A Reflection on the 250th Anniversary of American Independence “But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.” This part of the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence, was, and remains, a powerful witness to the resolve, not only to its authors, but to all who offered...

2026 Easter Sermon Series It’s fascinating how many stories there are about Jesus having meals with his disciples after the resurrection. Meals, especially in Jesus’ culture, carried significant meaning and weight. Those meals impacted the disciples in various ways. So too, sharing meals can have a big impact on our relationships. Sure, some meals can be uncomfortable depending on the hosts or the guests, but other meals can deepen friendships by building trust in a more intimate setting....

Confirmation seems so long ago. I don’t recall much from those days, except my teachers, Mrs. Dufendach or Ed Lang, saying, “Andrew, be...