A Cruciform Life Dear Pillar, One Good Friday a church I once pastored decided to worship using a liturgy modeled after the stations of the cross. Two people dressed in black carried a cross from one position in the sanctuary to the next while various members of the congregation read gospel passages describing key moments in Jesus’ journey to the … Read More
Not What I Want – By Jonathan Harlow
A year and a half ago my dad was diagnosed with stage four melanoma. The news seemed unreal and almost like a bad dream that I wanted to wake up from. I really didn’t know what to think. Doubts, uncertainty, and fear were constantly at the forefront of my thoughts. My dad and I have had a very close relationship, … Read More
A Letter: Anna Erickson
Dear Pillar, Listen to this, from Matthew’s gospel: Matthew 19:13-15 Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as … Read More
Not What I Want – By Diane Konynenbelt
From a place of darkest waters and deepest pain, I heard these lyrics from the song “Scars”*. “I am grateful for the scars cause without them I would not know your heart.”* Can I really say I am thankful for the scars? The scars from June 6, 2021, the day I turned off the ventilator and walked my beloved husband, … Read More
A Letter: Jon Brown
Dear Pillar, Read this short verse from Matthew: “When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating…” The context of Matthew 26 verse 20 is the Passover meal, what became the inaugural communion supper. Jesus just moments from the Judas’ betrayal and only a few hours from Peter’s denial. Judas and Peter were … Read More
While they were
“While they were the time came for her to deliver her child and she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2: 6-7) I hope you have a chance to gather around the Christmas Day online service … Read More
Week 3
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness– on them light has shined… For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:2 & … Read More
Week 2 No. 2
Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.’ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the … Read More
Week 2 No. 1
The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and … Read More
Week 1 – No.2
Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. O guard my life, and deliver me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May … Read More