Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard Presbytery Leader choward@glpby.org I began my ministry in the Presbyterian church as a ruling elder on session responsible for worship and music. Things were going along fine until the musician resigned. In my former church, which was Pentecostal, the pastor would step in and find another musician. In fact, the musician could…
Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard Presbytery Leader choward@glpby.org Happy New Year! Allow me to start the year with a blessing. May we live in the light of God’s grace and the love of Jesus Christ, who forgives all of our sins. May the tender mercies of God remind us that in our weakness we are made strong…
Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard Presbytery Leader choward@glpby.org Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Blessing to all this Christmas and Advent season. It is a pleasure serving the presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. As we enter 2019, I have been reflecting on what it means to be your permanent presbytery leader. First, it is an honor to serve in…
Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard Presbytery Leader choward@glpby.org In an article some weeks ago entitled “Diagnosis,” I asked congregations to reflect on four questions: “Who are we?” “What has God called us to do or be?” “Who is our neighbor?” “What do we do best?” This week, I read an exciting book by Richard L. Hamm called…
Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard Presbytery Leader choward@glpby.org There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling. Ephesians 4:4 “Hope is a dangerous thing.” Shawshank Redemption. Each Advent and Lent, I read one book a week. I have begun my Advent reading with Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming.…
Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard Presbytery Leader choward@glpby.org Three weeks ago I sat with another Administrative Commission that has been given the responsibility to dissolve a Presbyterian congregation. This means caring for the members and selling the building. As I proceed with the orientation, I hide my pain around the inevitable decisions that have to be made.…
Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard Presbytery Leader choward@glpby.org This week, people will be coming and going to various destinations across the country. Marilyn and I will be driving to Chicago to have Thanksgiving at my sister’s home in the south suburbs. I am already getting the traffic reports which determine the days and times to avoid driving,…
Blog post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Transitional Leader choward@glpby.org I had the greatest physician when I was in Milwaukee! She was from India, a Hindu who did community health clinics in the African American community, and she knew what to say to get my attention! After one of my check-ups, she wanted to make sure…
Blog post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Transitional Leader choward@glpby.org Have you ever had one of those days where if anything could go wrong, it did? That is what Saturday’s presbytery gathering felt like for me! We started out by forgetting the cash box! This meant we couldn’t provide change for those who wanted to pay…
Blog post by Rev. Dr. Craig M. Howard Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Transitional Leader choward@glpby.org This past weekend the presbytery had a visioning retreat with the team and sub-team leaders. It was a time of stimulating ideas, great conversation, and rich fellowship. As we met with one another, we realized what a blessing we have when we come together in…