Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

Many times in life doing the right thing is painful. But this weekend, Grace had a couple of faithful activities that truly felt fun! We joined with the Scouts and the city in hosting a warming house during the evening of the Clearwater parade. Hundreds of kids and their families came inside the church to […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

Advent Options We live in a world of possibilities that allows us to hear voices far and wide as they seek to articulate the hope that is in them. The internet allows you to find resources that will expand your world this advent season. Here are a tiny smattering of the options available. Our synod […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

Last week at the funeral for Kathy Pahl I was moved at what her granddaughters said about her. Their words were punctuated in turn with tears and smiles and then more tears. “She saw and loved us all. But just as importantly she saw and loved each one of us for who we are.” I […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

Before coming to Grace I was a college professor for almost twenty years. As former colleagues are watching papers to grade stack up, I’m recalling how students could make me laugh with errors they slipped into their writing. So it is time to entertain you with their unwitting wit and wisdom. I will quote them […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

Sometimes life gets so busy that something has to go. I feel crazy busy right now. Overwhelmed. So this week I’m letting go of writing a normal length blog. Don’t worry. You’ll survive. How are you doing? Do you need to let go of something to make life more sane? Take a moment and figure […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

When people think about the bible, too many assume it is a rulebook given by God to make us behave. Vast swaths of Christians hold to this view. Many who do not embrace Christianity also assume this perspective. Some of those people reject Christianity precisely because they have seen Christians use the bible as a […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

As we approach All Saints, a day during which the church remembers our loved ones who have died, I invite you to think of the people who have shaped you. Today’s blog is intentionally short, because I want you to use your time to remember the people who have made you who you are. Who […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

It is interesting how having a particular focus in front of you can change the way you see other things. This past week I did a funeral for a man who restored classic cars. He had a sweet Studebaker he would drive around to car shows. He spent a lot of time looking at cars, […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

This coming Sunday we will listen to an odd story from the first book of the Bible (Genesis 33:22-31). A man named Jacob has an experience with God that changes him forever. What brought the man named Jacob to that place? A good hint comes in his name. Jacob’s name means “the Cheater”. For the […]

Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the Day

Long ago my mother-in-law’s friend Sandy helped her settle into her new and difficult role as mother. This friend would come over and walk the floors in the midnight hours with that crying baby. She also dried the tears of this new mother who felt that her inability to calm her infant’s tears was proof […]