Posts with the category “from-the-pastor”

Today, I begin a week of study to prepare for the upcoming church year- time to pray for God’s good direction for our ministry. In the light of that time away from regular ministry, I hope you will accept a reprise of a letter I wrote a year ago for Memorial Day. This story still brings me to tears…For most of us, Memorial Day is a day for parades, flag waving, and cookouts. For the nation, it is ...  Read More

On January 23, 1943, the SS Dorchester left New York harbor enroute to Greenland with a passenger manifest of just over 900 souls. This civilian liner had been converted for military service in WWII as a troop transport. The Dorchester was a part of a three-ship convoy escorted by Coast Guard Cutters Tampa, Escanaba, and Comanche. On the eve of February 2, 1943, Coast Guard sonar detected a German...  Read More

At 6:00pm on Thursday, May 8th, eagerly anticipated white smoke appeared over St. Peter’s Square in Rome. Bells began to toll declaring the selection of the 267th Pope for the 1.4 billion faithful in the Roman Catholic Church. Romans and tourists began pouring into the square to be present when the announcement was made. I, too, waited, watching in my study, unable to work on my sermon. Was it cur...  Read More

I have spent the last eight days thoroughly enjoying our newest granddaughter. Our days have revolved around the simple acts of life- snuggles, bottles, and more diaper changes than I care to count. All the while, I have been watching the world respond to the death of one man. For 1.4 billion people, Pope Francis was their spiritual leader. To the world, Pope Francis was the Head of State for the ...  Read More

Today the world mourns…Pope Francis- “The People’s Pope”- died Easter Monday at the age of 88. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was educated as an engineer before becoming a priest. He became the Cardinal of Buenos Aires, known to his people as the “Bishop of the slums” because he chose to move among his people, riding the subway, walking the streets....  Read More

An overnight train from Heidelberg… the promise of a few romantic days in Paris… for parents with three young children, a get-away weekend was a dream come true. We had flown to Germany to visit friends who were stationed in Heidelberg. We hiked the Alps, shopped in Rotenberg, and ate more than our fair share of schnitzel. Then our friends surprised us with tickets and the offer of childcare. Befo...  Read More

I feel like a tight rope walker these days, with an audience watching my every step. I’m holding my breath hoping to survive. Many do not notice the chasm below my feet. But I do. I know the danger. There are those who would shake the line in anger, praying for a wind to toss me, ready even to push me off to silence. I have poked the bear at times. In those moments, I have heard the growls, seen t...  Read More

The world seems to be swirling… each day a new story, a new wrinkle, a new worry. Regardless of whether you are cheering or concerned, joyful or angry, the current speed of change and the lack of clear discernable direction leaves most of us unsettled. We feel like the disciples in the boat, tossed about by waves and wind, with land nowhere in sight. That day, the disciples woke Jesus, who was asl...  Read More

Since 1939, the college basketball tournament has dominated March sports news. The competition now begins with 68 teams invited to the dance, that soon become the official first round of 64… then 32… then the Sweet 16… the Elite 8… the Final 4… the Top 2… and finally on April 7th a champion will be crowned. March Madness captures the attention of even those of us who are rather lack-luster basketb...  Read More

5 years… and 257 lettersThese letters began as a way to hold our fellowship together in the storm, like ropes lashed around the boards of a raft that is buffeted by waves and wind. Letter #1- March 9, 2020, lacked inspiration. It merely detailed the precautions that we were taking at LVC to protect us as we met together for worship in the face of a spiraling health crisis. But by week’s end, our d...  Read More

Have you noticed the lone guitar… poised in front of the drums?Only once in a blue moon does a hand reach out to strum the strings. Most Sundays, the instrument stands silent, as if sentinel over those who gather for worship. But for those of us who loved Joe Scollins… for those of us who knew him… for those of us who were inspired by his passion for worship… for those of us who were touched by hi...  Read More

THON 2025…For 52 years, Penn State students have danced for the kids. The THON motto: One Day we will Dance in Celebration Until then we will Dance for a Cure In 1973, students on Main Campus Penn State organized a 30-hour dance marathon to fight childhood cancer. They gathered in the ballroom of the main student union for an event that raised $2,000. The success of that first event inspired a 4...  Read More

Another crash…Yesterday afternoon, a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis flipped upside down on the runway at Toronto International Airport while attempting to land. Thankfully, all 80 passengers survived, though several were critically injured. This incident is the most recent in a string of airline accidents since the beginning of the 2025. First, the collision of an American Airlines passen...  Read More

It’s Tuesday morning… again… Time to write, to find an interesting topic worth about 1000 words. I think about my ‘Tuesday letter’ throughout the week. After 252 letters, no surprise that sometimes I struggle to find the angle. But this Tuesday would come after the Eagles played in the Super Bowl LIX. Surely, the game would offer plenty of fodder for a letter. Perhaps there would be some lessons t...  Read More

Whoever makes the rules wins the game.- Molly Bloom The world seems to have changed overnight. The world is changing because the rules are changing rapidly, drastically and often dramatically. Some are cheering, while others are grieving. But truthfully, most of us are holding our breath waiting to see what will trickle down to our reality. The implications of all the changes have yet to play out....  Read More

I’m torn today… unsure which direction to go with this letter. Should I join the throng of fellow Philadelphians celebrating and anticipating? E-A-G-L-E-S! For the next two weeks, everything will be green in Philly, with people flapping their arms indiscriminately hoping to will our guys to victory over the Chiefs. I know when I stand to preach on Sunday, February 9 th, my sanctuary will be a sea...  Read More

Legacy is what we leave, when we leave, for those we leave behind. Do you ever wonder what your legacy will be? When folks gather to tell your tale, what will they remember? How will they describe your days on this earth? What gifts or burdens will you leave behind? What will your legacy be? January 20, 2025, will go down in history as a day that built, secured and celebrated many legacies- from...  Read More

Day after day the story plays out on our news feeds and TV screens. Charred skeletons of beloved homes. Desperate homeowners endangering their lives as they hose down their burning roofs. Emergency workers carefully carrying a body bag out of the rubble. Firefighters working without a break to battle the flames. An American flag in blackened tatters. The images arriving in the wake of the wind-dr...  Read More

Today is the day after... The day after Epiphany... after the final chapter of the Christmas story... after the baby was born... the angels sang... the shepherds visited... the wisemen brought gifts. It has been a full season! We sang our favorite carols, sent cards, baked cookies, opened presents, and gathered with family and friends. And now, today is the day after... For those of us who have he...  Read More

Late in time behold Him come…  The second verse of the Christmas carol Hark the Herald Angels Sing seems to capture the cry of our hearts about God’s timing. How often do we wonder about… actually, if we are honest… how often do we complain about God’s timing? “How long O Lord?” We join a chorus of weary souls found in the Scriptures… Psalm 13:1… 79:5… 89:46… Revelation 6:10. Imagine the people of...  Read More

The Coming of GodOur God is the One who comes to us in a burning bush. in an angel’s song, in a newborn child.Our God is the One who cannot be found locked in the church, not even in the sanctuary.Our God will be where God will be with no constraints, no predictability.Our God lives where our God lives, and destruction has no power, and even death cannot stop the living.Our God will be born ...  Read More

I love the tradition of a Christmas tree… not just having one proudly displayed in our living room but finding just the right one to take its place in our Christmas celebration each year. For the Bells, that right tree begins with an adventure as the family trapses across the Christmas tree farm to find the biggest tree possible. While most would measure the height of a tree, we measure the bread...  Read More

Sunday, as Christians around the world gathered for worship on the second Sunday of Advent, as Lenape Valley decorated our Chrismon trees and shared a feast at the Advent Brunch, Christians in Paris celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of Notre Dame for the first time in five and a half years. Light shone through the restored stained-glass windows as the grand organ filled the hall with the music of ...  Read More

It is with deep sadness and deeper faith that I share the news that the Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo was welcomed home into the Church Triumphant on November 19, 2024, at the age of 89. Tony was an American sociologist, a professor, a pastor, an author, an inspiring public speaker and the spiritual advisor to US Presidents. Unlike some prominent evangelical preachers, Tony had neither a widely viewed te...  Read More

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:2-6 Dear Lenape Valley, T...  Read More

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,A week has passed, but still the emotions of our nation are running high. I imagine that some among us are brokenhearted while others are feeling hopeful. How often we struggle to understand one another. Such is the messiness—and the beauty—of a community that believes that whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, there is a place ...  Read More

Today is Election Day… a day long in coming! We should be joyful because today means the end of those disturbing political ads that have interrupted our TV shows and invaded our social media. Today means the end of political junk mail that we throw away before ever reading. Today means the end of wondering… but not the end of worrying. They tell us that this is the most momentous election of our ...  Read More

November 1, 837, Pope Gregory established the observance of All Saints Day for the church. For hundreds of years, the Christian community had celebrated the lives of those who lived and served with faithfulness. That “great cloud of witnesses” encouraged believers in good times and bad to keep the faith and finish the race. In 837 CE, Pope Gregory claimed a specific day to focus that celebration ...  Read More

Do you remember the story of Wisemen in the east watching the night sky? They see a star... they cross a desert… they bring gifts… all to worship the One who is the King of Kings. We retell that story every Christmas with little knowledge of those wisemen of old. To us they are often just ornate, mysterious figures in our creche scenes, and verses in our carols. They were Zoroastrians- star watch...  Read More

Once upon a time, a toddler and his parents lived in a village. They shared a tiny home in their newly adopted town. The neighbors welcomed them. Life was simple. The little one grew and prospered, safe and sound. Until the world invaded, and angry men with swords drawn threatened his life. His parents, as all good parents would do, sought to protect their son from danger. So, in the dark of nigh...  Read More

Happy Birthday Bea! Beatrice Swartley Barr was born in Brooklyn, NY, on October 7, 1924. In 1924, the United States had 48 states and Calvin Coolidge was President. That year, Native Americans were granted citizenship, and the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held. Gas cost 13 cents per gallon and Wheaties cereal was born. In 1924, Jimmy Carter, Henry Mancini and Gloria Vanderbilt were bor...  Read More

Boston, a city known for its fast-paced, cosmopolitan culture has also been judged “the least friendly city in the US” (according to a study done by the University of Michigan). According to the study, Bostonians are “rude and proud of it.” So, we were not surprised when our Bostonian friend decided it was time for a change. In a world of remote work that allows a ‘live anywhere’ lifestyle, our f...  Read More

The wait is over… or at least in part… Last night, a crowd of 42,382 stood, cheering… the Phanatic dancing… Fans tuned in across the region. We could all taste the sweet savor of a victory long in the coming. But not until the last out was called could the victory celebration begin. At 9:36pm, the Phillies won the National League East Championship for the first time in thirteen years. They officia...  Read More

Before you dig in… We have all been there… hungry at the end of the day… the food piping hot… the smells inviting… the stomach grumbling. Our fork is poised as we hear those famous words- “Before you dig in…” My mother said those words so often we should have etched them on her tombstone at Arlington. They were her reminder to pause, before a bite was enjoyed, to pray. Mom believed in the importan...  Read More

We watch as two enemies meet… Their rivalry precedes them. The rules of engagement are etched into their culture and politics. Some choose a side, but most are just born into their place on one side of the aisle or the other. Their family narrative justifies one as ‘right’ and the other as ‘wrong’… the division woven into the fabric of their identity so long ago that most have forgotten their orig...  Read More

Kick-off… the act that puts the ball into play… the commencement of something new… the beginning of…We are in the season of kick-offs… so many kick-offs… each one exciting… promising a season of potential… The Kick-Off puts the ball into play. It is the act that starts every football game with the kicker sending the ball the length of the field to waiting receivers. Only 22% of kick-offs were ...  Read More

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Imagine standing on a sandy shoreline looking out at the vast expanse of water. It is a quiet morning. The storms troubling the Caribbean have stayed at bay, so the waves are gentle as they lap against your feet. Each surge of water is followed by an equal draw that pulls grains of sand from under your f...  Read More

Their relationship began like many these days with a question through a dating app. “Which Star Wars movie is your favorite?” The answer: “Episode V”- a response that seems rather cryptic to those of us who are not fans of Star Wars. The Empire Strikes Back is actually the 2nd movie in a trilogy that became a series in which this movie is Episode V. If you wonder how the second movie became the f...  Read More

Iconic… romantic… strategic… inspiring… The Seine is all the above and more as it flows through Paris, the City of Lights. UNESCO World Heritage sites line her banks from the Louvre Museum and the Grand Palais, to the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral rising from the ashes. The river flows through the center of this great city creating districts on the left and right bank for culture and comme...  Read More

Who compares with you among the gods, O Lord? Who compares with you in power, in holy majesty, in awesome praises? You are a wonder-working God! Exodus 15:11 (the Message) Today, I am sitting on a veranda on the side of one of the largest ships in the world. On any given cruise, this ship can accommodate over 6000 passengers along with over 1000 crew members. They tell us that this cruise is at ...  Read More