Category Archives: In A Nutshell

How Much is Too Much? Is it possible to overstate a fundamental Biblical truth? In other words, is it conceivable that we could focus too much on one particular aspect of our faith? My initial reaction to that question would be, “of course not!” God’s truth is indisputable and indispensable — it never gets oldContinue reading “In A Nutshell | April 30, 2021”

You Can Get There From Here You know the old saying, “You can’t get there from here!” It usually surfaces this time of year when road construction produces a spate of orange barrels and detour signs that prevent us from taking our normal route to work, school, or anywhere else that we might be traveling. I foundContinue reading “In A Nutshell | April 23, 2021”

Run the Race, Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk Track and Field has never been my strong suit. I was always pretty slow afoot and somewhat limited in terms of jumping and throwing. However, last week, as I volunteered at the annual Triway Junior High Invitational Meet, I was reminded, in ametaphoric sense, that weContinue reading “In A Nutshell | April 16, 2021”

In and Out Might Not be Our Best Option Quick lube oil change stations have been with us for some time now, and theyserve as just one more example of our desire to get things done quickly. We can’t seemto take our time with anything these days. The faster the better…but to what end? WhatareContinue reading “In A Nutshell | April 9, 2021”

Filling the Void with Active Engagement Believe it or not, the saddest time of the week for me is just after our worshipservice ends on Sunday morning and everyone has gone home. The church is emptyand dark, and the idea that it will be largely vacant for another seven days is verydisheartening.At the same time,Continue reading “In A Nutshell | April 2, 2021”

A Matter of Life and Death One of the more difficult but also rewarding responsibilities in ministry isproviding comfort to those whose journey in this world is coming to an end. It is a time ofdeep sadness but also great joy for the person who has lived a life in Christ. Last weekend, I visitedContinue reading “In A Nutshell | March 26, 2021”

Snapshot of a Growing Church For many years, USA Today has published a “Snapshot” poll in the lower left corner its front page. The poll measures the preferences of Americans on a particular topic each day. Last week, the newspaper published a poll about what activities Americans have missed most during the pandemic. Not surprisingly,Continue reading “In A Nutshell | March 19, 2021”

A Tribute to the ‘Tower of Power’ As I approached the church late last week, I was greeted by three largeAmerican Electric Power trucks and a host of workers in bright lime green vests. It wasclear that they were on a mission to replace one of the existing poles with a new one onchurch property.Continue reading “In A Nutshell | March 12, 2021”

‘Drive-By’ Observations of Oak Chapel It never ceases to amaze me the things I encounter in the parking lot of ourchurch. I mentioned a few weeks ago that the Coroner’s truck was parked there forseveral hours, which was unnerving to say the least. Last fall, a couple of young men drove up and were takingContinue reading “In A Nutshell | March 5, 2021”

Is Our Long-Awaited Youth Movement Finally Here? Three cheers for Erica Boyer! She has been a real champion in sharing her faithand her love for Oak Chapel with others. She has been inviting many of her peers toexperience our church and perhaps become actively involved with our ministry. This past Sunday, she brought four ofContinue reading “In A Nutshell | February 26, 2021”