Spring break has wrapped up, and many of us are settling back into our routines. You might have just returned from a family trip, catching up on accumulated emails, or simply enjoyed a quieter week at home. Regardless, there’s something about returning—the familiarity of your own bed, the comfort of regular routines, the sense of […]
As spring break begins in McPherson, many of us share a special kind of anticipation. Those refreshing first days when students celebrate freedom from alarm clocks and homework, when families might plan special activities, when the promise of spring starts appearing in tiny green shoots pushing through the soil. Yet alongside that anticipation, we often […]
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 […]
Late January finds us living in the wake of change. Just days ago, our nation witnessed the inauguration of a new president – a moment stirring hope in some hearts and deep concern in others. These national transitions remind us how change, even when democratic and orderly, may leave us feeling uncertain about what lies […]
By mid-January, most New Year’s resolutions have either taken root or fallen away. Our ambitious declarations about transformation often fade as routine settles back in. Many of us know what it’s like to stand up and boldly announce a change, only to face skepticism – sometimes from others, sometimes from ourselves. Whether it’s a commitment […]
As the decorations come down and resolutions fade, mid-January often feels like returning to earth after the holiday season’s heightened moments. Perhaps you’ve noticed how quickly our ambitious New Year’s commitments meet reality’s gravity. The gym crowds thin out, the healthy recipes get more creative with “substitutions,” and those meditation apps send increasingly hopeful notifications. […]
As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on growth and potential. Maybe you’ve written down resolutions, hoping to transform areas of your life. Or perhaps you’re simply pausing to consider what wisdom the past year has offered and what understanding you hope to gain in the months ahead. […]
Tonight all across McPherson, people are singing “Silent Night.” We’re all celebrating Christmas Eve, but each of us is doing it a little differently. Some of us are sitting in the same pews where our parents and grandparents once sat. Others are starting new traditions. Some of us see empty places where loved ones used […]
Have you ever received life-changing news from an unexpected source? Perhaps it came through a child’s innocent observation, a stranger’s kind gesture, or a friend’s casual comment that suddenly illuminated everything differently. In our world of carefully curated messages and polished presentations, we often overlook how God speaks through ordinary voices and everyday moments. Today’s […]
Have you ever watched someone carefully assemble a quilt? Each piece of fabric, worn with love or vibrantly new, tells its own story. Carefully chosen and positioned, they form a beautiful whole. In the aftermath of our recent elections, amidst the beautiful quilts and sewing projects we see today, perhaps you feel like scattered pieces […]
As we gather this Sunday after a momentous election, our nation continues to process varied emotions and reactions to the results. Some feel elated, others disappointed; some hopeful, others uncertain. In times of such division, Jonah’s story speaks powerfully to us. Like today, his world knew deep social and political fractures. He faced the challenge […]
In Manhattan last night, both teams faced pivotal moments. For KU, a crucial fumble ended their hopes of breaking a sixteen-year drought. For K-State, wisdom under pressure led to a game-winning field goal. These moments of decision – whether to dive forward or protect the ball, trust your preparation, or doubt yourself – reveal some […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 