Pause to Ponder

My first Sunday as minister at Pioneer Presbyterian gave me much to smile about. With the power of Love one small voice can make a difference!

This New Year comes with a surprising fresh start. Today by the gracious invitation of the people at Pioneer Presbyterian Church in Warrenton, Oregon I begin service on the Clatsop Plains in Word and Sacrament ministry, providing spiritual care and guidance with a special focus on later life wellness in Christ.

Many of you know I felt led to put my role as pastor behind me, open to a new outpouring of Spirit and creative service in my older years. After much consideration and prayerful discernment, however, I am now prepared to humbly accept this wonderful opportunity to be active again in parish ministry and I ask God to help and guide me.

We’ve been called again this new year
to pick what’s life-giving
and share with good cheer

What joy to see children
find welcome places where their sensitive hearts
can thrive no matter what each faces

May the dreams of the child in all of us come true,
and may we find mentors and loved ones
to help all the year through

West Seattle Husky’s Ice cream
at Christmas Time
Forty years after my first cone there

By the grace of God joy and delight come
Always has, always will
No matter what the years may bring

With holiness revealed in the birth of a precious child
concern for the future of Mother Earth is awakened
stirring us to earth-friendly New Year resolve

A simple display of Christmas cheer
will transform hearts
all through the year

Carol and I and our companions, Mellie & Banjo
invite you to join us in celebrating the love of God
born in a lowly stable and in every humble heart

Joy to you and yours this Christmas
and may the peace Christ brings stir you
to gift others with kindness all through the year

Music is a sacred gift
a reflection of the goodness, beauty,
and stir of Love’s presence come into the world

Click on my YouTube Channel below for a special Christmas music offering:

Older now,
yet the child in me joins all of creation
singing Christmas into our soul again this year

Such joy to the world!—Our praising Love who comes
making a warm and safe haven in our hearts
even when bitter winds blow