Just These Lines Pastor Blog

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John Wesley & The Washington Post

7th Sunday after Pentecost/July 15, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say that we are right in the middle of one of our great summertime rituals, Rainbow Express Camp. This year it looks different (virtual), but nonetheless is filled with beaming campers and energy-filled volunteers. What a week! You’ll get to hear from a few of them...
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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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An Anthem with a Question

5th Sunday after Pentecost/July 1, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say the Wilson family enjoyed some days together in the lovely mountain town of Blowing Rock. You can watch here a short video of me reading the book, Lola Dutch, I Love You So Much to my granddaughter Lola. I can’t begin to say “thank you”...
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Hurry Sickness

4th Sunday after Pentecost/June 24, 2020 Just These Lines, My Friends… … to say that the entire Wilson tribe (all 10 of us, plus my sister and her daughter) is gathering this week in Blowing Rock. Some of you may not have heard or even remember the story I told last year about our family going on a week-long (Saturday...
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Listen, Lament, Learn & Love

Trinity Sunday/June 3, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say that the murder of George Floyd, following a long list of unjust deaths of so many black women and men, rips back the veil yet again – assuring us that racism, our malignant cancer, remains powerful and deadly. In our Sunday, May 31 reading of Acts 2,...
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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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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...