Blogging, Pastoral Life, Writing

Tyrone Trolley Bridge Rediscovered (Guest Post by Jeffery D. Holland)

I had never put the two images side by side. Doing so I found them to be one and the same. The greatest part was the second photo showed a view in the opposite direction showing the houses in Nealmont, houses that are still there and were a perfect match! This was the final confirmation. I had finally located the bridge from the postcard.

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Stewardship, Women in Ministry

Altoona District UMC Churches Purchase Lifechanging Device for Visually Impaired Teenager in Africa

Claudine is sixteen years old and visually impaired. After losing her parents, she found a home with Mama Arlene Brown and Hope Made Real. She dreams of becoming a doctor. In this photo, Rev. Rebecca and her husband, Jeff, stand with mama Arlene Brown. Mama Arlene Brown is originally from Pennsylvania. She started an orphanage… Continue reading Altoona District UMC Churches Purchase Lifechanging Device for Visually Impaired Teenager in Africa

Blogging, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Poetry, Preaching, Preaching, Prayers, and Devotions, Sermons & Sermon Notes, Writing

A Prayer for the Changing of the Seasons

A prayer for personal devotions or for use in corporate worship. The trees have their autumn colors here in PA! Introduction and General Life Update: Happy Fall, Everyone! The leaves here in Pennsylvania are beautiful and there is a chill in the air. I love Fall-- and I especially love all things Pumpkin Spice. For… Continue reading A Prayer for the Changing of the Seasons

Disability & Accessibility, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Preaching

His Encouragement: Giving Thanks for Unexpected Healing

After unexpected good news from a cornea specialist, I want to take time to give thanks to God for an unexpected healing. I believe in the power of every day miracles. Bible Verse: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin… Continue reading His Encouragement: Giving Thanks for Unexpected Healing

Author Q&A, Book Reviews, Books, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Women in Ministry

Christian Minimalism Book Review and Author Interview with Becca Ehrlich

If you're a pack rat like me, Christian Minimalism will give you a lot to think about. It is perfect for fellow pack rats, fans of Marie Kondo, or anyone who wants to free themselves from life's excesses so that they can focus on what is truly important.

Ministry, Pastoral Life, Preaching, Preaching, Prayers, and Devotions, Sermons & Sermon Notes, Women in Ministry

Devotion: Spring Cleaning of the Heart (His Encouragement)

I was the only one short enough to fit into the tiny crawl space. All the random items reminded me of the futility of storing up earthly treasures. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”… Continue reading Devotion: Spring Cleaning of the Heart (His Encouragement)

Diversity, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Preaching, Preaching, Prayers, and Devotions, Sermons & Sermon Notes, Women in Ministry

What can a cactus teach us about the resurrection? The Christmas-Easter Cactus (His Encouragement)

I thought my Christmas cactus was dead, but it bloomed unexpectedly. My Christmas cactus became an Easter cactus! Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.John 20:18, NIV I thought my cactus was dead-- but I was mistaken. Good… Continue reading What can a cactus teach us about the resurrection? The Christmas-Easter Cactus (His Encouragement)

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Preaching, Sermons & Sermon Notes

Failure and Forgiveness: What Can Holy Thursday Teach Us?

A towel and some dirty water. These humble objects are the symbolic signs of what it means to serve Christ and love one another. --Mary Louise Bringle, Feasting on the Word, Year B Can you think of a time in your life when you were sick and needed someone to take care of you? Can… Continue reading Failure and Forgiveness: What Can Holy Thursday Teach Us?