In my recent sermon, I quoted Gordon Fee, who didn’t mince words when he warned …“You cannot know anything about Jesus, anything, if you miss the kingdom of God. You are zero on Jesus if you don't understand this term. I'm sorry to say it that strongly, but this is the great failure of evangelical Christianity. We have had Jesus without the kingdom of God, and therefore we have literally done Jesu...  Read More

As our nation marks its 250th anniversary this year, I’m fascinated by the story of our beginnings—the ideals of the Revolution, the courage of the founders, and the bold experiment of a nation built on liberty. Yet, it is easy to feel troubled. Division, uncertainty, and a drifting away from foundational truths can leave us anxious about what the future holds.I’m thinking about a familiar yet pro...  Read More

This spring, we have been reading through and studying Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Though written from the darkness of a Roman prison cell, this brief four-chapter letter is full of joy. It serves as a great reminder that joy is not a byproduct of comfortable circumstances, but a direct reflection of where we anchor our hearts!Over the past several weeks, Paul challenged us to look beyond ou...  Read More

As we approach the National Day of Prayer on May 7, 2026, we are invited to lift our voices not just for ourselves, but for the flourishing of all creation. This year’s theme, "Glorify God Among the Nations," reminds us that our faith transcends borders and our primary citizenship is in the Kingdom of God. Let this be a day of humble intercession for the common good.We pray for …Wisdom for Leaders...  Read More

The stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and the message is clear: He is risen! But Easter Sunday isn’t the finish line of our faith; it’s the starting blocks. If the Resurrection proves that life triumphs over death, then our response cannot be static. Easter is our "marching orders."We are called to be a "Resurrection People," which means carrying the light of Sunday throughout the week. Lov...  Read More

I am writing this about 36 hours before our first Lenten Lunch. As we enter the reflective wilderness of Lent, we often ask ourselves what we should "give up" or “take up.” This year, in particular, our Lenten Lunch series invites us to consider what we might "take up."We are embarking on a six-week journey titled "The Great Way: A Heart Prepared for the Cross," and I could not be more excited or ...  Read More

As we begin a new year, I’ve been spending some time reflecting on my One Word for 2026: Consistency.I discovered this word back in early December during a bit of lament. I realized that my exercise and therapy schedule has’t been as consistent as I’d like. So, this year, I want to focus on consistency in the areas that matter most.For me, that includes what I call Time With God—regular prayer and...  Read More

Many of us are carrying questions right now—questions that ask us to choose courage over fear. Decisions that feel heavy. Circumstances that feel uncertain. If that feels close to home, hear this word of reassurance: it’s going to be okay.Not because the situation is simple. Not because the path ahead will be painless. But because God is with you.Scripture reminds us again and again that nothing i...  Read More

The seasons of the church year come around quickly. One moment we are celebrating Easter, and before we know it, Advent is upon us again. Because it returns every year, it’s easy to slip into routine—to light the candles, sing the hymns, hear the readings, and simply go through the motions. But Advent invites us to something deeper. It calls us to prepare our hearts!Jesus urges his followers to “s...  Read More

We live in a time of great turmoil and division. As followers of Jesus, silence is not an option when truth and compassion are at stake. Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel once said, “I swore never to be silent whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” His words r...  Read More

For the past several weeks, we’ve been inviting one another to pause & pray each Friday at noon. The idea is simple: wherever you are, stop for just a few moments and turn your heart toward God in prayer!There’s nothing magical about this specific schedule. God hears us whenever we pray. But what can make this meaningful is knowing that we are not praying alone. Even if we are scattered across hom...  Read More

On Sunday, August 24, we gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 100 years of being the hands and feet of Jesus at Wehnwood United Methodist Church. What began in 1925 at the Logan Township Fire Hall has grown into a century-long witness of God’s presence and faithfulness in Altoona.The world looked very different when this church began. The “Roaring Twenties” were in full swing, automobiles...  Read More