Rev. Denny Read

This year, the day after Halloween felt different. As I went shopping, I was struck by the abundance of Christmas displays. I can't recall if it was the same last year, but it hit me that Christmas is just eight weeks away. This commercialized rush to Christmas often sidelines a crucial aspect of our Christian spirituality: reflection. Have we taken the time to reflect on the events of the year? Have we created space to acknowledge and attend to our losses, big or small? Attending to our...

This week, I think that a prayer is in order. Say it out loud, reflect on it, even read it repeatedly, so that you may take it to "heart": The pastor says, “Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open…” We rush to the next phrase, but now we linger there. We ponder our hearts… our deepest feelings of love and devotion, our closest organ of vitality, our place of deep decision-making, our instrument of being fully ourselves. Our hearts—that throb for contact with you— our...

Today begins the first of many mid-week musings called “From your Pastor’s Study.” This week, I want to celebrate last Sunday’s worship, where so many grand things took place. We were graced with beautiful music, which included Barbara Moran at the piano and organ, and Jenni Mason as flautist! We had a guest speaker, Tammie Collins, who shared the many ways in which the Anderson Free Clinic supports the community and how we, as a church, can support its ministry. It was also...