As we sit on the doorstep of another new year, our tendency is to look back and reflect on the things we accomplished and those we did not. Do not linger in the negative space too long, friend, about what did not get done. Look ahead with hope and consider all the possibilities that lie ahead, waiting for you. May the new year bring you good health and joy.

St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem – worship audio 122924 – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r5gV9Wlrp4eYV8AVRwpbc7XRawZY9lAu/view?usp=sharing_eil&ts=677176e9

Christmas Eve is the holiest of all nights. May these hours be blessed for you and your families.

It is freezing cold today! Reminds me of days gone by when the neighborhood kids gathered to go sleigh-riding on a day such as this. No matter to us that temperatures were below freezing. Some snow, freezing temperatures, and a promise of hot chocolate when we returned back home. Our hats and gloves would be decorated with icicles, and we could barely feel our noses or toes! But we laughed and had so much fun!

Now all grown up, on a cold day like today, I want to simply stay indoors where it is cozy and warm. Times have changed!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SlYt19_Jt_O5_RzHWX5srhfjRpYbucwC/view?ts=67683aa1

St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem worship audio 12.22.24 –

Burt Bacharach’s song, “What the World Needs Now, is Love, Sweet Love” (originally sung by Jackie DeShannon) was running through my head the past through days. Why? I have no idea. Could be the circumstances, where I found people to be less than compassionate or a little on the edgy side. We are navigating a very busy time of year; but that is no excuse to be rude or mean-spirited to each other. But love is not needed just for those situations and persons, but as the song says, “for everyone”. A little bit of love can go a long way. Some say the song was too “preachy”. Love preaches. Love talks. Love stretches. Love lives in all of us, if we recognize it and share it What about the big, wide world? Love certainly dissolves hate, doesn’t it? I could go on and on, but I do not want to sound too preachy. I am simply pointing out that  “love, sweet love, is the only thing that there is just too little love,” calls for us to do something about it.

St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem – Worship Audio 121524

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kk-AhfJx-K95sWPmz1pICKbCarx1kwT-/view?ts=675f07b6

There was a time when we went to our parents, grandparents, or teachers with our questions. Or we may have been directed to the set of encyclopedias in dad’s den or the community/school library ‘to look it up’. Now we ask Google, Alexa, Siri or some other Invisible Internet Tech ‘person’. True, we might receive an answer from the Tech ‘person’, but we won’t receive the answer – usually in the form of a ‘remember when’ story – with love and flair, the only kind our parents, grandparents or teachers knew how to convey. It is great and convenient that we can have our questions answered in the blink of an eye. But I think I would rather have the story on the way to the answer!

St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem – worship audio 12.8.24 –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Ab0CO4x7sz8Uv4Zsj3waEhGatBX2mF5/view?ts=6755cd7e

I heard this morning that local ski resorts are preparing for their slopes for skiers, since the colder temperatures have arrived! Turning the calendar page to December has Christians entering the season of Advent and preparing for the journey to the manger to welcome the Christ child. Prepare. Used as an intransitive verb according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word means “to get ready”. As a pastor, each worship service, I invite those gathered to “prepare their hearts and minds for worship” during the acolyte meditation. When we are facing illness/surgery/procedure we often prepare ourselves for the worse case scenario. What are you preparing for or getting ready for these early December days?

St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem worship audio 12.1.24 –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16lg-q8Czo_hk3MNCxsMveF_PvcwfwXlp/view?ts=674c94f6

There are many folks I know who are hosting a Friendsgiving today. Lovely, that friends can gather together and celebrate. I have never hosted or attended a Friendsgiving, however, when I was in elementary school, I suppose you could call inviting a dozen school friends to Thanksgiving dinner may be considered a “friendsgiving”! My mom was unamused when they all showed up! It was a little crowded around the table, but no problem…we sat together in another room – on the floor, sofa, benches, and chairs. We made do. We shared stories of thanks and laughed a lot. After dinner and cleaning-up, we played touch football in the crisp, fall air; then returned indoors for pumpkin pie, apple strudel, and hot steaming chocolate. I would say, my friends and I had an accidental “friendsgiving”, but that’s up to you to decide! We were friends who gathered in a spirit of celebration to share a Thanksgiving meal  – long before the word “Friendsgiving” was a thing. I will always be grateful for that experience.

St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem worship audio 11/24:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-QLGNYNlPhCJ1Vj3vWoxRQqeBBBzy3Pq/view?usp=sharing_eil&ts=67435d9b

Today, I want to lift up S.T.A.R., which stands for Serving To Aid and Restore, is based in Christ Church UCC in Bethlehem, making it easily accessible to the community it serves. Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the doors are open and people are able to choose what they need, including clothes, camping supplies, and a variety of toiletries. All the items are donated. This time of year with cooler temperatures, higher cost of groceries, and increases in rent, this group’s services are much needed and welcomed. Thank you for all you do!

To learn more about this organization, to volunteer, or to donate, please visit https://www.starbethlehempa.org/about_us

St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem worship audio 11/17: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1plN-dr_VjMMbhFaCX9DxgntG5xZewXk4/view?ts=673a1fd9

Classics. When I hear that word, I think of Gone with the Wind, To Kill a Mockingbird, Wuthering Heights, Treasure Island, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Jane Eyre, Priode and Prejudice, to name a few. There are classic songs and movies, too. All these classics that we cherish so much can warm our hearts. That is why we keep them on repeat on our devices. Because well, they just make us feel good. Whatever is your favorite classic movie, song, or book, take some time to read it, ply it, or watch it today!

St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem – Worship Audio 111024 –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-QLGNYNlPhCJ1Vj3vWoxRQqeBBBzy3Pq/view?usp=sharing_eil&ts=6730e4b3

I was in search of a new recipe for a side dish to bring to the table for Thanksgiving dinner. My search came up empty.  Then I got to thinking, why am I looking for something new? The traditional recipes I have used all my life have always had a nice reception! No one complained. No one asked for anything new. Only I thought it would be a good idea to ”change things up”. Perhaps I will find a recipe that may make my taste buds dance! But I won’t go out of my way to search anymore. I will use the same beloved recipes that have always worked. That will bring much joy!

St. Thomas UCC, Bethlehem Worship Audio 11.03.24 –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIvPiZVJCTDSK8M1ppSULVL9ipewHVR6/view?usp=sharing_eil&ts=6727ac3b