Hamburg
Baptist Church

How do you get your father’s favor? Is it yours without trying? To get it or to keep it, are you more likely to conform or to rebel? Or have you given on this blessing? A father’s favor was at the center of some of our most colorful biblical stories. Jacob and Esau vied for it. Jacob had his mother’s favor, but took to conniving and deceiving to grab his father’s blessing. His brother Esau took additional wives because they were more to his father’s liking. Then Esau a

Years back, former ambassador Richard Capen asked dozens of friends and acquaintances “If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what two or three values or accomplishments would you want to be remembered for?” He shared their responses in his book, “Finish Strong.” So following last Sunday’s message on the same theme, I share nuggets from this uplifting book. Inner security and fulfillment comes by faith—not by wielding power in the town where power is king. When I look

The last word in the letter to the Colossians simply says, “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” It’s a personal push to someone we know little about (Archippus). He’s spoken of in Philemon as a “fellow soldier” in Christ who may have helped host a church in his home. But the word is a reminder to complete a job that is part of his spiritual calling. A year ago I wrote on this theme due to my wife’s retirement from 25 years of teach

We have been updating our congregational phone / address list on the foyer table. For a happy reason. Of the names on our “directory” (which lists those who come frequently), about a third are new in the last year or two! It’s refreshing and hopeful to have new friends among us! On the other chronological end, I find a similar number who have been with us for the past ten years, or nearly so (with a handful here for much longer!). How vital thes

Yesterday I found myself in the living room of a 95 year-old hospice patient, sitting comfortably and alert on her sofa. Forgetful but clear thinking. Eleanor treasures memories of years of Sunday School teaching and singing in her Presbyterian church choir. Daughter Sheryl was home from cooking at a school cafeteria. Tired at times between work and shoveling snow (recently) and caring for her mom. With a son she is concerned for, who cannot tell where he is b

A book from Pastor Bob Breckenridge’s “book table” that I’m reading for the second time is The Dark Night of the Soul by psychiatrist Gerald May. He clarifies the “dark night” as not necessarily a time of pain or despair, but of liberation that takes place in hidden, mysterious ways . He begins by saying: “When people speak of going through a dark night of the soul, they usually mean they’re experiencing bad things. . . I must confess that I am no longer very good at telli

I’m thankful for another year with such a strong and sweet church family. Our deacons and I mostly look back on continuing our mainstays fruitfully: Worship has been warmly responded to, once again featuring music of our Praise Team that enhances the theme and message so memorably. While our Trustees kept our building in excellent shape. Our 9:30 Sunday School / Bible study featured Forgiving What You Can’t Forget and Ephesians before the first season

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31, some cheer or kiss or use noisemakers to celebrate a new year. Others take a more acted-out step to invite change: cleaning house, to avoid carrying old year’s dirt into the new year. Opening doors and windows to let out the old. Looking for something more graphic? In Ecuador photos of old memories are burned before midnight. In Denmark it is considered good luck and friendship to break dishes and plates on the fr

Not far from where I grew up in Delaware is the northeast corner town of Claymont. Where a tradition of the past generation started on a slow news day in 1993. When a local newspaper photographer captured an image of a wild fir tree growing out of the cracked pavement of Philadelphia Pike. Neighbors and motorists in passing had adorned it with a few modest ornaments. The photo was dubbed “the Christmas weed” in the headline. And did the 90s equivalent of going viral. Unfo

Last night I shared parts of this poem / reflection with a Bereavement Support Group: There are no more pictures to be taken But there are memories to be cherished. For that, I am thankful. There is a missing chair at the table But the circle of family gathers close. For that, I am thankful. The stillness remains But the sadness is smaller. For that, I am thankful. The calendar still turns, the holidays still appearing And they still cost too much . . . but I am still here. F

Pastor / author John Ortberg raises an old question in a new way. Just what makes us “Jesus / Church” people who we are? First, he...

Success over addiction in any form is supported by overall healthy spiritual growth

Before the school year fades from memory, how about an end-of-semester test? Don’t worry, it’s open book. And also, your score won’t go...

This month marks the biggest change in Susie’s life in over twenty years – as she retires from teaching (8th grade earth science). The...

Yesterday I was checking on a lady who had lost her mother a few months earlier. She had been grieving deeply, but noted she was doing...

Christ’s victory over death means many things for us. What better proof of life after death , that the resurrection provides? What...

The season leading to Easter has traditionally had simple themes: following Jesus through prayer and reflection, renunciation and...

Give thanks in all circumstances . And how much more when the love in our congregation keeps flowing, when deeply rooted faith guides us,...

Hopeful for the new year? Hopeful about a new direction, or challenge (or whatever is new in your life)? Our attitude depends partly on...

Who observes Christmas in our country? About nine-in-ten Americans (92%) as well as a big majority (81%) of non-Christians in the US ...