About Advent
Matthew starts with a genealogy. "Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his...
From the Pastor
Missives from Chas (or other guests bloggers): thoughts, theology, devotionals, etc.
Pastor Chas
- Nov 24
Thanks for 2022
Ok, I know that 2022 is not over, but in a sense, it is. We just finished a liturgical year. This past Sunday was the end of the year...
Pastor Chas
- Nov 1
Giving for the Beloved Community
Josiah Royce, 19th century Harvard philosopher, was investigating loyalty. When you are loyal to a group or community, what is it that...
Pastor Chas
- Oct 4
Reformation and All Saints and Grief
On the last Sunday in October, many protestant churches celebrate "Reformation Sunday." On Halloween in 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95...
Pastor Chas
- Sep 6
Discipleship Review
Guided in part by a book called The Meanings of Discipleship, edited by Andrew Hayes and Stephen Cherry, I've been preaching this summer...
Pastor Chas
- Aug 18
Jack's Back!
We welcome Dr. Jack Bowman back to the position of Director of Music / Organist at First Presbyterian Church, Pauls Valley. His...
Pastor Chas
- Aug 2
Discipleship is for Now
Between memory and anticipation is now. This is a profound concept. What gives us the ability to perceive time as progressing forwards?...
Pastor Chas
- Jul 2
Discipleship is Love is Intentionality
I'm going to be examining the scriptures this summer with a particular question in mind: What does this passage teach us about...
Pastor Chas
- Jun 1
Beyond Pentecost and Trinity, What?
Pentecost Sunday is June 5. Sometimes it is called the "birthday of the church." The disciples have been in hiding since the trauma of...
Pastor Chas
- May 3
Easter Sunday, Sundays, Season, Life
Easter was great here in Pauls Valley. In addition to being the most meaningful of all days for Christians, the weather was perfect, the...
Pastor Chas
- Apr 8
Thoughts on Holy Week
The coming week is Holy Week. Starting with Palm Sunday, and including Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, this week culminates in Easter...
Pastor Chas
- Apr 1
Palm / Passion Sunday
In April, the big event is Holy Week. This starts with Palm Sunday, then moves to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, then some churches...