Canonsburg UP Church 

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” - Colossians 1:9b Dear Friends, It’s been a bit of a tough week, hasn’t it? Official word has come, in what seems rapid succession, that the July 4th Parade, Town Park Pool, Pine Springs Summer Camp and other beloved summer events will not be happening this year. I’ll fully admit that tears have been shed in my home and my office. Some of these

“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” - 2 Corinthians 9:8 Dear Friends, Most of you know, we’re blessed to host the Greater Canonsburg-Houston Food Bank, and we’re one of the sites for the weekly Pop Up Pantry, devised as a response to our current situation. And so, during normal times, we regularly receive donations of non-perishable food items to be distributed at the monthly

“Blessed is the one who reads the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3 Dear Friends, What time is it? What day is it? If you’re anything like me, you may be having some issues keeping track of where we’re at and a regular rhythm right now. I see the memes, the posts, the messages all the time and I hear it in my own home too! Our sense of time - whether it’s losing our pl

“…the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God …On each side of the river stood the tree of life… the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” - Revelation 22:1-2 Dear Friends, Happy Earth Day! Back in Ohio, the church I served at had a fairly large campus, out in the country. It took a lot of effort to maintain the landscape and after several years of just “maintenance” we had someone suggest an idea. What if we coordi

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17 Dear Friends and Leaders, As you know, I usually send out an encouraging message each Wednesday to the entire church, that we also publish on our website and Facebook. Sometimes it contains information and updates about our church, but it's also for

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”” - Luke 22:19 Dear Friends, We have been experiencing a Lenten season like no other, and now, we are on the cusp of Holy Week! Obviously, this Holy Week will be different. It will be VERY different. But… I wanted to share some exciting news that we are in process of finding ways to bring some of the best elements of our cherished worship

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” - Acts 4:31 Dear Friends, This past week I was away at my annual gathering of seminary friends - we call it Akonizo - which is a reference to the Greek word for Iron, as in Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). This year, we invited our spouses to join us - some of which hadn’t seen each other since we graduated together, nearly 13

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:12-13 Dear Friends, Sunday’s sermon focused on that famous promise from the prophet Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” If you weren’t with us, I encourage you to jump on the website for the sermon or Face

“Oh, thank GOD - he’s so good! His love never runs out.” - Psalm 107:1 (MSG) Dear Friends, Happy Thanksgiving! Just last week, I had the pleasure of gathering together with the oldest 3 classes from our UP with Kids daycare. Each month, we meet up in the sanctuary for a “chapel” time - essentially a slightly extended Children’s Moment from Sunday morning. It’s either lead by myself or Cathy Stewart, our Director of Family Ministry. We teach the kids about Jesus - sharing a

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” - Colossians 3:17 Dear Friends, No one wants to sit on the bench. One of the most difficult aspects of being a coach, is having to pull kids out so that others can get in. Nearly every kid that comes off the field is begging to get back in the game the moment they’re out. No one wants to sit on the bench. When I played football, I was willing