Just These Lines Pastor Blog

Palm Sunday Just these lines, my friends … … to say how grateful I am for Tommy and Laurie Little and their entire family. They have meant so much to our church family for decades now. This past Sunday, Laurie gave a stunning message of hope and direction for us as a church as we concluded our worship series, Embracing...

5th Sunday in Lent Just these lines, my friends … … to say how grateful we are for all who participate in our worship, music and the arts ministry. I’m stunned each week by how you show up week after week to prompt us in so many ways with our worship. YOU mean so much to us. I do hope...

4th Sunday in Lent Just these lines, my friends … … to say what a rich, rich day with Amy Julia Becker as our guide for Week 3 in our Embracing Disabilities: Creating an EVERYBODY Mentality. Both Sunday morning and Sunday evening she touched us so deeply. You can watch both Sunday morning worship here and Sunday evening here. You...

3rd Sunday in Lent Just these lines, my friends … … to say that a deeply disturbing incident of Zoom bombing occurred at our Matthews Town Council meeting on Monday night (2/26). Several callers spewed hateful homophobic and antisemitic speech during the public comment time. I was not in attendance, but I’ve watched the 20 minutes of deeply hurtful commentary...

2nd Sunday in Lent Just these lines, my friends … … to say that we launched our 2024 Lenten series, Embracing Disabilities: Creating an EVERYBODY Mentality. I do hope you are participating at every level: Wednesday Dinners and/or Study (launching tonight), making Music Together special event (last day to register), daily devotionals (printed copy or PDF), Sunday Morning Groups (curriculum...

1st Sunday in Lent Just these lines, my friends … … to say that our Global Impact Commitment Sunday (2/11) with you was such a joy. Our music and worship were so uplifting (hear the offertory hymn here) and Liz Clasen-Kelly was a gift. Liz is the CEO of A Roof Above and one of the brightest lights in our...

Transfiguration Sunday Just these lines, my friends … … to say that Karen and I will make our way home to NC on Friday, February 9. We are so excited about being back with you after our special time with family in Southern California. We gathered to remember and celebrate Karen’s father, Bill Payne, who entered life eternal near the...

5th Sunday after the Epiphany Just these lines, my friends … … to say that Karen and I are away for twelve days with our family in Southern California. Our family is gathering for several days to remember and celebrate Karen’s father, Bill Payne, who entered life eternal near the end of October 2023. Karen and her sister have been...

4th Sunday after the Epiphany Just these lines, my friends … … to say that what a special week: small group studies, Room In The Inn, Bingo Night, Youth basketball filling up the Gym on Friday & Saturday, and, of course, Sunday worship and celebrating our Scouts. All of these are opportunities for you to make connections. Remember … is...