[The flowers in front of our lectern on Sunday were from the previous day’s memorial service for our Maintenance Director, Todd Bradford. During the memorial service, people shared how they will remember Todd. Some of the comments included: “He was a h…

     When I was first thinking about preaching a summer series on the life of David, I was really excited and eager to get started.  I mean, we’re talking about one of the most recognizable names in the entire Bible and all of those…

[This past Sunday felt a little bit like a homecoming. Elyse Suhay (left) and her husband, Matt moved to Indiana earlier this summer. She returned to Athens First to offer special music at both worship services (see picture below.) Jenaye Hill (right) …

     It was springtime…     King David  of Jerusalem was at home enjoying the breeze and the view from the palace roof. A beautiful woman caught his eye.  With this introduction, we might be expecting a love st…

[Pastor Robert’s sermon planning retreat was held last week in a beautiful setting along Lake Erie. The purpose of the retreat is to plan worship themes for the upcoming year. The picture above shows some of the resources to help with the planning. Not…

     Several years ago, I heard someone offer a terrific sermon that included a story that I wanted to use in one of my own sermons.  I sent a short note to him asking for his permission to use this story since it was original to hi…

[Last week, Pastor Robert and his wife, Penny visited their families. The church on the left is Penny’s home church, Wesley UMC in Nescopeck, PA. The other church is Stewartstown UMC in Stewartstown, PA which is Robert’s home church. They have been ble…

     Like many of you, I sometimes struggle with what to buy for people when it’s their birthday or for Christmas. There’s a feeling of accomplishment when you think of that perfect gift to give to somebody.      &nbs…

[Todd Bradford, our faithful Director of Maintenance passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 14 following an eight month battle with an undiagnosed spinal chord condition that left him immobilized. Our prayers are with Todd’s family …

     I have really been enjoying our focus this summer on the life of David.  David, who is this larger than life Old Testament figure has so much to teach us.  After just five weeks of our summer study of his life, we have alr…