Letters from the Pastor

Jesus said, “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.” (Matthew 5:37)  Jesus’ words are simple, direct, and deeply challenging. At their heart, they call us to live with integrity, clarity, and faithfulness before God and one another. They remind us that...

On January 2, my devotional reading included this thought from the author: “If churches could only do one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ their choice is clear: they would inspire,...

Have you ever made resolutions in January only to be frustrated by February? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, the second Friday in January is informally known as “Quitter’s Day.” One source states that the average resolution lasts 3.74 months. January invites talk of...

When Scripture tells us that “the heavens declare the glory of God,” it is more than poetic beauty. It is testimony. It is promise. It is revelation. From the earliest pages of Scripture, God has used the sky to proclaim His faithfulness and His...

As we approach the close of another year, many of us are already thinking about what lies ahead. January often invites talk of fresh starts, resolutions, and renewed hope, yet by February we’re frustrated! Here’s help: the Christian faith has...

As I write this, a steady snowfall is drifting past the window of my study here at church. The playground outside — usually filled with the joyful noise of our CDC kids — is being covered with a soft, growing blanket of white. Nearby rooftops, vehicles, sidewalks, and...

As a dad, one of the things that comes most naturally to me is helping provide for our daughter, Isabella, who is a senior at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg. When she became eligible to have a car on campus, I began thinking through what she might need...

Advent invites us to lift our eyes once again toward the horizon where God’s promises break into our world. It’s a season when the church leans forward in hope, remembers God’s faithfulness, and prepares our hearts to welcome Christ—who comes to us as Emmanuel, God...

Every so often, the Lord places a fresh challenge before His people—a holy nudge that invites us to see our community, our opportunities, and our calling in a new way. This past Sunday we explored Paul’s words in Philippians 3:14, where he describes pressing on toward...

One of the more recent joys of my spiritual life has been reading through the entire Bible each year. In 2024, more than 40 people from our church completed this journey, and many are continuing the practice in 2025. I used The One Year Bible in 2024, and this year I...