Category Archives: Church News

Dear Congregation, Following worship on Palm Sunday, April 2nd, I encourage you to stay after the service. During our Fellowship time in Kelsey Hall, there will be what I’ve called “A Conversation with Pastor Candy: ‘WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PROPERTY SALE IS FINALIZED ON APRIL 21?’” Church Council and I will be meeting with representatives […]

Dear Congregation, Grace and peace to each of you as we continue to journey together through Lent! This Sunday will be the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Our focus scripture is 1 Samuel 16:1-13 in which we’re reminded that how God sees human beings is quite different from how we see. We look at externals while […]

Dear Congregation,   This Sunday is the Third Sunday in Lent already. Worship will be held outdoors in the Garden Chapel, with the extended forecast looking favorable! I hope you’ll be present in person or on Facebook.   I’m looking forward to our Spiritual Spa Day tomorrow, and hope to see many of you there. […]

Dear Congregation,   It was great to have a good attendance in worship before our Annual Meeting last Sunday! It was also a positive that some members who were unable to be present in person were intentional about returning their ballots in advance or coming on ZOOM to vote for their Settled Pastor.   Thanks […]

Dear Congregation, Lenten blessings to you! I was glad to participate in the Imposition of Ashes with you Wednesday evening in what turned out to be an intimate, meaningful time. I think it’s good and healthy for us to be reminded that life really is a journey, one with a beginning and an end. It’s […]

Dear Congregation,   I hope you can be in worship this coming Transfiguration Sunday when, weather permitting, we’ll be in the lovely Garden Chapel and celebrate Mardi Gras afterward in Kelsey Hall. Daniel Best will provide New Orleans-style Jazz music. There will be food and a local version of the King Cake in which will […]

Dear Congregation,   I hope you’ll notice the message on our outdoor signboard as you enter the church parking lot this Sunday. It says, “LOVE LIKE JESUS!”, recognizing the fact that Valentine’s Day, with its focus on love, is just coming just around the corner on Tuesday. This powerful and thought-provoking message, a directive aimed […]

Dear Congregation,   February greetings! I hope all is well with you and yours.   I want to thank The Rev. Bob Snyder for stepping in on short notice to lead worship last Sunday after I was unexpectedly hospitalized Friday night. Many thanks, also, to all you others whose participation ensured that worship happened in […]

Dear Congregation,   I hope you are doing well! I know as I talk with you that many are dealing with health concerns, both your own, as well as those of family and friends. I know we are grateful when we find helpful resources for care.   This Sunday is Health and Human Service Sunday […]

Dear Congregation, As I write to you today, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins and runs through January 25th. “Do good; seek justice.” Isaiah 1:17 is this year’s theme. It was selected by the Minnesota Council of Churches, USA, in the aftermath of the extrajudicial killing of George Floyd and the trial of the police officer responsible […]