Like many other Presbyterians, I did not grow up in the Presbyterian Church, or even in the Reformed Tradition. I have shared with many people that I did not find the Presbyterian Church – the Presbyterian Church found me. Not that I believe I was lost before I became a Presbyterian – although some might […]
On Sunday, June 21, a crew of youth and adults from Sea Island loaded up their suitcases and sleeping bags and hit the road for Charleston, SC to participate in a mission trip called “Week of Hope.” Just three days earlier, I learned how much hope Charleston needed during the week we would be there, […]
During the first weekend in May several adults and youth from SIPC gathered in our Fellowship Hall, rolled up their sleeves, and worked together through an incredible process of defining why we do youth ministry at Sea Island. For over thirteen hours we dreamed, visioned, and refined our work. It was a long process, sometimes […]
Does it ever feel like no matter how hard you try, you just cannot quite hit the mark you are aiming for? Now and then living out my faith can feel that: I try my best to hit the mark, and I just cannot get there. Sometimes I know where the mark is, and I […]
Recently, I have been reflecting on a question that people have asked me in the past. It is a question that I have asked churches since, and one that I like to revisit every once in a while. The question is this: If your church were to disappear tomorrow, what would your community miss? Now […]
I was escorted into Advent this year on a sled. I did not become aware of the white Thanksgiving Becky and I would experience until we were on our way up north into Pennsylvania. I watched from an upstairs window as big fat flakes of snow plummeted to the ground and began piling up on […]
The Youth Ministry of Sea Island Presbyterian Church is at an interesting place. In many respects, the ministry is healthy and vital. There is a lot to celebrate. Since the beginning of September, we have welcomed over 50 youth to our campus for various youth activities. While that’s exciting, what is more exciting to me […]
“Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God […]
Every August, our presbytery provides a wonderful opportunity called STEPS (which stands for Studying, Teaching, Equipping, Praying, and Serving). I had the privilege of attending my first STEPS program last year, and was amazed at the quality of the workshops, the joy of the fellowship, and the power of the worship. Hundreds of Presbyterians from […]
As the summer months approach, many of us will take advantage of warmer weather and fewer commitments by traveling and taking time for vacations and family reunions. It seems to be the rhythm of many of our lives. Our church life reflects the change in rhythm as we develop special summer programs and adapt other […]