First Notes – May 2019
It literally seems like it was just yesterday when I was preparing the front page for April’s newsletter. The time has certainly flown by. Of …
First Notes – April 2019
Perhaps it is not an unusual thing to have one’s views about holidays and seasons change as we grow older. In this stage of my …
First Notes – March 2019
The start of this year’s Lenten pilgrimage is late—March 6th. We will begin Lent with our traditional Ash Wednesday service of Holy Communion and the …
First Notes – February 2019
Since Easter falls on one of the later possible dates this year, Lent will not begin until March 6th: that means that this is one …
First Notes – January 2019
There is something about the start of a new year that makes people want to turn over a new leaf in life. While the sentiment …
First Notes – December 2018
With the recent snap of cold weather that has descended upon us as I write, it is not a hard thing to imagine December and …
First Notes – November 2018
November will soon be upon us, and with it will come that annual habit we have in most churches to focus on giftedness and gratitude. …
First Notes – October 2018
As I write this article, I am midway into my first week back after recovering from surgery. I am grateful for the prayers, the cards, …
First Notes – September 2018
When this newsletter gets to you, the start of another program year will be soon upon us. So much has happened during the summer months …
First Notes – July/August 2018
On the second weekend of June, I had the opportunity to attend the Wisconsin Conference Annual Meeting at Green Lake, along with Salem’s delegates, Mary …