Category: Pastor’s Corner

I was writing about gifts and their meaning and the meta-meaning (meaning behind the meaning) of a gift when I was struck by these words from Matthew’s Gospel: “... they returned by another way.” The decision to go another way. This act of re-turning is a defining moment in the birth narrative of Jesus. This … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner for January 2020

Here’s the summary of the Stew Event from the prophet Haggai. We all have something to contribute to the stew: large or small We all need to keep putting into the stew pot, even when there’s something “distasteful” in it. That’s the only way we can change the stew. We all need to share our … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: December 2019

The Fellowship Hall was clearing out. The last of the Trunk or Treaters and parents made their way to the doors where wind and rain awaited their arrival outdoors – dampening costumes, clothes and coats but not spirits. Weary but happy parishioners packed up what was left on the tables of treats and made their … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: November 2019

I’ve truly enjoyed these past months of reading and studying, pondering and praying the Books of Wisdom.  Knowing the larger arch of life the three primary books lay out has brought me to a new appreciation and love for these scriptural texts.Proverbs = the Young, Bright, Optimistic Academic, who’s reading to take on the world … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: October 2019

From Rev. Erik Kara of Christ Trinity Church Sheffield, MAAugust 20, 2019His church purchased rainbow colored Adirondack chairs to place in the yard besidethe church as a symbol of their openness and welcome to all persons. A simplegesture with no fanfare. Here’s what happened.“Since "The Chairs"; were placed in front of our church, a few … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: September 2019

I know, it’s Summer.  I should be reveling about the beauty and warmth of this season.  But, it seems to me as we begin our time together that Spring is more fitting a metaphor. Gardening and Spring Cleaning have similar early stages.  Spring is usually the time for tilling and planting – garden work.  It’s … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner for July 2019

Now, where did I put that book?  I was sure I put it in the green briefcase so I’d be sure to have it when I got to People’s.  Argh! It’s in the other briefcase next to the chair out in Union. Or at least, I think it is?  Where’s my green capris? I was … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: May 2019

by Rev. Erik Karas It is not like Evil to make a mistake. Yet that is what he has done.  His greed has shown his hand. With Pittsburgh, New Zealand, Sri Lanka.   It was greed that did it. It was Evil treating us all as equals that tore off his mask!  You can see … Continue reading It Lifts

So, last week the Spirit lead me and my sermon down a different path than I had planned. We were looking at Lukewarm Faith. Jesus doesn’t mention lukewarm faith anywhere in the Gospels. Instead, He teaches by example what a vibrant, “enflamed” life of faith looks like. It’s after Jesus’ death and resurrection and the … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: April 2019

I had hoped to write a piece on the delightful contrast of Silver and Blue or White and Blue - winter colors for me.  Contrasts that when held together present as beauty. Or does the beauty glisten through the contrast - seeing both colors for what they are, as separate and equal, as well as … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: January 2019