Presbytery Pause

October 8, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CCarbone) - We have a story that lets the light of God's love shine, whether you know it or not!

September 24, 2026 Presbytery Pause (SCraven) - Our differences are God's gift.

September 10, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CKohlmann) - "I ask myself if the choices I make on a regular basis reflect what I believe in the heart of who I am."

August 28, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CCarbone) - "I wonder if faithfulness in this instance means letting our image of Christ be stretched, questioned, and changed by the new neighbors and friends that our chruches are surrounded by."

August 13, 2026 Presbytery Pause (SCraven) - It is part of our call as Christ's disciples.

August 2, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CKohlmann) - The movie "The Odyssey" provides a reminder of the importance of welcoming the stranger and providing hospitality.

July 24, 2026 Presbytery Midweek newsletter - "...the Lord will be with you wherever you go."

July 16, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CCarbone) - Peace ... it's somewhere in there.

July 3, 2026 Presbytery Pause (SCraven) - Our challenge is to ensure everyone knows they have a place in this body and at the table.

June 18, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CKohlmann) - "My theology leads me to believe that the abundant life Jesus came to bring is meant for all people, in fact, all creation. God's very good creation, established in abundance, is anchored in the desire for the beautiful thriving of all, every person, every creature, every living thing, and even the very rocks of the earth. Jesus is reminding those listening, and us centuries later, that God's intention is abundant life, here on ear

June 4, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CCarbone) - From above, the world becomes a beautiful tapestry, woven together by networks and threads that do not divide but connect.

May 21, 2026 Presbytery Pause (SCraven) - A lot of times today, it seems like we aren’t speaking the same language as our family, friends, or neighbors. There are so many voices coming from so many directions, and much of the time we are trying to speak over one another. Life is chaotic and messy, and it is definitely complicated ...

May 9, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CKohlmann) - The team is complete! On May 1, Casey and Sarah officially began their ministry with New Castle Presbytery. Then, on May 3, they joined Cindy at the Presbytery Leader Formation Residency for a week of orientation to the wild and sometimes wacky life of a mid council leader.

April 24, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CCarbone) - Catching up, preparing for new ... Right now, I am in a season of transition, catching up with people and preparing for a new start as I get ready to begin my time with you all in New Castle Presbytery. With transition and spring also comes a lot of cleaning, packing, and purging of things I did not even realize I still had in boxes I have not touched since the last time I moved. I cannot say it has been a stress-free time, but it

April 9, 2026 Presbytery Pause (SCraven) - Last Sunday we celebrated Easter. The culmination of Holy Week when we come together to boldly proclaim that “Christ has risen! He is risen indeed!” It’s a time to remember the good news that Jesus conquered death and that through him we have hope for new life even in unexpected places. It is a joyful day. One filled with celebration and good news! But then Monday comes.

March 28, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CKohlmann) - "Look, your king is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey..." This reference to the prophets Isaiah and Zechariah set the stage for the last week of Jesus' ministry before his crucifixion. Even as he prepares to enter Jerusalem, knowing that people would gather to celebrate his presence, he clearly claimed his role. Yes, as a king, a king in the line of David, but a king who is humble, riding on a donkey, not to conquer bu

March 15, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CKohlmann) - No, the magnolias are not blooming yet, but they will be soon! And by the time some of our upcoming events have taken place, spring will have definitely sprung! We have a lot coming up in the life of the Presbytery, and I want to invite you to join us in the kinship, collaboration, and celebration that will weave through all of it.

February 27, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CKohlmann) - Matthew 23:37-39 follows a scene in Matthew's gospel where Jesus has had it with the scribes and pharisees. He is out of patience, angry at how they treat the very people God had commanded them to care for, and he lets them have it. He names their behavior as sin and he follows that naming with a series of woes, which are just shy of curses.

February 17, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CKohlmann) - "I invite you, therefore, in the name of Christ, to observe a holy Lent by self-examination and penitence, by prayer and fasting, by works of love, and by meditating on God's word." ( Book of Common Worship , p 250) Leaning into the invitation ...

February 1, 2026 Presbytery Pause (CKohlmann) - In the lectionary, this is the year for the gospel of Matthew, and today's passage was the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is speaking to his disciples and the gathered crowd, and chooses to begin with these words of blessing. Let's take a step back from what is familiar, and take a closer look at the actual words being said. What kind of blessings are these?