By Jenny Ready-- I grew up in a household where the coming of Christmas meant that my mom would pull out endless boxes and our house would transform into a winter wonderland. We had a tree so fully decorated that not one branch was bare. Our mantle was this majestic icicle theme. There was a...
By Janet Nordlund-- This Sunday is Community Sunday, and our theme is Gratitude!! We get to remember and celebrate our Big God together as a whole faith community. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a Living Hope...
By Isaac Bland-- November is a time of thanksgiving, when we take the time to remember what God has done, slow down, and spend time with our families. This is also the time of year when things can get crazy busy as we prepare for the holidays! This is especially true for me this year. I...
By Lee Ballard-- This week at Planted, I was asked to speak about doubt. Believe you me, while it seems to be in my nature to wrestle with my own doubts, I worry that what I think about doubt and what I have to say about doubt may not be entirely useful for other people. For about...
By Sally Bland-- How do we love our neighbors? In Mark 12:31, Jesus says to "love your neighbor as yourself." I have seen our church do this well by providing for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the community! Meeting those needs is an important part of loving our neighbors, but...
By Dana Minkler-- When I was asked to write something for the weekly E-Newsletter, I first dismissed it. Then I questioned God as to why I was even asked. I thought maybe I should pray about it. You think? Well, I did, and I was having a great conversation with God as to all the reasons I...
By Vincent Hollingsworth-- Have you heard of the expression of being stuck in an “echo chamber?" Have you ever been accused of being in one? Well, I hope not because it was an accusation, not a compliment.For those of us who aren’t familiar with the term, allow me to break out some...
By Nancy Bergman-- Rarely in life are we offered the opportunity to press reset. Covid has been difficult on a variety of levels as we have all experienced. Yet, it has provided me with an unusual ‘gift’ of sorts; a chance to take stock of my schedule, priorities and involvement--in...
By Caris Power-- Two weeks ago I found myself in a funk. Despite my generally positive life circumstances, I was seriously contending with a spirit of discouragement within myself. Hope felt elusive. Doubt and pessimism fought to be the primary voices in my head. My overall disposition was...
By Louise Highhouse-- I am so grateful to be able to share with my church family! I have been so blessed by all of the loving care and concern and support over many years and especially over these past couple of years while my husband, Patrick, was hospitalized and at Maryville. God bless you...