First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso

The calendar says its winter. We know from years past that December, January and February are always 'winter months'. Yet, while we have a few colder days in a row, it sure hasn't felt like a "normal" winter. However, talking about the weather and the unusualness of this year is always interesting and pretty much non-controversial because who, besides kids, wants a cold, snowy, blustery winter anyway? Reflecting on this weird winter and how unpredictable it has been caused me

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No o

Love is in the air! Although Valentine's Day is n ot recognized as a religious holiday, the arrival of February 14 next week serves as a reminder about the importance of demonstrating Love in the Christian community and beyond. Valentine's Day means something different to everyone, but the way we celebrate the day takes on far less significance than the way we as a Christian community treat others during the entire 365-day calendar. So if we look beyond the festive heart-ad

J ust this week, a member of the church and I met in my office. As our conversation was wrapping up, the member said in jest, "I have a confession to make...." then I joked about my office turning into a confessional, we laughed. Of course, as part of the Reformed Tradition, in the Presbyterian Church (USA) we don't see the need for a confessional, or intermediaries between us and God. We believe we have direct access to God; that God hears our prayers and when we confess our