Category: Joy Notes
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The Privilege of Mentoring
On Sunday afternoon, Oct. 7, 2018, my wife and I left right after services at Copper Hill Church and drove all afternoon to Canandaigua, New York to attend the ordination service of the Central New York district of the Wesleyan Church. I had been asked to present, which means to formally introduce, a younger man…
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Christmas Village 2018 completed
Many of you have been watching the construction of my 2018 Christmas train village as I have posted some progress reports on Facebook. You have been patiently waiting for the “finished product.” Here it is, though tweaks continue. Pictures are in the gallery below. It’s really about interacting with people. That’s one reason why my…
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Experience the Good Things of God’s House for Yourself
If you are one of those who tries to get by without actually attending church much, I urge you to reconsider! Often I’ve said, “It is a blessing to be able to be in God’s house on Sunday morning.” People probably think I am just advertising since I am the pastor. But my statement is…
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Homemade tree ornaments tell a story
The other night I was with friends who were sharing memories of earlier Christmases. Carolyn commented that she had recently found a box of homemade ornaments dating back to the early days of her marriage. They were walnuts painted silver, filled with clay with a ribbon in the middle for hanging. She got…
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Before Frost
Hurry before it frosts It’s an annual tradition for me to gather cut flowers the day before the first frost and make a couple last flower arrangements for the season. I enjoy this ritual immensely. It is really the only time I cut marigolds as they are laborious to arrange and they look so great…
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Houghton Magazine hits a home run
Since I am an alumnus of four different colleges, I receive more than my share of college magazines. Usually they are marginally useful, just a vehicle for touching base with good memories, educational traditions, and news from former peers. But this winter edition of Houghton Magazine easily stood out as one of the best of…
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Gather flowers before frost
Gather flowers before the frost Last night was the first frost here in West Granby. So for me it was time for my annual tradition, going out and cutting armfuls of flowers for season-end bouquets. I especially associate this tradition with picking marigolds as they are not the easiest to arrange and they look better…