens don’t bother anyone.” I knew these things because at the ripe old age of eight, I was cocky and fearless — and dumb. […]
Author: Rev. Dr. R. Franklin Gillis, Jr. In this year 2020, we continue to grapple with many issues worldwide, as a nation, and in our personal lives. We are living in unprecedented times that have changed our ways of life. The ongoing pandemic, racial injustice, and social unrest (and many other problems) have created fear, […]
Author: Larry Davies “Coronavirus Anxiety” As the Coronavirus Crisis deepens so do our challenges as we hear the steadily worsening news. How do we live with the reality of social distancing and still seek to look after each other as faithful Christians? Anxiety for most of us is sky high? How anxious are you? Rate […]