Author: John Willingham

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.”            –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a Seven months ago, I worshiped in the North Carolina congregation where I had served as pastor for nearly eleven years.  I made passing mention of that experience in a blog post on April 27.  There was another moment from that morning, though,… Read more

“Standing firm in one spirit,  striving side by side with one mind.”             –Philippians 1:28 A few years ago, I worshiped at a Presbyterian Church 15 miles from our home.  During my working years, when I was in town and had a Sunday off I didn’t typically sleep in, but instead would… Read more

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3 Several years ago, ten members of the congregation I served at the time traveled with me  to Greece and Turkey. Joined by two other women who lived in Pennsylvania, two from Michigan, an Australian couple and a woman from Trinidad and… Read more

“God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eye.” –Revelation 21:3 On the church calendar November 1 is designated as All Saints Day.  In many congregations, it is the occasion when, during a worship service, we will remember by name the individuals who have died during the previous twelve… Read more

“There is no longer Jew or Greek… for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 One summer during my seminary years, I worked for a cooperative ministry group in West Virginia. Along with a food bank and clothing closet, that organization provided, at no cost, needed home repairs for the poorest residents… Read more

“And Moses would put the veil on his face again until he went in to speak with [God].”  Exodus 34:35b The 34th chapter of Exodus speaks repeatedly of a veil.  It wasn’t worn by a bashful bride, but Moses, a great leader of the past. Nor was it put on for a wedding, but before… Read more

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established…” –Psalm 8:3 Lori and I just returned from a trip through the national parks of Southern Utah. Known as The Mighty Five, they stretch across the Beehive State from Colorado to Nevada and include Arches,… Read more

“And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness.” –Acts 4:29  The words above come one day after the disciples Peter and John encountered a man who had been unable to walk since birth. Calling on the name of Jesus, Peter healed him and then told… Read more

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart.” –Proverbs 3:5 15 years ago, the Session of the congregation I served at the time gathered for a historic decision. Not every matter a church governing body considers rises to that level, of course. This one did as the group pondered next steps in a major renovation… Read more

“But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described…how in Damascus Saul had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.” –Act 9:27 His name was Carl. When we first met, he had worked for the telephone company for 39 years. Some of my co-workers had warned me he was odd, even a curmudgeon.… Read more