Just These Lines Pastor Blog

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Thankful in the Tough Times

6th Sunday after Pentecost/July 8, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say I hope you’ve had the opportunity to view the wonderful GodStory from Lauren Smith. We shared it in worship on Sunday, July 5 for the first time. Lauren and her husband John have three children: Jackson and twins, Evan and Brady. They have been a part...
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Juneteenth and Father’s Day

3rd Sunday after Pentecost/Father’s Day/June 17, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say that I hope you were able to be with us this past Sunday, June 14. My sermon was on being patient with God. You can listen to the powerful prayers, wonderful music and watch the sermon here. If you missed last night’s conversation with pastors...
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Shifting Gears

2nd Sunday after Pentecost/June 10, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say that hundreds of people gathered Sunday afternoon on the Matthews Town Hall to share a message of solidarity against racism in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd. A number of town leaders spoke, including Pastor and Councilman Rev. Larry Whitley, our very own...
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Pentecostal Explosion

Day of Pentecost/May 27, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say that Pastor’s Paul message from Sunday was just tremendous. Here are a couple of quotes that just stopped me in my tracks: I have also witnessed how this same virus pulls us apart.  I see it in the “Run and Grab” competition for scarce products, hoarding...
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Approach Toward Re-Opening will be Cautious, Deliberate, & Methodical

6th Sunday of Easter/May 13, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say that I hope you were able to join us online for our Mother’s Day celebration at 9:30 am and 11:00 am. So sorry about our technical difficulties at 9:30. If you missed the ending of my message, you can watch here. I conclude with a...
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Town Hall Tonight & Thoughts on Re-Opening

4th Sunday of Easter/April 29, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say that I hope you’ve had a chance to listen to Pastor Paul’s message from Sunday (April 26)? It was outstanding. And how about all those wonderful musicians we have in the life of our church! We are so fortunate. You can watch Sunday’s service here:...
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The Reality of the Resurrection

2nd Sunday of Easter/April 15, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say that we have just celebrated the Easter of our lifetimes that may have been more like the first. Instead of rushing to the Church to celebrate the joy of Easter in the Sanctuary, we remained apart in our homes. Instead of lifting up our voices...
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Hope, Light & Love

Easter/April 8, 2020 Just these lines, my friends …  … to say that I really miss you. I so miss being with you on Sundays (face-to-face). It’s strange – when I gather with our pastors and musicians (no more than 10) on Sunday in our expansive Sanctuary to do our livestream worship service, we still do feel the presence of...
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Good News Abounds

Passion/Palm Sunday/April 1, 2020 Just these lines… … to say a special word of thanks to the hundreds of you who have been joining us for worship each week in these uncertain, turbulent days. You can watch this past Sunday’s service here and join a small group here to stay connect through the week.  Something I think will enhance your worship at...