Family Blog
Youth Kenya Trip, Day 1 at Bondeni Church
Day 1 by Ella Reeder The day started off fine with a lovely little breakfast the people had made for us. Thankful for them very much, making sure we stay safe and have clean water to drink. Things look a lot different during the day time now, compared to last night coming in. I could […]
Take It With You 06.12.2022
Last week, we learned about the ancient practice of reflecting on scripture called Lectio Divina. That practice had its beginning with the ancient Christian writer Origen. Today, there is another aspect of Origen’s thought that will be especially helpful when treating the word of God as living and active; that is, the four senses of […]
Take It With You 06.05.2022
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8 In this day of podcasts and You Tube, we have a variety of opportunities to listen to sermons and conversations about the Bible. If scripturally sound, these can be good resources, but it’s tempting to spend more time […]
A Pastor’s Perspective 06-07-2022
Every 3rd Sunday, I lead a Discovery Class that helps new people visiting our church learn about who Snyder is. I always say that Snyder was a strong mission-giving Church until we began doing Operation Inasmuch in 1995. That experience changed our church from a missions financial giving Church to a Church that went out […]
A Pastor’s Perspective 05-31-2022
About 18 months ago it occurred to me that in my son Davis’s final summer before college, I would again be eligible for sabbatical leave. This prospect excited me: the opportunity to cherish and be fully present in those moments with him and with our family! Of course, I didn’t know then what role COVID […]
Take It With You 05.29.2022
I’ll be honest. After the horrible events in Uvalde, TX, on Tuesday, and as I sat in my office on Wednesday in front of my laptop preparing for rehearsals that night, everything in the plan for today’s worship seemed woefully inadequate. I mean, in light of this suffering how can we possibly launch into an […]
Take It With You 05.22.2022
Dear Graduates, this is written from a parent to a child, but the sentiments reflect how we, your church family, feel as you turn the page to the next exciting chapter of your life. A Letter to my Graduate – by Dean Goodson I cannot buy you a set of morals; I cannot build you […]
A Pastor’s Perspective 05-17-2022
In April of 2020, I was scheduled to take my sabbatical. COVID and John’s retirement caused me to push the date back to May of 2022. Sunday, my sabbatical will begin after a 2-year delay. The church graciously allows 9 weeks for a minister to be away (6 from the church + 3 weeks of […]
Take It With You 05.15.2022
“Come to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by the people, but He is precious to God who chose Him. And now God is building you, as living stones, into His spiritual temple. What’s more, you are God’s holy priests, who offer the spiritual sacrifices that please Him because […]
A Pastor’s Perspective 05-10-2022
Last Sunday, we had the opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day and celebrate baptism. Mother’s Day is always good as we spend some time celebrating our mothers and mother figures in our lives. However, Baptism Sundays are always special. Baptism is an outward example of an inward transformation and should be a time of celebration. I […]