As the fall season is getting closer, I wanted to keep you updated on several special events in the life of our church: Promotion Sunday is September 8. We will also have a “Blessing of the Backpacks” during that service.We will have the annual “Blessing of the Hands Service” during the morning worship on September …
When I worked at a large hospice house in Florida, I soon realized that the number one complaint by the residents was the food. It had nothing to do with the quality or presentation of the food. It was just too hard to please everyone’s tastes. One person would think that the food wasn’t salty …
Lincoln warned us, “You can’t please all of the people all of the time.” Read More »
While doing some recent research for an upcoming sermon, I came upon the following illustration from a website called sermonillustrations.com: To: Jesus, Son of Joseph Woodcrafter’s Carpenter Shop Nazareth 25922 From: Jordan Management Consultants Dear Sir: Thank you for submitting the resumes of the twelve men you have picked for managerial positions in your …
When I was out dining with my family in Florence during Annual Conference, a pastor of one of the largest United Methodist churches in the state approached us and told us how much we would like FUMC and Cheraw. He could not have been more correct. My family is very excited to be living in …
Greetings! On behalf of my family I can say that we are all excited to be a part of First Cheraw and this community! I wanted to tell you a little about my family. My parents were born and raised not too far away from here in Rockingham, North Carolina. They eloped and were married …
This is my final Pastor’s Reflection for “The Connection,” and I feel some real sadness as I write to you and continue my preparations to leave Cheraw. I love the United Methodist Church and know that our system of itinerancy for the clergy is an excellent and theologically sound way to deploy the clergy. But …
All Christians are ministers. From the days of the apostles up until the present, one’s baptism meant a commissioning to ministry, much as Jesus’ baptism was the official start of his ministry. But some ministers are set apart for special responsibilities. “Elders are ordained to a lifetime ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service,” …
Mrs. Lib Norton addressed the congregation at the close of the April 7 worship service. She announced that Kay and I will be moving from First Church and Cheraw at the end of June. Lib also explained that the new pastor who has been tentatively appointed to the church will have an introductory visit later …
The subject turned to the Death Penalty the other night at Wednesday At The First. The United Methodist Church in its Social Principles takes a firm stand against Capital Punishment. I fully support that stance and once participated in a march against the use of the Death Penalty in South Carolina. Just because I am …
Social Principles discussion leads to lively debate Read More »
On March 2, people all across America will mark the 99th birthday of Theodor Geisel who was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904. So who was Theodor Geisel? Why, he was Dr. Seuss, of course! And the celebration is not so much about Geisel as it is a national celebration of reading. March …
