Pastor’s Pen
“The Work of Healing” by Rev. Scott D. Samuelson
“Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building...
“The Power of a Good Question” by Rev. Jean Dow
When he was a child, Auschwitz survivor Elie Wiesel’s mother would greet him the same way each day after school. Instead of asking, “What did you learn today?” she would ask, “Did you have a good question today?” I have always loved this story. Because, rather than...
“Beyond the Walls” by Rev. Beth Patton
Two weekends ago, my husband and I took part in Doors Open Milwaukee. We made a day of it and visited six places throughout the city and suburbs. We began in Wauwatosa, touring the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church—designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1956 and listed on...
“Welcoming Prayer” by Rev. Scott D. Samuelson
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians...
“A Lady Who Leads” by Elder Barbara Janssen
"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." As a third year Elder, serving on the Church Life Ministry Team (CLMT) I have been blessed with wonderful leaders. Laurie Uhl has so capably...
“Pray as You Can” by Rev. Jean Dow
One of the challenges of retirement for me involved vacating an office that had floor-to-ceiling walls of bookshelves. Moving to a much smaller office at home, I needed to do some serious downsizing of my library. Different books made the cut for different reasons, of...
“Seasons” by Rev. Beth Patton
While running errands today, I had my first sighting of fall colors. This is my favorite season of the year! Though New Year’s Eve is generally considered a time for reflection and renewal, this time of year equally draws me towards a time for discernment. Schedules...
“Lips Spilling Praise” by Rev. Scott D. Samuelson
“I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” —Psalm 34:1 There’s something about walking amid the beauty of creation that leads me to sing. Something stirs in my heart and suddenly I’m humming a tune. And soon the words of that...
“Motherly Strength” by Rev. Scott D. Samuelson
“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.” —Isaiah 66:13a Of all the images from this summer’s Divine Imagination sermon series, I think my favorite has been Christ as Mothering Hen. There’s a tenderness in this image but also a ferocity. For moms are...
“Building Connections” by Rev. Jean Dow
One Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago, instead of heading to the yoga studio as I usually do, I gathered my hammer and tool belt and a few other essentials and drove to the Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity warehouse in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood to spend...
“Irreplaceable” by Rev. Beth Patton
“I just saw about the flash floods in Milwaukee! Hope you are all OK!” a friend texted me this past Monday. She lives in North Carolina and had heard about the rain and flooding this past weekend. Having experienced the devastation of Hurricane Helene, she is...
“To Share God’s Glory” by Rev. Scott D. Samuelson
“The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.” —Psalm 19:1 What is the glory of God? Our scriptures are full of references to it. The Lord’s Prayer we offer every Sunday ends with: “For Thine is the kingdom and the power and...
