Dear Church Family – I’ve noticed a troubling trend over the last 10 to 20 years. It’s the trend of public speakers and authors, even Christian preachers, using profanity and coarse language. The trend is noticeable enough that it caught the attention of the New York Times, which in turn caught the attention of World magazine online, which in turn caught my attention this week. Ruth Graham (not Billy’s wife) is a religion writer for the New York Times. Last year she wrote

Dear Church Family – The holiday season is here. I’ve been thinking lately about preparing for the holidays deeper than baking and buying. Keep Thanksgiving close to Christmas. In the rush and press of Christmas, it’s important to keep a thankful spirit—thankful for all the gifts Christ has given us. Keep Halloween far from Christmas Halloween is about wearing masks, Christmas is about being open and honest. Halloween is about getting for yourself, Christmas is about giving

Dear Church Family – We’re really looking forward to Thursday and a significant day of Thanksgiving. Our Emmaus Thanksgiving service is always a special and heart-felt time as we share our offerings of Thanksgiving with our church family, and as we welcome international students from around the world. What has God given you this past year that you could thank Him for at Thursday’s service? Perhaps how God has provided for you Or protected you Maybe s

Dear Church Family – I’ve been reading The 7 Resolutions , by Karl Clauson. I had to pause over this paragraph: “Being a disciple or follower of Christ is not a name to claim, a class to take, or rules to follow. It’s a total and complete surrender of your life to the One who makes all things new. It’s courageous, honest, brutal, countercultural, and above all, humble.” Surrender to Christ is a choice God gives us. We’re not drafted or coerced. The Bible even uses the l