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
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Outreach Prayer
Who do you know who doesn’t know Jesus? Are you praying for them? Have you ever asked if you could pray with them? Jesus said that He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). By God’s grace, we used to be lost but now have been found by the one and only Savior. That’s good news for you … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Many Hands and Many Feet
No one can do it all, and in the church, no one person can handle every issue and need that arises. We depend on lots of willing and able hands to accomplish all the many tasks required for our ministries. From small jobs to large, from up-front ministries to behind the scenes efforts, from administrative chores to spiritual undertakings, keeping … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Supporting Our Covenant Connections
Covenant church pastors and members will gather April 26-28 in Glen Ellyn for Celebration 2018, the Central Conference Annual Meeting. I know that doesn’t sound terribly exciting to most people, but I hope you will join me in praying for the work of our conference and the decisions that will be made at the annual meeting. What happens in the … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Journey to the Cross
Stations of the Cross is an ancient devotional ritual consisting of a series of images depicting Jesus’ journey to the cross with accompanying prayers. The Stations are modeled after the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, a pathway that allows believers to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. You don’t need to travel to Jerusalem to be blessed by the devotional invitation … Read More