Category: Pastor’s Corner

Molly Baskette writes in, “The Church that Plays Together” that: As a young doctor, Stuart Brown was doing research into the character of murderers who otherwise had no criminal history.  He discovered something amazing, a common thread in 90% of their stories: as children, their play was severely restricted.  Brown, a workaholic, spent many more decades … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: March 2015

January has come and gone and with it, for many of us, our New Year’s resolutions and promises as well.  We resolve to ‘get healthy’, to ‘think more positively’, to ‘do less’ and more. (yes, that less-more is intentional)  The unfortunate thing is, that one of the main reasons people don’t follow through with resolutions … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: February 2015

This is the time of year that church members receive the phone call asking them to serve on a committee or be part of a board or work on a particular church project.  And because of that, I’ve been thinking and reading a lot about church structure and leadership. What are the so-called “best practices” … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: January 2015

Some gifts are the best only after the time of giving has long-since past. My fifth grade year started off with significant weight gain and my first pair of glasses. I was a good student but not great – probably because I couldn’t see.  I was a good athlete but not stellar – probably because … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: December 2014

All of our lives get busy, including mine.  I have struggled all week to write my own thoughts on the topic of over-consumption and its effects on charitable contributions.  Once again I must thank and acknowledge, Rev. Michael Piazza (Liberating Word: a ministry of The Center for Progressive Renewal) for saying it best.  This is … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: November 2014

MISSION SHARES I know what you’re thinking. I can almost see your faces coming through my computer screen; eyes rolling, arm hairs standing on end, frustration and anger welling-up inside; blood pressure rising. Some of you have even thrown this newsletter to the floor and have run off with your hands over your ears screaming, … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: October 2014

This past week I pondered the start of a new school year and why I teach music in a public school.  There’s something universally joyful about singing. The use of the voice to communicate both that which is speakable and knowable as well as that which is beyond complete understanding is found in every human … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: September 2014

I can’t seem to let go of Jesus’ teachings using seeds, the possibilities of meaning seem to be endless.  In my jottings, and brain-stormings and word webs I message that seemed to come through was about our continued growth in God.  You know the phrase, “Be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet.”  I began … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: August 2014

This month I’m sharing a verse that someone shared with me years ago.  It’s a bit sentimental for me but it sure tells the truth. I thought it might be appropriate with all the losses the Mid-coast area has experienced these past two weeks.   Grace and Peace, Pastor Chellie How Do You Live Your Dash? … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: July 2014

Reading on-line devotionals is part of my spiritual practice.  There’s always ‘good stuff’ to ponder and pray about. This comes from the U.C.C. Stillspeaking Daily Devotional. May 28, 2014.  I love the analogy Matt uses and truly appreciate his description of the disciples in the fifth paragraph. “You did not choose me but I chose … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: June 2014