Hamburg
Baptist Church

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