January - Pastor's Newsletter Article

I don’t know about you, but I have a difficult time watching the local news. I know it is good to watch, especially as a pastor. It helps me to stay in touch with what all of you are experiencing on a day to day basis so that I can better preach for you. It is a common belief in our society, contrary to what Scripture teaches, that people are basically good, and, given the right opportunity, they will do well for themselves and others. Though, it is hard to believe this assumption after watching the daily news. The news is difficult to watch because it is a constant reminder of how terribly wrong things can go when human beings are at the center. When humans are at the center the focus is often on “how to look out for my wellbeing?” and “how do I get ahead?” This is a recipe for destructive storms that cause great harm. We experienced the immense magnitude of this great harm a little less than a month ago with the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.