New Years’ 2026   We continue celebrating the birth of Jesus this week. Yesterday, in Matthew 1, we saw the royal titles that accompanied his birth—Messiah, Son of David, Jesus, and Immanuel. Next week we’ll look at the Wise Men in Matthew 2 and the conflicting ways in which news of Jesus’ birth was received. There are still conflicting ways that people receive the news about Jesus.   This week is also when we change our calendars from 2025 to 2026. For some people New Years’

It was good to see the crowd in our worship service yesterday. The special music, the singing, the candle lighting, the decorations—everything worked together to make it a really special service. Thanks to all who participated.   With Wednesday being Christmas Eve and Thursday being Christmas Day, we begin our celebration of the birth of Jesus. We will not be holding a Christmas Eve service at North Danvers, but the Presbyterian Church has extended an invitation to theirs. We

Well, yesterday was certainly cold, but at least it was still and bright. Though the temps are warmer today with the wind it feels much colder and the snow is blowing and drifting. If you have to be out and about, be careful.   Many thanks for those who made it possible for us to have a service yesterday. Thanks to those who braved the elements to clear the parking lots and sidewalk. Thanks also to those who stepped in at the last minute in various roles in the service. We ap

It’s that time of year when there is Christmas music everywhere! In the stores, on the radio, in some places it’s on the sidewalk as you go from one place to the other. I asked last week what is that song or songs you need to hear to put you in the spirit of Christmas. I have a few, but one of them is definitely “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” I’ve heard that several times and in several versions over the past few weeks. Here’s another question: what’s that Christmas song that you

Advent began yesterday, but not exactly in the way we would have hoped. We did do a short, streamed service yesterday if you haven’t watched it yet. The first Sunday of Advent is about hope. God brings about his purposes, sometimes in unexpected ways, so maybe it wasn’t such a bad beginning to the season anyway.   The decorations in the church building look amazing. A big thank you to the crew who worked to get them all up last Friday. It’s always nice to get into the feeling

It’s really hard for me to believe that we are only weeks away from the end of 2025. This year seems to have flown by for me. Of course, we have had some significant events in our family’s life this year. I know that many of you have experienced changes this year as well. The loss of loved ones. Changes in our health. As we approach Thanksgiving this week, I want to focus on those things for which I am thankful. How have we seen God’s goodness in the year past? Josanne and I

The harvest is done (or nearly so, at least). The temperatures are falling and we’ve already seen a quick snow shower. Thanksgiving will be upon us in a matter of days. It’s the time we think about our blessings and give thanks to God for all he has given us. It’s also the season we think about how we can give back to our community. This year in particular there are those around us that have big needs. The Outreach Team has already begun a coat drive. The Danvers Carlock Food

Next week is the final week of our series through Jeremiah. We’ll be seeing the prophecies about the various nations which surround Israel and Judah. They remind us that God is the one who is control, despite what it may seem to us. It reminds me of Paul’s sermon in Athens where he said, “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands,” (Acts 17:26, NIV). When

I wanted to share some things from yesterday’s sermon on Jeremiah 29 for you to take some more time with, if you wish. I mentioned that Jesus famously said of his followers, they are to be in  the world, but not of the world. I then gave a quote from a book I’m reading by Michael Goheen titled The Church and Its Vocation . He asks the question there: “What is the relationship of the church to culture?. . .” He then answers, “A true encounter with culture demands identificatio

It was good to have a good crowd during the worship service again yesterday. We also had a good number stay for the potluck afterward. It’s always good to spend some time together sharing stories.   I’m sure you’ll hear lots of reminders, but this is mine to turn your clocks back next Saturday night. Of course, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to have more people show up for Sunday School. :-)   Yesterday we talked about the inevitability of God’s people going into exile in Babylon