Ministry has its challenges, but one of the joys of being a pastor is the privilege to declare a message of true hope in a world so immersed in tragedy and despair. This past Sunday I preached on Isaiah 2:1-5, which includes one of the greatest promises of Scripture: world peace. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for…

It’s always a joy to baptize a person into God’s covenant community, whether that person is the infant child of believing parents or is someone who has not been baptized and is making a profession of faith. It’s one of my favorite duties as a pastor. This past Sunday I baptized a baby boy at the 9 a.m. service. I used the…

One of the highlights of our vacation last week was visiting Yosemite National Park with family friends. Here in this pocket of God’s vast Creation are some of the most impressive sights nature affords – the towering granite wall of El Capitan, the stately Half Dome glowing orange in the sun’s last rays, and the crystalline Tenaya Lake nestled among the high…

I hope I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew. Last Sunday I began preaching through the book of Isaiah, starting with 1:1-20. So far I’ve really enjoyed the close study of this magnificent prophecy, and I’m excited to dig deep into some of the best-known and best-loved passages of Isaiah. And to discover hidden gems along the way. But the…