Pastoral Blog

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Impact

By Rev. Becky Brown | 2022-06-13 | 4 min read

Perhaps it is safe to assume that we all have a desire to make an impact, no matter our age or ability. A major part of engaging in the life of the church community is joining others as we collectively impact individuals’ lives, and our community at large. We want to make a difference, live lives that have meaning and...

The Renewal Leave

By Rev. Keith Turman | 2022-05-27 | 4 min read

In August 2020, we were awarded a $50,000 grant to enable our participation in the National Clergy Renewal Program. FUMC Waynesville is one of 140 congregations across the United States selected to participate in this competitive grant program, which is funded by the Lilly Endowment. The grants allow congregations to support their pastors with the gift of extended time away...

Celebration as a Spiritual Practice

By Rev. Becky Brown | 2022-05-06 | 3 min read

As church-y people, we often talk about spiritual practices - what they are, how they can be meaningful to us as we journey through faith together, and how to engage them. The most commonly discussed practices are reading our Bibles, praying together or privately, engaging in acts of service, worshiping God together, and having quiet time for devotion. While all...

The Cross and the Lynching Tree

By Rev. Keith Turman | 2022-04-22 | 4 min read

“They put him to death by hanging him on a tree.” -Acts 10:39 The annual cross walk was scheduled to begin around 11:00 a.m. on Good Friday, and my job was to get the cross to the First Presbyterian Church on time. All year long the old cross lives under the ramp to our sanctuary—anxiously waiting for me to wrestle it...

A Special Gathering

By Bishop Charlene Kammerer | 2022-04-08 | 2 min read

Dear First Church Friends, Pastors Keith and Becky asked me to share as a guest columnist for this edition of First Words. I am pleased to share with you an invitation to join us at a special gathering on the evening of Wednesday, April 27, 2022 in the Sanctuary at 7 p.m. Our Reconciling Conversations group will be hosting this gathering. The...