Examples of being on the point of the wedge blade abound. As previously noted, sometimes it involves taking a risk, possibly exposing oneself to an unwanted outcome, to achieve a greater good. Sometimes it involves ones considerable time and effort to help those in need. The phrase “laying down your life” does not necessarily mean… Read more The Wedge Blade
Luke 13:10-17 “A Healing Religion” This morning I want to talk about a method for biblical study and interpretation. You can do this yourself, but you can also use this method with a small group. The method is called: see, judge, act. It was used by a Roman Catholic bishop several years ago. See means… Read more Worship Reflection Sunday, August 14, 2022
With the September 1, 2022, start of David Hansen’s journey with us as senior minister, a new Pastoral Relations Committee will work with him. Those members are Connie Dietz, Dena Marten, and Kirk Miller. Next Sunday, August 28, there will be a Congregational meeting after worship where we’ll enjoy a lunch of sandwiches and sides… Read more Moderator’s Corner 8/21/2022
While contemplating the image and the meaning of the wedge blade it occurred to me that the phrase which represents the wedge blade has changed at least twice. I discovered an old PVCC document on which the last phrase ended with “for the sake of all men. This was in the 60’s. It’s no surprise… Read more The Wedge Blade
“Sometimes the best evangelism is simply telling people you’re a Christian and then not being a complete jerk.” – John Pavlovitz * * * * * * * PVCC Constitution At our August 28 meeting, we will revisit the PVCC Constitution. In June, parts of the Constitution were suspended until August 31 to allow the… Read more Moderator’s Corner 8/14/2022
Luke 12:32-40 “From Fear to Faith” The movement in the gospel lesson today is from fear to faith, from inaction to action. Luke begins by telling us that Jesus calls his followers “little flock.” This was not a megachurch. He is using the diminutive case. Take a look around. This is a little flock. I… Read more Worship Reflection Sunday, August 8, 2022
“You have to be grateful whenever you get to someplace safe and okay. Even if it turns out it wasn’t quite where you were heading.” – Anne Lamott * * * * * * * News from this morning’s congregational chat. Our thanks to Maribeth Yarnell for getting the “Donate” button working on our Facebook… Read more Moderator’s Corner 8-7-2022
I have been advised that it would be a good idea to explain the symbol of the wedge blade, on our communion table, in partner with the cross. The wedge blade has been a part of Pine Valley worship since Connie and I joined in the early 70’s. It has been the symbol for the… Read more The Meaning of the Wedge Blade
Luke 12:13-21 The Gift of Wisdom Marcus Borg wrote in, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: “Controversy about the Bible is the single most divisive issue among Christians in North America today” (Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, HarperSanFrancisco, 2001). That statement is more true today than it was when he wrote… Read more Worship Reflection Sunday, July 31, 2022
“But around God’s table, and around God’s people, you don’t have to pretend or overcompensate. You can just be. And in just being, you can, in the fierce and loving eyes of God, be known, be whole, and maybe even find a little rest. Because keeping it all going is just exhausting.” – Nadia Bolz-Weber *… Read more Moderator’s Corner 7-31-2022