Stories change how we see the world. A good movie can shift our perspective, revealing possibilities we never imagined. In “How to Train Your Dragon,” a young Viking named Hiccup discovers everything his village believed about dragons was wrong. These weren’t mindless monsters but intelligent creatures capable of friendship and loyalty. The film resonates because […]
Picture this: You’re at a family reunion, catching up with relatives you haven’t seen in years. As you share stories, you realize how many of you ended up somewhere completely different than you planned. Maybe you’re living in a town you never meant to stay in. Maybe you’re in a job that was supposed to […]
Stories grab our attention because they show us truths about ourselves that plain facts often miss. This afternoon marks the final performance of the McPherson Community Theater’s production of “Chicago” at the McPherson Opera House—a Jazz Age musical that’s entertained audiences for nearly fifty years. Today, we’ll explore how this Tony Award-winning show reveals timeless […]
On this Father’s Day, many of us arrive with hearts full of gratitude for the fathers and father figures whose voices have shaped our lives. Some carry complicated emotions about absent or imperfect fathers, while others celebrate cherished memories and ongoing relationships. Today also marks a significant transition as we celebrate Deacon Jeanne’s years of […]
The first day of June puts us right between seasons. Around McPherson, we see the signs – graduation ceremonies just finished, swimming pools ready to open, and colorful gardens blooming while farmers watch their crops grow. Many of us feel pulled between wrapping up spring activities and starting summer plans. Think about times in your […]
As April arrives, basketball fans across the country have their eyes fixed upward – watching shots arc toward the basket, players jumping for rebounds, and championship celebrations with confetti falling from arena ceilings. Is One Shining Moment your favorite part of the tournament? This Final Four weekend, millions witness stories of persistence, unexpected heroes, and […]
Have you noticed how this time of year plays tricks with our expectations? One day teases us with spring warmth, the next reminds us winter hasn’t quite finished. With April Fool’s Day just around the corner, we’re reminded how easily we can be fooled by appearances. Have you experienced that moment of uncertainty over the […]
The Valentine’s displays are already marked down at Walmart, heart-shaped chocolate boxes sit half-eaten on kitchen counters, and some roses are starting to drop their petals. Now that the commercialized romance of February 14th is fading, we might find ourselves thinking about love in deeper ways. What does it mean to love extravagantly? How do […]
With a 4.5 mile run today, I recorded 1,0002 activities with the RunKeeper app. I have had on and off seasons of running over the years. Here’s a snapshot of my mileage each month. One of the gaps in 2018 was when I switched to using MapMyRun for a bit. Now, I am day 260 […]
The space between these buildings fills with morning light. From this view, you have no idea what is on the other side of either wall—a building on one side and one on another. There’s not much space to explore, but there is light. This season of the global pandemic feels a bit like this space. […]
Over the past few days, I have continued in prayer for Charleston. I want to share a portion of my response to the Charleston Church Shootings which I preached this morning at First United Methodist Church. I believe it is important and inadequate. You can find the entire sermon and manuscript online here. Let me […]
At a recent bedtime, I read Bulldozers (Mighty Machines) to our children as one of our stories. After reading, my son stood up and said excitedly, “One day, I going to drive the biggest bulldozer in the world!” I replied with a smile, “You sure could.” In those brief moments, I was struck at how wide the […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 