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 […]
If you are anything like me you may have started this December with carefully crafted plans – lists of gifts to buy, cookies to bake, events to attend. Maybe like last year, we created task lists and calendar items to manage it all. But life has a way of disrupting even our most detailed plans. […]
We gather this first Sunday of Advent fresh from Thanksgiving tables and carrying both gratitude and grief – some of us still feeling the warmth of family gatherings, others mourning empty chairs, like those who gathered Wednesday to celebrate Carl Kasey’s 101 years of faithful living. In these days between giving thanks and preparing for […]
Have you ever tried to delete your past? Maybe you’ve purged old social media posts, shredded embarrassing photos, or desperately wished you could unsend that angry email. As we gather just days before Thanksgiving, maybe you are dreading certain conversations around the holiday table, wishing we could erase past hurts or start fresh. An ancient […]
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 […]
It’s beautiful to be back with you after my time away. These past days have been a journey of spiritual renewal and rest, filled with moments of reflection and rejuvenation. Time away has reminded me of the importance of pausing, listening, and opening ourselves to God’s presence in unexpected places. Today, we focus on a […]
Family stories have a way of shaping us, don’t they? Whether it’s the tales of our grandparents’ sacrifices, the funny anecdotes shared at reunions, or even the painful chapters we’d rather forget – these narratives form the fabric of who we are. As we reflect on our church’s 150-year journey, we’re reminded that we, too, […]
From generation to generation, for 150 years, our congregation has been a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness. As we celebrate this milestone today, we’re reminded of Abraham gazing at the stars, each point of light representing a promise that would unfold across centuries. Have you ever considered how your faith today connects to those who […]
I find something magical about the Kansas State Fair. The aroma of funnel cakes, the excited shouts from midway rides, and the proud displays of prized pumpkins and handcrafted quilts create a uniquely Kansas experience. My family, perhaps like yours, has been coming to this fair for generations. So, some places, like the Domestic Arts […]
The Paralympic Games begin on Wednesday in Paris. Athletes will take their marks, set their stance, and launch into action. Today, we find the disciples in a similar position at the beginning of the book of Acts – poised on the starting blocks of a world-changing mission. But unlike those Olympians who relied on years […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 