Pastor’s Message: March 25, 2022

A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: OF SOFT LIGHT AND YEASTCan I see the buds that are swelling                            In the woods on the slopes On the far side of the valley? I can’t,Of course, nor can I seeThe twinleafs and anemonesThat are blooming over there...

Show, Don’t Tell

Listen By The Rev. J.C. Austin   When I started traveling in the developing world, the thing I found most challenging was not the time change, or the safety precautions about food and water, or the language barrier; it was the haggling. By haggling I mean...

Pastor’s Message: March 18, 2022

A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: UPDATE ON MASK PROTOCOLS   Friends, as you know, we have had a Task Force advising the Session on protocols for managing the risk of COVID infection for almost two years at this point. Our congregation is blessed to have...

Listen Up

Listen By The Rev. J.C. Austin   “I’m doing the talking here.” That’s a classic power move in a contentious conversation. It is not the most effective tactic if you’re trying to deescalate a conflict. In a personal relationship, this is one of the few phrases...

Pastor’s Message: March 11, 2022

A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN:CALLED TO SERVE This Sunday, we will be ordaining Elders and Deacons and installing them to office. Ordination and Installation Sunday is always a highlight of the year for me personally; it is the culmination of literally months of...