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

Snookered… Sold a bill of goods… Tricked… Hoodwinked… Taken for a ride… Swindled… Bait-and-switch… Fraud… Con… Ponzy scheme… Flimflam… Shakedown… SCAM!It has happened to the best of us.You receive an urgent request from a trust friend. The email says your friend needs help with a crisis. “Could you send money NOW?” The email stresses the urgency, forcing you to act quickly. You reach out to your f...  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