Hastening

December 19, 2021
I think it’s a fair question to ask, why on earth did Mary and Joseph make the trip to Bethlehem so close to her due date?  When it was decreed…

God Rest You Merry, Lima

December 12, 2021
Have you ever heard the term, “earworm”?  It refers to a song that gets stuck in your head.   Lately I have had the chorus of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”…

Jesus’ Family Tree

December 5, 2021
“Where you coming from, and where you going to?”  Phil and I were asked that once by a man in Maine when we pulled into a McDonald’s parking lot.  Our…

Preparing for Advent

November 28, 2021
Have you ever said a prayer like Isaiah’s?  “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence!”  Isaiah doesn’t…

Gratitude

November 21, 2021
On Thursday we will celebrate Thanksgiving.  That doesn’t seem possible, does it?  I am looking forward to celebrating a much more traditional Thanksgiving this year than we were able to…

Doing Good With Our Wealth

November 14, 2021
James was not one to over-think things.  He boils it down to, "Anyone who knows the good he or she ought to do and doesn't do it, SINS."  How’s that…

Surrounded By Saints

November 7, 2021
Introduction: Greetings and Salutations. I am the Rev Janet Hess, a retired, ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. I have been worshipping with Lima Church for 2 years, both…

The Gift of Wisdom

October 24, 2021
Who is wise and understanding among you?  Some translations say who is wise and knowledgeable among you? James is asking a very interesting question. Is he asking who is both…

A Word Fitly Spoken

October 17, 2021
Last week Phil and I took a few vacation days and headed out to Elk County, Pennsylvania.  It’s about an hour and a half northwest of State College.  The area…