Pastor Pam
The Power of Listening
Have you heard any good stories lately? Telling stories is how we spread information, teach, build community, offer compassion and build rapport. But listening to stories is how we honor others, offer healing, build relationships, affirm dignity and learn from each other. “One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what […]
A Chance to Act on Your Core Beliefs
Our world is confusing. We are pulled in so many directions by so many voices—in what we read, hear on radio, TV or the internet, and are told by friends, neighbors and families. Many times a day we can feel afraid, outraged, or confused. We can feel pulled to buy things, help people, defend ourselves—or […]
Mystical Tales
One of my great joys has been leading retreats and workshops. It was an opportunity for people to spend time in community, growing spiritually, connecting to God, each other and their own knowing. Often I got to facilitate folks sharing their own stories. This coming year we are all going to be listening to each […]
Year in Review
One year ago, on August 20, 2017, I started as the Senior Pastor of First Church of Christ in Longmeadow. So much has happened in this year! My first service was outside in the garden. The weather was nice and the Search team provided us a picnic lunch. I preached about how to build a […]
Calling Forth Praise
“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “ ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” — Matthew 21:16 Sometimes we long for perfection. We appreciate organized, clean, spaces. We celebrate orderly events. But really — none of these are truly normal. Nature is not tidy. Life will spring […]
Zaccheus, the Pride Parade, and Shared Values
As a church, we welcome everyone, no matter what they believe, where they are from, who they love. “Welcoming” is key to making us a loving community that can be safe for everyone. As Christians, in fact, we hold “welcoming everybody” as a shared value. And we hold ourselves responsible for acting on that value. […]
What’s Holy About Easter Candy?
As children (and maybe as adults!) we associate Easter with chocolate bunnies and colored eggs. Certainly, as adults we know that Easter is about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah, who proves that we are so loved by our forgiving God that we are continually given the chance to be […]
White Noise
At home, I have a machine in my bedroom that produces white noise. (White noise is many different frequencies of sound played at once, just as white light is made up of many different colors). When I first turn the machine on, it sounds very loud. In no time, though, I literally don’t hear the […]