Just These Lines Pastor Blog

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A Common Theme in Scripture

10th Sunday after Pentecost/Ordinary Time/August 5, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say Karen and I are on our way to Shawnee, KS where we will be moving her mother into full nursing care. I know it will be difficult and unsettling, but it is the right thing to do. As I write (Monday), we’re in Paducah,...
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Graduation Sunday – Passing the Baton

9th Sunday after Pentecost/Graduation Sunday July 29, 2020 … to say that we’ve been at this virtual thing for 20 Sundays now. Who could have imagined? I am wildly grateful for all who are creatively putting together connections for us: Zoom book studies, Zoom Sunday School classes, online Town Halls (Watch July 27 Event!), drive-in movie nights, Sunday worship and...
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How Long, Oh Lord?

7th Sunday after Pentecost/July 22, 2020 Just these lines, my friends … … to say that I had the great privilege of officiating two Memorial Services this week. First of all, I traveled to the beautiful Western North Carolina Veteran’s Cemetery in Black Mountain on Friday, July 17, to officiate at the Memorial Service of Dr. Joel Vickers. The service...
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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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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...