Pastor's Blog

History Matters

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:56:40 GMT

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The Cup of Freedom

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:20:28 GMT

“{Jesus} withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ’Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Luke 22:41-43

Dear Friends,

This coming Sunday we celebrate Easter, proclaiming with joy, “Christ is risen; He is risen indeed!” Christ’s once-for-all act of self-giving love continues to transform human life. Each Easter invites us into deeper faithfulness and a renewed relationship with our Creator and Savior. At the heart of this celebration is the freedom Christ offers to us all.

Scripture often uses the image of the “cup” to convey deep spiritual meaning. In Psalm 23, the cup symbolizes God’s blessing and abundance: “My cup overflows.” Here, the overflowing cup reflects the richness of God’s provision for those who trust in Him.

At other times, the cup represents judgment. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of “the cup of the wine of wrath,” illustrating the serious consequences of sin and rebellion and affirming the reality of divine justice (Jeremiah 25:15).

In the New Testament, the cup takes on its fullest meaning through Jesus Christ. At the Last Supper, Jesus offered the cup as a sign of the new covenant, poured out for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:27–28). Later, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed that this cup might pass from Him—yet He chose obedience to the will of God, accepting the suffering that would lead to our salvation.

Today, we encounter the cup in Holy Communion. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, the cup we bless is a participation in the blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16). When we gather at the Lord’s Table, we both remember Christ’s sacrifice and celebrate our unity with Him and with one another.

Through Jesus, the cup of judgment is removed, and the cup of blessing is extended to all. His obedience and sacrifice open the way to a life grounded in hope, purpose, and joy.

Throughout the Easter season, we will reflect more deeply on the cup of freedom made available to us through faith in Jesus Christ. I look forward to celebrating the risen Lord with you this Sunday and praying that God’s blessings continue to guide and sustain you, now and always.

With gratitude,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Easter Season Sermon Series: The Cup of Freedom

We begin a new series called “The Cup of Freedom.” Psalm 116 says “The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “ save me!” It goes on to say “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” We proclaim that Christ’s cup of salvation through the resurrection is the cup of our freedom from distress, sorrow, and death… whatever those things are for you. In the next eight weeks we will take our cup of freedom and call on the name of God!

When death seems to have had the last word and rising up feels locked down, we call on the power of love and life. We take up Jesus’ cup of freedom, we call on the name of the One Who Is Truly Sovereign, and we claim the freedom to move forward, to sing, to follow, to rise again, to love, heal, and be opened. In the end, we are filled with the freedom of the Spirit of God.

Join us online or in person for this new and inspirational series from the Worship Design Studio.

Freedom to Follow - Sunday, April 12, 2026
Freedom to Rise Again - Sunday, April 19, 2026
Freedom to Heal - Sunday, April 26, 2026
Freedom to Love – Sunday, May 3, 2026
Freedom to Sing - Sunday, May 10, 2026
Freedom to Open - Sunday School Play, May 17, 2026
Freedom to Be Filled - Sunday, May 24, 2026

Strengthening Our Prayer Life as a Community.

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:30:13 GMT

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”

Psalm 145:18-19 (NRSVUE)

Dear Friends,

It seems that prayer has gotten a bad rap lately. Whenever something terrible happens in our world, when we say that we will pray, there are some who will see prayer does no good.

The Bible though is full of references about prayer.

The Bible teaches that prayer is a vital, relational communication with God, meant to

be sincere, persistent, and rooted in faith.

Practical Guidance

1. Pray consistently and without anxiety, presenting requests with thanksgiving. See Philippians 4:6-7.

2. Pray privately and with sincerity, focusing on relationships rather than performance. See Matthew 6:6.

3. Include intercession for others and worship in your prayers. See James 5:16.

4. Trust God’s timing and wisdom, remaining patient and hopeful. See Romans 12:12.

In summary, the Bible presents prayer as a lifelong, relational practice that nurtures faith, aligns believers with God’s will, and provides spiritual strength, comfort, and guidance in all circumstances.

So, where do we begin?

I know there are people out there who have prayed all your life. However, there are those amongst us, who may need assistance, like young Christians. I am recommending that we put into practice the “Five Finger Prayer” as a resource for us to follow and especially teach to our children. See the image below for more information.

How can we put this into practice?

I recently saw a video from the Ann arbor Presbyterian Church where during the Prayers of People, they had a young person and an adult praying together. So, I am proposing that we try this during Family and Youth Sundays. It might be interesting for us to hear what our young people are praying for while at the same time giving them the opportunity to develop their own prayer life that will sustain them into adulthood.

Whether you have been praying all your life, or want to revitalize your own prayers, feel free to give this method a try.

As we head into spring and continue our journey through Lent, may we be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in, around, and through us.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

From Winter’s Chill to Heaven’s Warmth

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:15:44 GMT

“Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:2-4)

Dear Friends,

For those who are looking towards heaven, it might not matter that we have had one of the coldest and snowiest January’s on record. I for one though hope the ground hog will not see his shadow predicting an early spring.

I am growing weary of stepping out of my door as if I am stepping into a walk-in freezer. I also can’t stop thinking about those who have no shelter and are sleeping out in this weather. I can understand why for many people, heaven is a trip to Florida in these cold winter months.

There are two books that I am thinking about. The first if Dr. David Jeremiah’s book, “The Promise of Heaven: 31 Reasons to Get Excited About Your Eternal Home.”

Just as there may be a sense of anticipation about winter coming to an end, so we should have a sense of anticipation of what is awaiting us when our time on earth ends. Please though I hope none of you are in a rush to get there

Knowing what lies ahead encourages us in our day-to-day trials and tribulations. Life becomes sweeter when we know that when the LORD calls us home, we have an idea of what we will find there. More importantly, knowing what awaits us in heaven gives us a road map for living our life in this world. A phrase attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us that it is not the destination; it is the journey. Maybe Dr. Jeremiah’s book will find its way into our worship experience this summer.

Our journey this year began with digging deeper into the attributes and character of God through the “God is Like…” series. What I have noticed is that there are overlaps of attributes we associate with God, that are fulfilled in Jesus. For instance, God feeds our hunger as he did when the Hebrews were in the wilderness, and Jesus is known as the Bread of Life, feeding the five thousand, and nourishing our souls through the Word of God. That is why we will move from the “God is Like…” series to the “I am…” statements made by Jesus as we begin the season of Lent.

The second book that I will be using is the book written by Rev. John Pennylegion entitled, “I Am: The Statements of Jesus.” I believe that exploring the different attributes of Jesus during Lent will be essential as we journey towards the cross this year. Like the different sides of a prism, taking a close look at the 7 “I am” statements of Jesus will reveal a different aspect of who Jesus is. As we may know already, Jesus was a multifaceted person. In turn, we may also realize that we too are multifaceted when we consider the many ways, we describe ourselves.

Upon looking at the book, “I Am” it appears that this Lent we will get a good understanding of heaven as we study the One who came down from heaven and who returned to prepare a place for us.

May our journey through Lent cause us to cast our eyes toward heaven.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Series Title: The 'I AM' Statements | Who Are You?

This is a sermon series on the "I AM" statements of Jesus from the Gospel of John. Each message dives into one "I AM" statement to reveal aspects of Jesus’ identity and the impact of those truths on our lives. Explore the seven "I AM" statements of Jesus and discover how each truth can deepen our relationship with Him and transform our daily lives.

The Lenten Series "I Am..." is as follows:

Sunday, February 15, 2026 - "God is Like...The Word Made Flesh", John 1:1-14; John 6:25-35
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 - Ash Wednesday - "Who Do You Say He Is?", Mark 8:27-30
Sunday, February 22, 2026 - "I Am... the Door", John 10:7-10
Sunday, March 1, 2026 - "I Am... the Light of the World", John 8:12-30
Sunday, March 8, 2026 - Youth Sunday
Sunday, March 15, 2026 - "I Am... the Good Shepherd", : 10:11-18
Sunday, March 22, 2026 - "I Am... the True Vine", John 15:1-8
Sunday, March 29, 2026 - Palm Sunday - "I Am... the Way, the Truth, the Life", : John 14:1-6
Sunday, April 5, 2026 - Easter - "I Am... the Resurrection and the Life", John 11:17-27

God is Like...

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:41:36 GMT

  And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. Exodus 3:14

Dear Friends

Happy New Year! I hope God kept you safe wherever you were this New Years’. I personally was glad that John and I decided to stay close to home because of the snow and high winds that swept through Mt. Clemens the past week.

During the past week I started watching a show “The Equalizer.” It is about a former CIA agent who decides to level the playing field between good and evil. The agent takes on hopeless cases of injustice so that justice can win out.

It seems to me that there are people who try to bring God down to our own level, to in a sense, level the playing field, by believing that human beings can do what God does and maybe even better. There are those who think that they are capable of eradicating whatever injustices are present in our world, and so they take matters into their own hands.

That was not the case for Moses. Moses was being called to do something that would be most challenging. He would be the one to free the people from slavery. He may have understood that it needed to be done, but it was not something he thought of doing on his own. He would not have considered himself to be an Equalizer. When God came to him and charged him to this task, he doubted his abilities to carry out this mission. Just in case he got resistance from the Israelites, he wanted to be able to tell them who it was that had sent him. God responds “I am that I am.” God says this to signify The Lord’s eternal, self-existent, and unchanging nature—He is Being itself, the source of all existence, independent of anything else, and the same yesterday, today, and forever, a name Jesus also claimed to identify with His divine, timeless identity. The name shows God cannot be fully defined or contained by human understanding; He simply is.  It assures people of The Lord’s constant presence and faithfulness to The Lord’s promises, as God is the "I AM" who sent Moses, as well as the same Lord that sends us out.

How do we talk about God?

How does God interact with our own lives?

Over the next month and a half, we will be exploring the different aspects of God through the worship series “God is Like...”

As we begin a new year, may we be assured of God’s presence in our own lives, recalling all the way God is manifested in our own lives. God with us now and forever.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

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The worship series, God is Like...

We want to highlight a NEW sermon series from Sermons.com, titled 'God Is Like....' This 1eries will help us appreciate and understand more about the divine mystery of God.

1. God Is Like...Bread - Joel 2: 23-30, John 6:25-35-Jan. 4

2. God Is Like...a Potter - Jeremiah 18:1-11, 1 Cor. 15:20-26-Jan 11

3. God Is Like...a Face - Genesis 33:1-11, 2 Corinthians 4:5-6-Jan 18

4. God Is Like...a Name - Exodus 3:1-15-Jan 25

5. God Is Like...a Comforter - 2 Corinthians 1:3-7-Feb 1

6. God Is Like...a Friend - 2 Corinthians 5:16-20-Feb 8

7. God Is Like...the Word Made Flesh - Isaiah 40:18-31, John 1:1-14-Feb. 15

The Gift of Love

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:50:57 GMT

A Christmas version of 1 Corinthians 13

I found this in my files that I would like to share with you this Christmas. It is an alternative version of 1 Corinthians 13 written by Sharon Jaynes:

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

–by Sharon Jaynes

Angels Among Us: An Advent Reflection

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:13:19 GMT

“But the angel said to her, “ Do not be afraid , Mary; you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30.

Dear Friends,

Do you believe in angels? Scripture is filled with accounts of angelic encounters, and many today share similar experiences. A 2023 Pew Research survey found that 80% of Americans believe in a spiritual reality beyond the physical world, and many report moments they cannot explain.

Whether we call them guardian angels or the presence of the Holy Spirit, these experiences often occur unexpectedly—through dreams, in times of crisis, or when we lose someone dear.

Lee Strobel’s book Seeing the Supernatural recounts stories that defy scientific explanation, including one from a former Secret Service agent who sensed an unseen embrace just hours before learning of his mother’s passing. That moment deepened his faith in God and the power of Jesus.

This Advent, we’ll explore angelic appearances in the Christmas story—through Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds—each bringing the message: Do not be afraid. These encounters remind us of God’s presence and the good news of Christ’s coming.

Join us this season as we reflect on “Angels Among Us.”

Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving and a blessed Advent.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Books you might want to read:

Join Us This Advent Season

Advent Series: Angels Among Us
Sundays at 10:00 AM | Beginning November 30, 2025

November 30 - “Make Ready a People: #morehope" - Synopsis: It was just another day at the temple for Zechariah. It was his priestly turn to make sure everything was done properly and in good order. But it turned into something quite different when an angel showed up at the altar. Have you ever had a moment in your life after which you knew nothing would ever be the same? In the midst of great change, hope is always a welcome thing. Advent can remind us that God makes us ready for whatever unknown may come our way and calls us to be messengers of #morehope in an ever-changing world.

December 7 -“Nothing is Impossible: #morepeace” - Synopsis: Zechariah freaked out when the other-worldly creature appeared to him. But Mary was simply “perplexed.” Why would such an incredible message come to a common girl just barely a woman? Then her reply to such a foretelling about her purpose in life was also simple: “Let it be so.” Have you ever struggled with finding your purpose and being at peace with it? Or are you yearning for more peace in your life and relationships? #morepeace in the world happens when all of us feel #morepeace within ourselves and live out that message each day.
December 7 - children's Christmas Pageant.

December 14 - “Do Not Be Afraid: #morejoy" - Synopsis: Every angel seems to use “do not be afraid” as an opening line. But perhaps no one needed to hear it more than Joseph. What was happening to him was the stuff that ruins lives. As a man, he had all the rights to abandon Mary and preserve his dignity. The stakes were high–who would believe this? Worrying about what might happen in the future can rob us of our #morejoy today. Let us be messengers of encouragement and steadfast support, as Joseph was, for that which the Spirit is birthing in the world.

December 21 - “This Will Be a Sign: #morelove" - Synopsis: The sky was brighter than usual that night, making it easier to keep track of the sheep. And then it got really bright. You would have thought that all that “glory” shining would have been “the sign.” That’s what most of us look for–great big obvious clues about God’s presence. But instead, the angel says that a baby… a newborn helpless baby in a feeding trough was it–the sign. In a flash, the message was that #morelove is found where you least expect it and perhaps is already there residing in the ordinariness of your life.
December 24 - 7 pm - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

December 28 - “Get Up and Go: #morelife" - Synopsis: By now Joseph was used to angels. And now he needed their timely warnings more than ever. Jesus was barely a toddler and his trouble with the Roman Empire had begun. Jesus, the Savior of Humankind becomes a refugee–forced from home by oppression and violence. We ask ourselves how we might usher in #morelife in the face of that which feels destructive. One last time in this series we hear the message #DoNotBeAfraid to get up and go–leaving those things that weigh us down and moving into the new year with new life.

Be a Changemaker

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:15:22 GMT

“Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness.
I have taken you by the hand and kept you, a light to the nations, “

(Isaiah 42:5-6 NRSVYE)

Dear Friends,

Change is often uncomfortable. This weekend’s shift to standard time—setting clocks back one hour—may seem minor, but it reminds us how even small disruptions can unsettle us. Greater changes, such as the loss of a loved one or health challenges, can be far more difficult.

However, being a changemaker means choosing to respond intentionally and compassionately to the needs around us. Last week, we reflected on the parable of the Good Samaritan. While others passed by a wounded man, one person stopped, offered care, and ensured his recovery. This story challenges us to act rather than observe.

Many have experienced moments of helplessness, hoping someone would intervene. Sadly, the “Bystander Effect”—where individuals are less likely to help when others are present—remains prevalent. This phenomenon contradicts God’s vision for humanity. Isaiah speaks of being a light to the nations, a calling echoed in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

As followers of Christ, we are called to seek justice, show compassion, and take action. We must not be passive spectators but active participants in healing and hope. By working together, thinking creatively, and empowering one another, we can make meaningful change. This mission is foundational to our church, and it’s why I continue to support it—so we remain a beacon of service in our community.

My hope is that you will consider being a changemaker through your pledge of time, talents, and treasurers, so that FPC of Mt Clemens can continue to be that beacon of light in the darkness.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

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Worship Series: Changemakers

A Changemaker is a risk-taker, someone who puts their faith into action to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Jesus was a Changemaker. The Good News is… so are we. Made in the image of God, sharing in the purposes of Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, we are the “assets” we’ve been looking for. Our wealth lies in the Compassion, Collaboration, Creativity, and Empowerment that sustains us through change, for change, for the sake of a better world. Join us as we hatch new ideas and fly to new heights, risking something big for something good.

Sunday, October 26, 2025 - Compassion - Changemaking starts with compassion. Jesus tells his disciples, “Take a look.” As people of faith who want to make a difference, we must start with compassion: with connection, with seeing and “suffering with.” The source of this deep compassion, and the source of strength to be a part of the change, is God’s love.

Sunday, November 2, 2025 - Collaboration - Jesus didn’t do this work alone, and you can’t, either. The key thing Jesus did when starting ministry was to gather a group of people, a team of disciples. He didn’t do it alone but in collaboration. Partnerships and joining others are essential parts of changemaking. Like the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, do it alone. If you want to go far, do it together.”

Sunday, November 19, 2025 - Creativity - We have the capacity to be creative because God is creative. Look at creation, at diversity. We are made in God’s image. We have everything we need to make change; we have enough. We just need to stretch our imaginations, break out of constrained thinking.

S unday, November 23, 2025 - Empowerment - Like Jesus, changemakers use power differently. Jesus was a leader, but he led in a different way—he shared and gave away power rather than amassing it. Changemaking is about a deeper restoring, healing, uplifting, liberating, and unburdening of others.

This series was developed by the Worship Design Studio .

Striving to be the Best

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 18:07:08 GMT

“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and each will receive wages according to their own labor. For we are God’s coworkers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 NRSVUE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This October is a special month for me. On October 9 ^th , I will be celebrating 20 years of ordained ministry. Twenty-three years ago, I collaborated with a pastor, the Rev. Jim Burton during supervised ministry. When he agreed to support me, he said, “I will help you to get ‘Reverend’ in front of your name, if you will help me to become a better pastor.” The first goal was achieved, but I am not sure about the second goal.

During that time, though, a young woman in the youth group observed this about pastors, “When a pastor comes to a church, they are like a stone moving through a river. As they move across the embedded stones, all the stones experience change.” It is like when a jeweler takes a polishing cloth to a precious stone.

I can honestly say that I have found this statement to be true. I may believe that I come to a church at a particular time, in a particular place, for a particular people, and for a particular purpose; but in my heart, I know that the people I have encountered over the years have changed me for the better. This includes the good people here in Mt. Clemens. I have always enjoyed the challenges, and the adventure of being a pastor to every community.

In all cases, it involved working together as a team, where we encourage and challenge one another to be the best that we can be. The Scriptures are clear that each of us have spiritual gifts that each person needs to explore and use for the glory of God. This is true for our children, youth, and adults. Throughout our work, we must always remember that we can plant seeds, and others may water them, but only God makes it grow. I ham blessed to see so many good things that have taken root in the people I have served. Yet I also am humble enough to realize that none of this has been possible without the influence and power of God’s Holy Spirit.

“Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services but the same Lord,

and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NRSVUE

If we are to be force multipliers for Christ, then each of us needs to embrace our own gifts and talents. For me, it is about discovering our passions and giving permission to let our passions guide us in all that we do and say throughout our days.

There is a quote that is so true: “ Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life .” This is true when we use our gifts and talents in our service to the Church of Jesus Christ. When we are doing what we love for the Lord, the way we teach, preach, sing, care, and serve are much more glorious. I believe that the happier we are about what we are doing in our lives, the greater our generosity to support the institutions that make it possible for us to bear good fruit. It is why I tithe to the church because I know my life has gotten better since I have accepted the call to ministry.

I hope you will consider this when you feel called to be part of a church community, and to use your gifts, talents, and treasures to support what you love.

To God be the glory forever and ever…and all God’s people said…AMEN!

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Finding Perfect Peace

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:03:36 GMT

“You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Dear Friends,

Welcome back! I hope that you had an enjoyable summer, whether you visited family, went to the beach, traveled around the country, or stayed close to home.

September brings much excitement to our lives. Newness is in the air. New classrooms, new teachers, new friends, new clothes, new books, etc. dominate the thoughts of parents, young adults, and children. Expectations are running high.

In the same way, September brings uncertainty. Will our loved ones be safe, will they like their teachers and classes, or many such concerns run through our minds. It does not help to hear of the shooting that took place this week at a Roman Catholic Church in Minneapolis. My prayers go out to the families that endured such a tragedy in the place where they believed they would be safe.

As adults we face uncertainties regularly. If we are starting a new job or moving to a new neighborhood, we have uncertainties. Parents facing “empty nests” have uncertainties. People awaiting test results or visits to the doctor, face uncertainties. New leaders taking on more responsibility at work or in church have uncertainties.

And I am sure there is both excitement and uncertainty swirling around on what it will be like to come back to church, start up Sunday school, and do youth programs, etc. In fact, this September we have Tammy and Dave Henderson stepping up to take over for Beth and Ben Leitch as they retire as youth leaders.

When uncertainties dominate our thoughts, they turn quickly into an unrealized fear of the unknown. So, what do we do in those times?

As the scriptures tell us, when we trust in God, we will find our peace amongst the uncertainties of the day. I believe that to live with this idea, we must have blind faith. I have a T Shirt that says, “I walk by faith, not by sight.” Even though this statement has truth for me, there are moments in my life when I realize that it is easier to say than do. Let us face it, we have fears of the unknown. And most times our fears are much bigger than the actual event or situation. That notion, though, does not help when we are experiencing panic. It is during these times when fear takes hold of us, we either fight or flee. We might hope that our faith in God will cause us to fight the instinct to run away, but instead our desire is to get away from the situation as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, that is not always possible, eventually we will come face-to-face with that situation again.

Think about the Israelites in the wilderness. When the situation became difficult, when food and water were at a minimum, their instinct was to run back to a place where they had all that they needed. In those times, God stepped in to assure them that the Lord would not let them perish, if they believed. When I speak to people who are homeless, I am surprised by their faith and hope that their situation will improve. What I realize is that the even the little bit of help we give them has the power to lift their spirits and encourages them in their efforts to get back on their feet. Even during their own uncertainties, they find peace in knowing that someone cares about them. It might be true that fear longs to be conquered.

Like you, I want to find that place where I have perfect peace that comes through my belief in Jesus Christ. There are uncertainties from the moment we wake in the morning, till we lay down to sleep in the evening, yet I hope that our faith in Jesus Christ will give us the courage to face our fears with a strength that keeps us moving forward, fighting the good fight each day.

May we look forward to the newness of each day we have in this life, as we push away our fears to rejoice and give thanks for all the wonderful things God is planning to do in and around us this September and beyond. To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Looking Beyond Summer

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:44:26 GMT

“So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!’” (Acts 5:38-39a)

Dear Friends,

A date in our history passed us by without recognition. Did you know that First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Clemens was organized 190 years ago on April 10, 1835. At that time the church had 18 charter members and by 1841, the church had more than 100 members.

Over the years, the church has had its ups and downs. This happens in every faith community, as well as in every aspect of life. You may have felt this in your own life as you face trials and tribulations on a regular basis. We have seasons of abundance and seasons of scarcity.

So, how do we get through those times of scarcity?

What keeps us running the race and fighting the good fight is our belief that we each have a mission and purpose that takes precedent. As the scripture cited above reasons, if it is of God, it will not fail. It does require us to remind ourselves of why we are here and reimagine a way forward when we want to thrive and grow.

When you hit a roadblock, whether in life, family, business, community and more, you must take the time to figure out how you will get through the wilderness to reach the promised land.

It is amazing to think that this church has been doing ministry and mission successfully for 190 years. I may not say it enough, but we have a core of people who have stepped up in wonderful ways to keep going even in the toughest of times.

To be guided by the love of God, inspired by the ministry of Jeus, and encouraged by the power of the Holy Spirit is essential in our plans for a fruitful future.

It may be for this very reason that we spent time this year talking about the Fruit of the Spirit, how to keep the fire burning, and right now taking a deep dive into how our worship feeds our souls, so that we live life in a way that pleases the Lord.

This is why I am deep in the thought of what comes next for us. A friend of the church put a theme in my head months ago that will take shape this fall. And that is how we can be a Force Multiplier. It is about taking what we have and optimizing it for the greatest impact.

An encouraging word for us may be what the apostle Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 12, when he asks God to remove the thorn from his side. God responds to hm in this way, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul decides then that he will boast in his weaknesses so that the power of Christ can dwell in him, and by doing so, in spite of how weaknesses, he will be strong.

We may feel that we have challenges we must face in life and in community, but if we lean on the power of God, we can be victorious.

For the time being, I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, and come back refreshed, renewed, and ready for what God has planned for us this fall.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Hope Does Not Disappoint

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:41:57 GMT

"We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer, we develop endurance, ⁴ which shapes our characters. When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness. ⁵ And hope will never fail to satisfy our deepest need because the Holy Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God’s love.” Romans 5:3-5(The Voice)

Dear Friends,

In June we experienced two losses. The first was Bunny Carlson and the second was Barbara O’Mara. I did not know Bunny, but I did have the opportunity to get to know Barbara. I was thinking that over the years, this church has had a wonderful group of people who loved God and Jesús, as well as the church. Both had served this church in wonderful and numerous ways. As pastor, sometimes I wish I could have been here during those years when people like Bunny and Babara were young and active. Bunny turned 99 in January and Barbara would have turned 90 in November.

I was at a retreat last weekend and the theme was “Hope Does not Disappoint” based on the scripture above. Throughout the weekend we were reminded that according to the apostle Paul, suffering leads to endurance, which leads to character, and then to hope. And if we turn to 1 Corinthians 13, we learn that hope leads to faith and faith leads to love.

William Barclay writes: “When our hope is in God, it cannot turn to dust and ashes. When our hope is in God, it cannot be disappointed. When our hope is in the love of God, it can never be an illusion, for God loves us with an everlasting love baked by an everlasting power.”

Anyone who knew Barbara was aware of the challenges she faced in her life. Yet she had endurance, and strength that kept her moving forward regardless of the situation. She felt that she was brave and that she had decided not to stress over the things she could not change. The result was a great hope that the Lord would always be with her. God never disappointed her. She had strong faith and great love for life and the people she met along the way. She was most thankful for the small group of women who surrounded her, prayed for her, encouraged her, and supported her right up to the end.

This reminds me of the words found throughout the Psalms like this verse:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge , my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

It is so easy to give into the trials and tribulations of life, to just give up and let it consume you. This leads to a downward spiral, where we feel that we are not worthy of love either by God or by others. At these times, a hope-filled life turns to hopelessness. It requires a supportive group of people around us to help us to see another way.

It warms my heart to hear stories about Bunny and Barbara and how they grew in their belief that God was taking care of them even at the hardest times of their lives. I know that they were loved and appreciated by the people who knew them, and they will be missed.

The scriptures tell us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. We call them the invisible church. They are those who have come before us since the beginning of time and now we know that Bunny and Barbara have joined their ranks. If there are those who are living in despair, may they see hope in the lives of these two amazing women.

To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

The Purpose of Worship

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Thu, 29 May 2025 18:56:00 GMT

“So, here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.”

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

Dear Friends,

I have been thinking about our spiritual lives. We can easily measure our success in life by our work history, savings and retirement accounts, the place we live, and the success of our children, just to name a few.

When I watch House Hunters International, it amazes me how people can just pick up and move to a foreign country or their ability to purchase a vacation home. For some of us, that is not far from our reach, and for others that is an impossible dream. Our financial security and ability to enjoy our life weigh on us, especially as we get older.

But what about our spiritual life? Do we ever wonder:

“How far advanced am I?”
“Have I matured since I started on the spiritual path?”
“On what level am I and ow do I move to the next one?”

Our spiritual growth begins with praise and worship. We worship the Lord who created the world and breathed life into all creatures. During worship we remember who we are and whose we are.

When we come to worship, I believe that we want to be moved spiritually. We want assurance of God’s presence, and we want the Holy Spirit to encourage, empower, and challenge us throughout our faith journey. We are wounded people looking for healing.

Our goal in life should be to create a balance between our physical life and our spiritual life. But how do we do that?

In the book, “Shift 2.0”, Phil Maynard says that an important shift in our spiritual life is to shift from "worship to lifestyle." He writes: “What we do in corporate worship provides the opportunity to equip people to be better worshippers the rest of the week.” He continues to remind us that we are designed to worship, and that worship includes both the offering of our lips (praise) and the sacrifice of our lives (service). Intentional worship impacts other dimensions of ministry (discipleship, hospitality, service, and generosity). Effective worship is not measured by how many people are in attendance, but instead by how many people live differently because they came.

On a corporate level, worship is about giving honor and glory to God. On a personal level, worship is about living life in a way that honors God in all that we are and do. I think this understanding is important to our spiritual life. Someitmes, I think we get so caught up in the mechanics of worship, that we forget what the true purpose of worship is.

There is a Matt Redman song that describes worship in this way:

I’m coming back to the heart of worship

And it’s all about You

It’s all about You, Jesus.

I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it.

When it’s all about You. It's all about You, Jesus.

What participating in great worship does for our worshipful life?

Paul Maynard believes It helps to define the answers to these lifestyle decisions:

· How I choose to use my time.

· How I choose to use the resources God has provided.

· The focus I place on loving my spouse and family.

· The way I interact with a difficult person.

· The priority I place on spending time with God.

· My faithfulness in following through on commitments.

· The excellence with which I perform the tasks of my job.

Your responses to our Worship survey will assist the Worship Committee to see how we can improve the worship experience for you. In the meantime, I urge you to go out this summer worshipping God wherever you find yourself. Give praise and honor to the way God is revealing himself to you in all your day-to-day activities.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

See and Know God

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Thu, 01 May 2025 21:05:23 GMT

^“ For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20

^{Dear Friends,}

^{May is a special month for me. My two sons were born in May exactly 3 years and 8 days apart. It was the month I became a mother. Not everyone can be a mother, but as the scripture tell us, we all can see and know God.}

^{Something I realized during a recent trip back to New York is that we can become comfortable when we stay in one place. In this I mean that we take our surroundings for granted. Even those who live near the Great lakes, we can look at them for so long and forget the power that created them. We could even forget to thank God every time we make our way to the shores of Michigan. When we begin to take for granted the people and places round us, we can easily lose sight of God.}

^{During my trip to New York, I looked out of the plane window and gazed at the beauty that I saw as we took off and landed. During previous trips, I would look down on the land below me and see the beauty rather than the chaos that we experience with both feet on the ground. Sometimes it takes a bird’s eye view of our world to regain our awe and wonder of all that God has made.}

^{Sometimes it takes a trip back home to realize how much things have stayed the same and how much things have changed to see God’s movement in the world. John and I found that not everything was where it belonged: Buildings modified, torn down, and/or new ones built in their place.}

^{People were different too. Great nieces who were children when we left are now young ladies. Brothers and sisters are older, grayer than before. My grandson, now 8 years old, is going to karate classes and able to order his own food at the restaurant.}

^{One of the places we went was to a church I served at from 2011-2015. The building is still there and some of the members. Others had passed and one woman we knew well had Alzheimer’s. During my time, they found a heart for mission and that has continued. They now collect food, clothing, and hygiene products to give out to the community once a month. The basement that once served as Sunday school and a fellowship hall has been converted into a place where people can come for assistance. Now, after ten years, they are now without a pastor and must discern God’s next chapter in their faith community.}

^{Following Easter, it is a time when we too must discern where God is leading Christ’s church here in Mount Clemens. This means taking the time to see how God has been in our midst and discern where God is leading us this year and for years to come. Over the next month or so, you could be asked to complete a survey on worship, hospitality, building and grounds, service, and the like. I hope you will take part because it will be the basis for setting goals for our church going forward.}

^{I, also, hope that you will take time to “smell the roses” while seeking to see and know God that occupies the spaces all around us. See Christ in the people you know, appreciate them for the blessings that they bring to this world. And thank God for the beautiful things we see daily. Take a step away from the routines of the day to see and know God.}

^{I thank God for you,}

^{Pastor Kathy Nealand}

Catching Fire

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:04:04 GMT

“So, if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2

Dear Friends,

We are entering a season of renewal. With spring comes the new growth seen in the flowers, bushes, and trees all around us. These are things that happen without our direct involvement. The grass will grow, the leaves will emerge, the flowers will bloom. The first sign of this growth has been for me, the emergence of the crocuses, sometimes appearing even while the snow is on the ground.

This is the work of creation, that continual cycle of life that God so aptly brought into existence out of the void. Regardless of how much we want things to stay the same, the natural world is always creating and recreating itself and becomes adaptive to the changing external environment.

Human beings are not good at adapting. We want things to remain the same and if things do change, we want to go back to the way things were. Usually though that is impossible. We can hope that the clock will run backwards but unless we have a time machine, which is not going to happen. I can easily say the same things about the church. There is always the desire to recreate the good old days of the church, waiting breathlessly for the church to one day be overflowing with people. That can happen, it just might not happen in the same way. If there are those hungering to know God, new life is possible.

In the book, “Shift 2.0”, Phil Maynard, reminds us of the question found in Ezekiel 37, “Can these bones’ live?” This reminds us of the only constant in our life, which is a God that remains the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God has the power to bring renewal, restoration in the driest of places. Paul Maynard asks the question, “Look around you. Where are you seeing the fresh wind of God’s Spirit breathe new life into dry, brittle bones?”

Even though there are new things happening through the natural world, there are ways that we can encourage new growth by our own activities. As a recent survey revealed, there is a great need that only a faith in Jesus can satisfy.

Sixty-four percent of the people in a survey of 15,000 people, identify as Christian. Only 23% consider themselves practicing Christians, and 41% consider themselves nominal Christians. The nominals seldom go to church and do not believe that faith is significant to their lives.

Something that practicing Christians, understand is that strong faith helps to forgo negative emotions such as, anxiety, depression. Loneliness, isolation, insecurity, and fear. When we seek the “higher thing,” we can enjoy our lives even in the face of illness, disabilities, loss, and negative emotions.

For us, it might mean making a shift toward those things that can bring us together in new ways. With Easter fast approaching, we could seize the good news of the empty tomb and use this time to ignite a new flame within us.

To begin, we may be asking you to fill out a survey to help us understand where we are in terms of our mission and ministry, which will point us towards the things we need to do better to meet the needs of those on the margins.

May we this Easter, turn our eyes toward the things that are above as consider how we can be a” force multiplier” (more on this to come) for the glory of God.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Sermon series beginning this Easter season:

“Catch Fire in 50 Days”

Catch Fire in 50 Days is an opportunity for us to pray and prepare for that new day when we as a Church become a movement again. Let us turn toward God’s vision and God’s world and the call of Christ to get about God’s mission. Let us catch fire as we open ourselves to God through these daily Scripture readings. Let us pray that God would make us a movement again.

After witnessing the resurrected Christ, the apostles were sent to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the first disciples of Jesus became a movement that transformed the world. The beginning of their story is told in the Book of Acts. It continues through Jesus’ followers today

Sunday, April 20 – “Raised with Christ.” - Easter
Sunday, May 4 – “Catch Fire”
Sunday, May 11 – “Keep it Burning.”
Sunday, May 18 – “Shine Brightly”
Sunday, May 25 – Fan the Flame”
Sunday, June 1 – “Spread Wildly”
Sunday, June 7 – “Start More Fires” (Confirmation Sunday/Pentecost)

The Journey

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:18:33 GMT

“I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

Dear Friends,

Years ago, a pastor shared that it was a tradition in her family to recite Psalm 121 whenever someone went on a trip. The person leaving would say the first two verses and those present would recite the rest of the psalm. In doing so, the one leaving on the journey would be assured that the Lord would be with them in all their comings and goings.

If we did this for all our journeys in life, we would be reciting it each day, and that is not such a bad idea after all. This is true, for God is with us in all life’s journeys: the external (physical), the internal (heart, mind), and in the theological (spiritual) journeys.

External journeys are those we physically take from place to place like moving from our place of birth to other parts of the country or anywhere in the world. We make temporary moves when we go on vacation, or when we travel to warmer places during the winter, or cooler places during the summer.

Internal journeys are the ones we take to explore who we are in relation to one another. It is the horizontal line of the cross. I am thinking about how we change our point of view as we mature from infancy to adulthood, and into our senior years. This journey happens as we come to understand ourselves through our life experiences: the challenges we face, all our ups and downs, our gains and losses, and our successes and failures. In turn, we come to understand our strengths and weaknesses, and how they influence the course of our life, as well as our relationships with others.

Theological journeys are those that help us to learn about God. It is a spiritual journey that informs the relationship between God and us. It is the vertical line of the cross. From our studies, we come to understand what God requires of us and how that knowledge guides us in every step we take.

Thus, every journey we take in life challenges our understandings of God. When we physically reside in a new place, we rely so much on the faithfulness of God to be with us as the Psalmist promises and this gives us strength to make the adjustments needed to live in that new place. When we do the self-examination, we discover our role as residents of God’s created world. We rely on the assurance from God that the Lord is guiding our heart and mind to discover the answers we seek.

During this upcoming Season of Lent, we will be taking a journey to the cross to listen to the last words Jesus said as he died. When Jesus died on the cross, it was a culmination of a life that spanned about 33 years. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus proclaims, “If you want to become my followers, let them… take up their cross and follow me.” Therefore, His final words not only reflect the suffering he endured on Good Friday; they are words that offer us the opportunity to lean in and listen closely for messages that are for us. For Jesus’ last words calls us to go on the same journey that led him to Golgotha.

May the Lord be with us, as we take this journey together.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Lenten Series: The Last Words of Jesus” based on the book, Seven Words: Listening to Christ on the Cross” by Susan Robb:

Wednesday, March 5, As Wednesday – “Father, forgive them.” Luke 23:32-3
Sunday, March 9 – “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:42-43
Sunday, March 16 – “My God, my God” Mark 15:33-34; Matthew 27:46
Sunday, March 23 – Woman, here is your son.” John 19:25b-27
Sunday, April 6 – “I am thirsty.” John 19:28
Sunday, April 13 – “Into your hands” Luke 23:46
Thursday, April 17 – Holy Thursday "It is Finished” John 19:3

A House Becomes a Home

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:33:30 GMT

“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’?” Matthew 21:42

Dear Friends,

I have been thinking about the property and building that God has blessed us with. Some seventy plus years, this congregation had a dream to build a new house for the Lord. The plans were made, donations received, and the building slowly came into fruition. And we, the occupants of this building and property, benefit from their dedication and hard work. When the work was done, the building was commissioned to serve this community for religious purposes.

In the Old Testament we read about how God called the people to build a Tent of Meeting in the wilderness. We read how King David planned to build a house for God, but it was his son, King Solomon who built it according to God’s instructions. Through the Bible we read how that Temple was built and torn down and rebuilt again and again. In the New Testament, our idea of buildings switched to the understanding that Jesus, who had been rejected, became the cornerstone of our faith. So, when we look at our property and buildings, we should not just see brick and mortar, but what it symbolizes: the presence of Jesus Christ and the mission and ministry that we are able to accomplish because of these structures.

In my home church, we had a saying: “It is not the building, it is the people.”

Just like a house is not a home, until people occupy it. So, it is with a church: it is just a building until it is occupied by a faithful group of people who seek to do serve the Lord and to follow God’s will.

So, I have been thinking about the many ways that our grounds and buildings are utilized for God’s glory.

First, it is our gathering place to worship and glorify God. It is a place where we share the Good News of Jesus Christ through prayers, music, songs, and sermons. It is a place where we share with one another the joys and sorrows of life. It is the place that equips us to go out into the world to live according to the Fruit of the Spirit with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, and gentleness.

Second, it is a place where families and children gather to learn. Children are heard around our building almost every day of the week with the children from the Montessori School to our children on Thursday evenings, and Sunday mornings. Sunday nights our youth gather to play, learn, make new friends and to go on adventures together. It is so rewarding to hear their laughter, and joy fill our hallways.

Third, we are a refuge for our community. Each week people come to our doors seeking assistance that they cannot find in our community. Through our Help Fun and generous people, we assist with utilities, rent, bus passes, and gift cards to the local supermarkets. They leave with the knowledge that we care about their well-being. Sometimes they even come to have someone who will listen to them and receive a word of prayer. Our Family Life Center provides a place for self-help groups to meet, and a place for a community to celebrate the special events in their lives.

Fourth, this building is a place of fellowship, where we can meet people from all walks of life, share our experiences, build relationships, learn from one another, and laugh with one another. Through our Fellowship Team, we will be invited to participate in several events for young and old.

Fifth, it is a place where we can go out and do mission to the wider community. Through our support of Blessings in a Backpack, Feed the Hungry, Salvation Army, Community Garden, and the monthly collections of food, and other items, our impact reaches far beyond the walls of this building.

There are probably many more ways that having our building and property has benefited all those who come through our doors. I thank God for the cloud of witnesses who had the vision of how this property and building would serve as the cornerstone of our faith in Jesus Christ all these years. There is a cost involved for sure. Yet I believe the blessings we receive by having this place far outweigh the cost to maintain it. I hope you agree.

May we continue to be good stewards of all that God has gifted to us this day and into the future. Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice .

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

New Year's Resolutions

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 19:25:24 GMT

"Walk by the Spirit . . . led by the Spirit . . . live by the Spirit . . . keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:16, 25

Dear Friends,

Every New Year, many people make resolutions. The intention is to do something that will improve ourselves in some essential way. Usually that is taking care of our bodies, promise to eat healthier, exercise more, and lose weight. Those who make these resolutions have the best intentions yet within a few weeks, those promises to dissipate.

It is much like what the apostle Paul says in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” If Paul, who was a faithful follower of Jesus, struggled in this way, we may feel affirmed if we struggle in a similar way.

It takes discipline and self-control to stay on track with the changes we want to make in ourselves. But it is possible.

We say that through our belief in Jesus Christ, we are a new creation, but this is not an instantaneous condition. It is something that takes our entire life to achieve.

There are many ways to make effective changes in ourselves. Sometimes making resolutions to change our physical selves might help, but what if we can achieve our goals by spending more time on the spiritual aspects of ourselves?

The PCUSA has had a position that the church should grow both “deep and wide”. To grow “deep” refers to our personal spiritual growth, and to grow “wide” is to welcome others into our fellowship. As a church we would want to put equal emphasis on both.

Churches are good at measuring our growth in “wide” ways. We count how many people attend worship, attend Sunday school, and keep track of the people who have left and those who have joined the church. We, however, are not good at measuring growth in “deep” ways.

The question we might ask ourselves, is how can I resolve this year to grow spiritually? There are ways to assess our spiritual growth and then produce an action plan to accomplish our goals. I believe that if we seek spiritual growth, the normal resolutions made will happen naturally. This is because the closer our walk with God through the work of the Holy Spirit, the more we are encouraged to take care of our bodies, hearts, minds, and souls. One assessment tool (see below) I found online, breaks down our spiritual life into these categories:

• Abide in Christ

• Live by God’s Word

• Pray in Faith

• Build godly Relationships

• Witness to the World

• Minister to Others

A book that I have found helpful in this process is “ Soul Feast ” by Marjorie Thompson. She ends the book by encouraging us to write “A Rule of Life.” A “Rule of Life” could include things we will do daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly to meet the goals we have for ourselves.

My hope for our church in 2025 is that we will consider how we can grow both deep and wide in this new year. For me, this is the best resolution that we could make, and with the help from one another and the Holy Spirit, we can bear good fruit for the glory of God.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

The Lord With Us

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:47:52 GMT

“[Paul Gives Thanks to God] I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge.” -1 Corinthians 1:4-5 

Dear Friends,

I am very excited that Christmas is near. It is my favorite holiday with decorations, lights, and songs. Just the thought of Thanksgiving and Christmas conjures up memories that awaken our senses: sight, smell, taste, and touch.

It is also a time of the year when we look back and take time to give thanks and recognize blessings that we experienced in our families, community, and church.

On Sunday, we took time to recall what we give thanks for, like family and friends, as well as the blessings that have come from God. There were people present who shared their blessings for grandchildren, health and much more. Thank you! I hope that you will share your thanks and blessings for all that God has accomplished throughout the holidays.

Here in our church family, we have so much to be grateful for. We are reminded that all blessings come from God who gives to us according to God’s grace, mercy, and love for all within God’s creation. It was a challenging year in many ways, yet we persevered because of our faith and trust in the Almighty.

We know that because we live in a fallen world, where blessings and sorrows intermingle freely, we must not let adversity defeat us. Instead, we must continually walk through our day recognizing the beauty and brightness all around us. (Except from “Jesus Calling.”)

As we finish 2024 and move into 2025, I pray that we always remember who we are and whose we are. And in turn, continue to do and say what we believe God is calling us to be and do for the glory of God. For we must always remember, whatever it is the world throws at us, God is here with us. God was here before the world began and will be with us until after the world ends. The Lord is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning, and the end. Therefore, we must always have hope that God is doing even more in, around, and through us to bring about the glorious, promised kingdom of God. Our God is doing more in terms of transforming our world, than any kingdom or nation on earth, and just think, we get to have the best seats in the house to watch God’s plan unfold before our eyes.

This is why I am looking forward to Christmas. I cannot wait to watch God’s story of the day when love came down and made a home in a lowly manger, as well as a home in our hearts and minds.

I pray that wherever you go or whatever you do this holiday season, you will know that God is with you, encouraging you, empowering you, and challenging you to show kindness, compassion, humility, respect and most importantly love to all those you encounter.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy.

The Loyalty of Daniel

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:05:09 GMT

“Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

As we enter this season of thankfulness, I am thankful for the benefit I gained through the story of Daniel from the Bible, who showed great courage and loyalty to God under the most extreme circumstances. May his story also encourage you this season.

There are some of the books of the Bible that I have not delved into during my career. One of those books is the Book of Daniel. A couple of months ago, I discovered a book: “The Daniel Code: Living Out Truth in a Culture that is Losing Its Way.”

In the beginning of the book, O. S. Hawkins speaks about the remote control. In most households, the person holding the remote control determines what the rest of the family will watch on TV. This might not be as big an issue these days, since we can watch shows on our phones and tablets, completely avoiding the fight over the remote control. But it can be seen as a metaphor for the desire of most human beings to control our circumstances. For instance, we value freedom to make our own choices in life. For young people, it might be the kind of car they would drive, the profession they want to go into, the college they will attend. As we get older, there seems to be fewer things that we have control over. Yet there is something that we never lose control of and that is our belief in Jesus Christ. In fact, the more life tries to pull us down, the stronger our faith.

The author makes a good case for the situation that Daniel found himself in when he was taken to Babylonia during the exile. The king had decided that he was going to take some of the young Hebrew men under his wing, train them in their language, literature, lifestyle, etc. He even changed their name and wanted to change their loyalties. After three years these men would become part of the Royal Court. Daniel was one of these young men chosen. He allowed his name to be changed and welcomed the educational aspects that were offered to him. There were other things, though, that were not negotiable. Daniel found himself out of his comfort zones, with all these demands being made of him by the king, yet he stood firm to remain loyal to the Hebrew traditions, such as dietary requirements. In this way, Daniel was resistant, consistent, and persistent.

Most of us know about Daniel being thrown into a fiery furnace and surviving, but do you recall why that happened? It was because Daniel and his friends refused to bow down and worship the statue of King Nebuchadnezzar. As the author points out, God never promises us that when we take a stand for Him, we will avoid the fiery-furnace experiences of life. God did not rescue them from that experience, instead he joined them, and freed them from their bonds.

We are in a season of decision making. The author continues, “if we allow God’s Word to shape our inner principles, we will respond to Life’s fiery furnaces with faith that God will ultimately deliver us.” One decision we are making is who will lead our county, state, and nation for the next two to four years. The other is how we will support the mission and ministry of this congregation with our time, talents, and treasures not only through 2024 but into 2025.

We may lose control over our mortal faculties, but we will never lose control over the way we worship and serve the Lord. The scriptures teach us to love the Lord our God with our whole heart, mind, body, and soul and love all others as God loves us. Regardless of what is happening in us or around us, this should always be our top priority in life as it was for Daniel.

To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

. I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Give Us This Day...

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 16:34:11 GMT

“So, I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10

Dear Friends,

As we begin a new season in the church, it is good and right to think about what we mean when we pray “give us this day, our daily bread.” It is all about God’s provision. If we see God as a parent, we know that if we have a need, God will provide exactly what we need. The scripture verse above proves the case. Ask and it will be given to you. Knock and the door will be opened.

When Moses took the Israelites into the wilderness, the people realized that the provisions they had available to themselves in Egypt were not present in this place. They complained about the conditions in the wilderness. They now were faced with basic physiological needs. They were concerned with their food resources. We can understand this if we or people we know wonder where their next meal will come from. Bread is the most basic food of life. In those days, every family was careful to bake bread to have it readily available. Whenever I travel, whether it is by plane, train, or car, I make sure that I bring basic provisions like something to eat and drink. When Moses brought their complaints to God, God responded by giving them manna in the mornings, quail in the evenings and water to quench their thirsts.

When Jesus was with over five thousand people, he decided to feed them instead of sending them off to find their own provisions. When Jesus referred to himself as the Bread of Life, he was saying, “All that you need, I myself will provide.” But what does this mean? Is it only limited to food and drink?

In the devotional “The Lord’s Prayer” the author reminds us about the hierarchy of needs developed by Psychologist Abraham Maslow (1908-1970).

· The first level of need is physiological: food, shelter, and sleep.

· The second level up is that of safety and security: body, employment, health, and property.

· The third level is belonging: love, affection, family, friendship, and intimacy.

· The fourth level is esteem: achievement, confidence, position in a group, and status.

· And the final fifth level is self-actualization: achieving individual potential.

The author says, “we might believe the top of the pyramid is stepping fully into our anointing and calling to live our life on purpose for God.”

However, it must be all consuming for those who are stuck on the first few levels to be able to achieve or even maintain self-actualization. Increased costs are causing people to have to make choices about how they use their financial resources. John and I faced times of scarcity whether it was income, employment, health, and community. There were times when we robbed Peter to pay Paul. We found though that if we put our trust in Jesus, every need would work out in time. And so far, God has not let us down. Things may have worked out differently as we would have liked, but what we did receive was better than we could ever have imagined.

As we head into the fall, I hope you will keep in mind something that is in our Book of Order, and that is that God gives to the church everything it needs. We may feel like we are in a time of scarcity but when we trust in Jesus to provide for us personally and corporately, we open ourselves up to a season of great abundance.

May we have that kind of faith and trust now and forever.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy

Baptismal Blessings

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 20:12:39 GMT

Baptismal Blessings

Baptism is a visible sign of God's grace.

As Presbyterians, we believe that baptism is a visible sign of the invisible action of God. We are visibly being grafted into the family of God. Both Luther and Calvin agreed that baptism is a sign of God’s grace. Its efficacy does not rest on the person making the profession of faith but on God’s grace given in Christ. of which the sacrament of baptism is a sign and seal. For this reason, I do not hesitate to baptize a child regardless of age. In my last call, as moderator for another church, I baptized seven children and the father all at once. The children had all been newly adopted, and it was their adoptive parents’ wish that they be baptized. You can imagine that it was a joyous event!

For the children being baptized this year, they will be received by our congregation with the hope that one day they will profess their faith in Jesus Christ.

In essence, the sacraments of both baptism and the Lord’s Supper are a sign of hospitality in that the faith community is making a space for each of us. They are an extension of God’s hospitality and friendship to God’s creation.

As a church, we say that people “enter as guest and leave as family. Starting this coming Sunday, we will experience our living out of this mission. In fact, we will be celebrating both a baptism and receiving of the Lord’s Supper. This weekend, we will baptize James Raymond Reid, child of James & Lilly (Mundt) Reid, and grandson of Jeff and Karen Mundt, who became members earlier this year.

At the time of baptism, I say a prayer for the child, which goes like this:

“Lord, uphold by your Holy Spirit this child. Give Him the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, and the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever. Amen.”

As a pastor, God calls me to be with the people in good times and in tough times. I have always considered it to be a privilege to be present at significant moments of life. Yet I cannot hide the fact that baptizing at least 6 people now through Christmas is going to be a joy! God is truly blessing us in unimaginable ways. May the Lord watch over all our comings and goings this summer!

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Time Matters

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:40:12 GMT

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9, NIV)

My favorite episodes of shows like Star Trek, are those episodes that deal with time. There was an episode in Star Trek Next Generation, where Data experiments with timing how long it takes for water to boil. Data realizes that no matter what he did, the water boils at the same time every time. Commander Riker suggests that he turns off his internal time mechanism and sees if the results are different.

Data realized that time does not change, yet our perception of time depends on our circumstances. When we are young, we think we have all the time in the world. When we are older, we begin to realize that we have less time in front of us than behind us. Even though in truth, we still have 24 hours every day that God gives us.

As I write this, June is about to end, meaning we are halfway through 2024. Also consider that at the end of July we are holding a family barbeque to celebrate the Tenth anniversary of the dedication of the Family Life Center. For those who were here ten years ago, it must have felt like yesterday. And if you have forgotten what happened ten years ago, go to our website, and click on the FLC tab. Halfway down the page is a video created ten years ago to show how the FLC came into existence. The dream has come true in that the FLC is not just a place for our youth to play and learn, as it is a home for the larger community to celebrate life’s milestones.

In the verses shown above, the people were becoming inpatient that Jesus had not yet returned as promised. Yet, Peter explains that God experiences time much differently than we do. As Barclay says, it is so easy to feel so small in the scheme of things and it is frustrating to see the slow progress humans are making. Even in our own situations, when we are in struggles, time drags on. However, when we are on the other side of those struggles, we realize it was not that long at all.

Time is an opportunity. God is giving us the time to get it right. Barclay says that every day given to us is a gift of mercy. Each day is an opportunity to reflect on where we have been, repent for our mistakes, and take steps that bring us more in line with God’s desires.

Finally, there is something wonderful in the thought that God does not wish anyone to perish, and so God is patient with us. In Ezekiel 18:23, God asks: “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked... and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live?” Throughout scripture, there is this enduring hope that that somewhere and at some time God, who loves the world, will bring the entire world to himself.

There may be times when we think the world is spiraling out of control, yet there are times when we get a glimpse of hope. Know that the creation is experiencing birth pains, groaning in anticipation of what has been promised. Just think, where would we be if it wasn’t for the love of God?

This year was seen as a tumultuous year with a presidential election, rioting in the streets, and trouble brewing all around the world. Yet, we have hope that God is working in and trough us and around us to set what has gone wrong right again. May we have the courage to stand up for what we believe is right and true and to do what we can with the time God has given each one of us.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy

Reading the Old Testament 101

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Thu, 09 May 2024 17:18:39 GMT

You have found a Bible that you want to read. But where do you start? There are many programs out there that helps a person to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in one year. I would not recommend this approach without understanding how the Bible is laid out.

In both the Old and New Testament, the books are broken down by category. In addition, there are various sources that have influenced the content of these books. Even though we believe that the Bible is inspired by God, there are different voices that tell God’s story from their perspective. Scholars believe there are four sources of material that makes up the Old Testament. (Yahwist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, and Priestly). For the beginner, what is most important to keep in mind, is that if you see a story repeat, or you sense a change in the language, the differences may be because you are hearing the different voices.

For instance, there are two creation stories. The first one is believed to come from the oral tradition of the Elohist and the second comes from the Yahwist. In Genesis 1, God is seen as a distant figure, while in Genesis 2, God is personally involved in what is happening in the Garden of Eden. Read them for yourself while thinking about the differences and similarities are between them. Listen for the different voices.

The first five books are considered the Torah or The Law books. They begin with the creation of this world and continue with the story of the early people including when God gave Moses the laws for the people to live by. They are:

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Deuteronomy

The next books are the History books of the Old Testament.

Joshua

Judges

Ruth

1 Samuel

2 Samuel

1 Kings

2 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 chronicles

Ezra

Nehemiah

Esther

The next category are the Wisdom books:

Job

Psalms

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Song of Solomon

The last section are the books of the Major and Minor Prophets. Hint: The minor prophets are not minor in their importance, only in their length.

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Lamentations

Ezekiel

Daniel

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahem

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zachariah

Malachi

This website gives a brief description of each of these books. https://www.biblestudytools.com/books-of-the-bible/

Now that you have an idea of the categories, you might want to start with Genesis, Exodus and the history book. Inspirational readings can be found in the Wisdom books, in particular the Psalms.

Whatever direction you choose to go in, you should read the introduction section for each book, so that you have a better idea of content, context, and purpose.

Have fun! Next week I will cover the New Testament.

Reading the Bible 101

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:55:37 GMT

The oldest and most purchased book is the Bible. It is filled with wonderful stories of our ancestors that include family drama, conflict, wars, poetry, songs, prayers, mysteries, and miracles. Interwoven throughout is the story of God’s faithfulness, love, patience, wisdom, grace, judgment, and forgiveness.

For anyone wishing to take a deep dive into these sacred stories, the first step is choosing a translation that best helps the reader to understand and interpret the message. Since the invention of the printing press, there have been a plethora of different translations written that are based on the original source documents and put into the language of the people.

Each generation and each faith community have their favorite go-to version. The list below shows the most common or popular versions that a reader may want to consider when choosing what version they will use to begin their study.

We recommend that a reader use Biblegateway.com to check out each version before purchasing a Bible. BibleGateway gives more options to consider, but this is a good beginning.

The Top 10 Best Selling Protestant Bibles

1. New International Version (NIV

2. King James Version (KJV)

3. New Living Translation (NLT)

4. English Standard Version (ESV)

5. New King James Version (NKJV)

6. Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

7. Reina Valera (RV Spanish)

8. New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

9. The Message

10. Nueva Verson International (NVI Spanish)

You can find descriptions about these and other Bibles at Bible Versions and Translations Online (biblestudytools.com) .

One of our favorites is the Voice Bible (2012). Here is a description:

The Voice™ is a faithful dynamic equivalent translation that reads like a story with all the truth and wisdom of God's Word. Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching, The Voice invites readers to enter the whole story of God, enabling them to hear God speaking and to experience His presence in their lives. It is written for the new reader and combines historical and study notes.

Have fun selecting a version that works best for you. It can also be helpful to have a couple of different versions that can add to your understanding. We at First Presbyterian have the New Revised Standard Version in the pews but often read from other versions during worship and Bible studies.

Our next blog will give the reader next steps in reading the Bible.

Building Bridges

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 16:46:37 GMT

The Apostle Paul followed the Law of Connection.

“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: ‘People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So, you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.’” Acts 17:22-23

Dear Friends,

As we enter the Season of Easter, we see new life all around us. The trees and plants will begin to sprout new leaves and flowers. A word we might want to consider is “anticipation.”

Anticipation might have been the experiences of the early apostles. At Pentecost they are given the power by the Holy Spirit to go out and spread the word about Jesus. In the Book of Acts, Luke gives us a history of those early activities. Yet, they also needed “courage” because they would receive opposition amongst those who were not ready to hear the message.

We may have a different mission field then the apostles did, but we can also find opposition in our own community. There are people in our time who do not know God. To them, the God we worship and glorify is a foreign thought.

John Maxwell says that the apostle Paul followed the “Law of Connection” with the people he encountered. We can hear this law playing out in the four sermons found in the book of Acts (Acts 2:14-36; 7:2-53; 13:16-41; and 17:22-51), Paul was able to connect with diverse cultures by showing that the understood both Greek society and human needs.

Here is the outline that John Maxwell sees taking place in Paul’s sermons:

He began with affirmation (v. 22).
He bridged his subject with the familiar (v. 23)
He enlarged their vision of God (vv. 24:25).
He used inclusive language (v. 26),
He gave them encouragement and hope (v. 27).
He identified with their own poets (v. 28).
He gave them specific action steps (vv. 29-31).

John Maxwell says that good leaders connect before they expect, and connection precedes decision. The result of this sermon was that some people sneered, some people wanted to hear more, and some people followed immediately (vv. 32-34).

Following the excitement of Easter, we too may be full of anticipation and hope. Yet, we know that we too face challenges in the way we connect to the unbeliever. Our mission is to reach out to the unbelievers within our community. Is it possible that Maxwell is onto something here? Could Paul’s approach also help us to build bridges with those in our community?

I hope that you will take some time to read the sermons shown above and see if you see the same pattern emerging, learn from them, and put them into practice in your own encounters with members of our community. Listen to them even in my sermons. Sometimes our encounters with people can be so adversarial, but if we learn to make a connection first, to understand the perspectives of the other, we can have a significant impact in our time. Remember that even in our fest efforts, we will face opposition and worse, but if we can change the life of one person, it will be worth it. With the excitements of Easter behind us, may we be the bridge builders of our time.

To God be the glory forever and ever.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Exploring the Lenten Season Through a Prism of Colors

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 23:27:41 GMT

As we journey through the Lenten season, a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal, the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Clemens invites you to view this sacred period through a unique lens: the colors of Lent. Traditionally, the liturgical calendar associates specific hues with the season, each carrying profound meanings that can enrich our spiritual practices. This year, we've expanded the palette to include black, white, and orange, alongside the traditional colors, offering a broader spectrum of reflection.

The Colors of Lent:

Black symbolizes our sin and the ashes from Ash Wednesday, reminding us of our mortality and the need for repentance.
Green signifies new life and hope, a reminder of the redemption that comes through Christ.
Orange represents youthfulness, vibrancy, and creativity, encouraging positivity and happiness in our faith journey.
Purple reflects God's love, royalty, and the nobility of Jesus, the King of Kings.
Blue denotes deep reflection, urging us to confront our darker side to clear the way for spiritual clarity, like the sky after the clouds have parted.
Yellow illustrates the light within us and God's presence guiding us like the sunlight.
Red emphasizes importance and sacrifice, honoring the martyrs of our faith and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, as well as the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
White symbolizes Easter's joy, representing purity and the cleansing of our sins through Christ's sacrifice.

Praying with Colors:

To physically manifest this journey, we encourage you to create a string of beads in the colors mentioned above, culminating in a cross to symbolize resurrection and healing. This tangible representation serves as a tool for meditation and prayer, allowing each color to guide your reflections on the corresponding aspects of your faith and life.

The Cross:

The addition of a cross at the end of your string of beads is a powerful reminder of Jesus' resurrection and the hope it brings to a broken world. It's a call to remember the ultimate sacrifice made for us and the transformative power of Easter.

Embrace the Season:

This Lent, let's embrace the opportunity for growth and change that this season offers. By reflecting on the meanings behind these colors, we invite a fuller, more vibrant understanding of God's love and our journey toward redemption. Let the colors of Lent guide your prayers and meditations, enriching your spiritual journey toward Easter.

Join us in praying the colors of Lent this season, and may this practice bring depth and richness to your Lenten observance.

Embracing the Divine: A Guide to Prayer

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:50:47 GMT

Prayer is the spiritual communion with God, an intimate act that nourishes our faith.

Whether you're new to prayer or seeking to deepen your practice, here’s a simple guide to help you connect with the Divine.

1. Find Your Sanctuary
Choose a quiet space where you can be alone with your thoughts. It could be a designated room, a quiet corner, or even a serene outdoor setting. This physical space can act as a sanctuary, a sacred place for conversation with God.

2. Settle Your Heart and Mind
Before you begin, take a moment to breathe deeply and center your thoughts. Release the clutter of daily concerns to create a clear path for your prayers.

3. Open With Reverence
Start your prayer with an acknowledgment of God's presence. This can be a simple gesture of reverence, like a bow or the sign of the cross, or a spoken expression of worship.

4. Speak Authentically
Prayer doesn’t require grand words; what matters is authenticity. Speak to God as you would a cherished friend. Share your joys, sorrows, gratitude, and the desires of your heart.

5. Listen
Prayer is a dialogue. After sharing your thoughts with God, pause to listen. This might not come as an audible voice, but rather an internal sense of peace, a new insight, or an unexplained resolve to act.

6. Read Scripture
Incorporate reading Scripture into your prayer time. The words of the Bible can guide your prayers, providing language for praise, confession, and petition.

7. Use Structured Prayers When Needed
Sometimes it’s difficult to find your own words. In these moments, structured prayers like the Lord’s Prayer can provide comfort and focus.

8. Close With Commitment
End your prayer with a statement of faith and a commitment to live out God’s will, whether that’s through a simple 'Amen' or a personal vow to follow through on what you’ve received in prayer.

Prayer is as diverse as the individuals who practice it. It can be silent or spoken, still or active, spontaneous or structured. Remember, the essence of prayer is not about the method but the relationship it builds. When you pray, you open your heart to divine influence, guidance, and love.

The Science Paradox

revnealand05@gmail.com (Kathlyn Nealand) — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 21:12:34 GMT

When the answers to the Big Questions eludes the scientist, they are befuddled.

‘The heavens declare the glory of God.

The skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:1,14b)

There is a phrase that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. So far, though it appears that March is going to come in like a lamb with some warm weather. I can only hope that the reverse will not be true because Easter comes on the last Sunday of March. We will just have to wait and see.

There are plenty of scientists out there who can try to predict the weather but, in the end, we just have to say “things happen” when they run out of scientific explanations. The Psalmist, though, is clear that everything that we see and everything unseen was created by our Almighty God. When something happens that cannot be easily explained by science, the scientist is befuddled. Many scientists have moved from being an atheist to believers in Creator God after all other possibilities fail. Those who cannot bring themselves to believe in a higher power, simply say, “Well it must have always been here.”

In a book entitled, Magic Soup, Typing Monkeys, and Horny Aliens Rom Outer Space: The Patently Absurd Wholly Unsubstantiated and Extravagantly Failed Atheist Origin Myth by Evan Sayet (a strange title to be sure), the author states, “If you are of the belief that science has answered all of the Big Questions of creation and design, and, in having done so, has left the God of the Bible in the pile of discarded superstitions, folklore, legends, and myths of the past, you could not possibly be more mistaken.”

When a scientist cannot come up with a valid answer, they simply say “things happen”, but the author says that this is an admission that there is simply no reasonable scientific explanation can be given.

When we can look beyond science, we realize that the universe and everything in it-matter, energy, space, and time-had a beginning somewhere and somehow. This reminds me of the question, which came first, the chicken or the egg? Steven Meyer, says that “Clearly matter and energy could not have caused themselves to come into existence before they existed.” I wonder if he would agree then that we could not have an egg if there was not a chicken first. If you think back to the creation story, God created the animals. They were not embryos or amoeba that formed over time, The only conclusion that can be reached is that there had to be a Creator, someone who could make something out of nothing. Amazing yet paradoxical for those who cannot see beyond the material.

Throughout the year and especially during Lent, we may struggle with the Big Questions. We try to figure out why things happen the way they do, whether it is through the understanding of nature or humanity, and most times we must admit that there are answers beyond our ability to grasp. It is then that we begin to open our hearts and minds to the reality that there is something bigger and greater than mere humans. It is then when we fall to our knees and lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving to a Creator and Redeemer who loves us more than we could ever imagine.

May we help those who do not believe to see God in the miracles o this world, especially in the miracle of resurrection this Easter.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Pastor's Blog

History Matters

This is a subtitle for your new post

The Cup of Freedom

“{Jesus} withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ’Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Luke 22:41-43

Easter Season Sermon Series: The Cup of Freedom

Strengthening Our Prayer Life as a Community.

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”

Psalm 145:18-19 (NRSVUE)

From Winter’s Chill to Heaven’s Warmth

“Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:2-4)

Series Title: The 'I AM' Statements | Who Are You?

God is Like...

And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. Exodus 3:14

The Gift of Love

A Christmas version of 1 Corinthians 13

Angels Among Us: An Advent Reflection

“But the angel said to her, “ Do not be afraid , Mary; you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30.

Be a Changemaker

(Isaiah 42:5-6 NRSVYE)

Worship Series: Changemakers

Striving to be the Best

Finding Perfect Peace

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Looking Beyond Summer

Hope Does Not Disappoint

The Purpose of Worship

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message) ﻿

See and Know God

Catching Fire

The Journey

A House Becomes a Home

New Year's Resolutions

"Walk by the Spirit . . . led by the Spirit . . . live by the Spirit . . . keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:16, 25

The Lord With Us

“[Paul Gives Thanks to God] I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge.” -1 Corinthians 1:4-5

The Loyalty of Daniel

Give Us This Day...

Baptismal Blessings

Baptismal Blessings

Baptism is a visible sign of God's grace.

Time Matters

Reading the Old Testament 101

Reading the Bible 101

Building Bridges

The Apostle Paul followed the Law of Connection.

Exploring the Lenten Season Through a Prism of Colors

The Colors of Lent:

Praying with Colors:

The Cross:

Embrace the Season:

Embracing the Divine: A Guide to Prayer

Prayer is the spiritual communion with God, an intimate act that nourishes our faith.

The Science Paradox

When the answers to the Big Questions eludes the scientist, they are befuddled.

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”

  And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. Exodus 3:14

“You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

“[Paul Gives Thanks to God] I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge.” -1 Corinthians 1:4-5 