After our long, cold winter, it seems fitting that Easter comes late this spring, not until April 21. By then, the ugly snow piles should be a distant memory and the green grass should be ready for mowing. Spring will be in full bloom, fulfilling God’s annual promise to bring renewal and rebirth to His good world. In the same … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Our Journey through the Old Testament
We live in a culture obsessed with the new and the next. From technology to health care, even fashion trends, everything seems to run on the theory that what’s new must be what’s best. In some ways, new things in our lives are blessings, like new medications that help heal diseases and new ways to communicate with people far away. … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Another Year of Generous and Joyful Giving
I recently completed my eighteenth year of pastoral ministry, having served three Covenant churches in three different conferences, including nearly six years here at Broadway. During this time, I have been amazed over and over by God’s goodness and by the faithfulness of His people. This faithfulness is expressed through worship, service and financial sacrifice, enabling the mission of Jesus … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: The Immerse Journey Continues
I have been impressed with the wide and deep participation of our church in Immerse: Messiah. Since September, well over half the church has read the New Testament and joined together for engaging and theo-logically challenging discussions on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. What a joy it is to read God’s word and allow the Spirit to form us individually … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Jesus Came for Us
During Advent, I will preach a sermon series called “Jesus Came for Us” about why Jesus came into the world and who He came to save. Of course, Jesus came into the world to save sinners, to rescue people like you and me who would be forever lost without God’s grace offered through Jesus Christ. Through the four Sundays of … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Thankful for the Blessings We Share
As we approach Thanksgiving, I am reminded that gratitude nourishes our souls and expressing thanks, espe-cially in public ways, brings honor to our Lord and edifies our brothers and sisters in faith. In other words, it’s good for us and it pleases God when we give thanks. We will take time as a congregation to express our gratitude during the … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: What Happens in Your Soul
Sweet nectar pools deep in the heart of an angraecoid orchid, a flower so intricately designed that only one species of long-tongued moth can reach the nectar and thereby transfer the orchid’s pollen. Deep in the human heart dwells a soul, so wonderfully made that only its Creator can reach its depths and know perfectly the life it contains. Your … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: We Don’t Do Faith Alone
Jesus asks a lot of His followers. Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Give to those in need. Pray for those who persecute you. Following Jesus leads to blessing, but it’s still hard. Love one another. Remain in Me. Forgive. Yes, Jesus asks a lot of us, but He doesn’t expect us to do it all on our own. In … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Reading the Bible Anew
We love the Bible and don’t make excuses for that. We believe in the life-transforming truth of God’s word. We believe the stories told in the Bible are both real and meaningful. We read, study, teach, preach, pray, memorize and obey scripture, because we have found it beautiful, powerful and inspiring. This fall we will put new action and commitment … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Remember Who Lives Inside Us
For almost 30 years, I have carried my grandfather’s obituary folded up in my wallet. He was a remark-able man, and that little slip of paper, tucked behind my driver’s license, reminds me of him and how his life impacted mine. I haven’t read the obituary in years, but I know it’s there. Maybe it’s time to read it again. … Read More