Dear St. John’s Friends and Family, My childhood home had a huge tree in the front yard with sweeping long branches that lended shade. There my dad made a tire swing that was tied to one of the strong branches. At night the branches would cast shadows through my bedroom window when the moon was…

Dear St. John’s Friends and Family, Today we continue to discover how our faith is like that of a growing tree.  Just as we are rooted in God’s love, we should also be growing together in Christ.  Rev. Cindy Riddick is preaching today about the importance of our spiritual growth, also known as our discipleship.  Disciples…

Dear St. John’s Friends and Family, The roots of a plant are the most vital part of the plant, especially for trees.  As we discovered last week, a supposed dead stump will put forth tender shoots at the sent of water because the root system is still vital.  Yet, if the root system dies, the entire…

Dear St. John’s Friends and Family, We are a resurrection people, always living and celebrating in the Easter story. The story of God’s promise to us of eternal life with Jesus and one another. The sorrows, hardships, and even death is temporary. The Apostle Paul tells us that the strife in this world will pale…

Dear St. John’s Friends and Family, Alleluia!  Christ is Risen!!  The tomb is empty!  Praise the Lord!  When the women went to the tomb and found it to be empty, it probably felt too good to be true.  And it still feels too good to be true.  The proclamation that Jesus defeated death is amazing! …

Dear St. John’s friends and family, Today we celebrate Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem. Palms were waved in joy and gladness and coats were laid down in Christ’s path as homage to a king. Yet, the celebration didn’t last long. The cheers of joy that went up that day turned to malice and anger later in…

Dear St. John’s Friends and Family, It’s so hard to stay focused on the moment when we are constantly anticipating what is to come. We are still in the season of Lent, yet we are probably getting ready for Easter with the purchases of Easter eggs and decadent chocolate bunnies. Don’t push into Easter celebration…

Dear St. John’s friends and family,When we travel through the season of Lent with open honesty about ourselves, we can truly see how much we need Jesus and be grateful for his saving work on the cross. This painful self-reflection isn’t to beat ourselves up over our sin and mistakes, but it is to lead…

Dear St. John’s Friends and Family, As we move through this season of Lent we continue to practice self-reflection while following Jesus to the cross. Today we stand in the shadows as he prays in desperation. The enemy is coming. If you were in the garden that night, what would you have done as the…

Dear St. John’s friends and family, We launched a program called Bible in 90 days on February 18th. We are now into our 2nd week. I have so enjoyed hearing the stories of so many that are devoted to reading their Bible every day. Many are rearranging their schedules and giving up leisure time to…