By Pastor Mark Combs One of the things that we Christians have to face is the question of how do we deal with the reality of death in this world. It is a constant struggle for us, because of the fragile nature of this life that we lead. I point this out to you, because …
Category Archive: From the Pastor’s Desk
From the Pastor's Desk
Mar 29
From Vicar Amanda’s Desk – March 2013
We Are Not Alone: The Ministry of Collaboration By Amanda Highben When my husband, Zeb, and I first moved here I was amazed at the number and variety of churches in downtown Zanesville. And I was delighted when I learned from Pastor Mark that many of these churches have close relationships with each other, partnering …
Feb 17
From the Pastor’s Desk – February 2013
By Pastor Mark Combs Lord, you know what we need, even before we ask. But, since you have called us to pray, we pray you would hear the concerns of your people as they are now brought before you… I know you have heard these words, at least once or twice. I know that I …
Dec 31
From Vicar Amanda’s Desk – January 2013
Love, the Guest By Amanda Highben One of my favorite lines from the Advent hymn “People, Look East” is the one that encourages Christians to prepare their homes because “Love, the Guest, is on the way.” The poetry reads, “Make your house fair as you are able / trim the hearth and set the table.” …
Nov 28
From the Pastor’s Desk – December 2012
By Pastor Mark Combs One of the books that I have on my shelf is a book by Frederick Buechner called Listening to Your Life. To be fair, I often find it to be a great source of inspiration for sermons and articles, and I want to share part of it with you. A great …
Nov 17
From Vicar Amanda’s Desk – November 2012
Sacred Stories By Amanda Highben I just finished reading The Two Towers, the second book in J.R.R.’s classic and beloved trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. Towards the end of the book as the hobbits Frodo and Sam are drawing closer to Mount Doom where Frodo intends to cast the ring into the fire, they …
Oct 16
From the Pastor’s Desk – October 2012
By Pastor Mark Combs I had a conversation with another pastor recently, and he started to talk with me about the expectations that his congregation wanted him to take as his responsibility. We had a long conversation, and I began to think about all the things we are called to do together as the body …
Oct 16
From The Pastor’s Desk – September 2012
By Pastor Mark Combs One of the things that I find interesting as I drive around is to read church signs. During our recent vacation in West Virginia, we came across a church sign that I want to share with you. It said, “If your religion won’t take you to church, then it’s doubtful it …
Oct 16
From the Pastor’s Desk – August 2012
By Pastor Mark Combs I was looking for something in the Bible recently, and in the course of my search I reread this passage from Matthew’s Gospel: “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, …
Oct 16
From the Pastor’s Desk – July 2012
By Pastor Mark Combs Pastors have been known, from time to time, to say things that do not come across the way they were intended. I often wonder how it does not happen more often than it does for me. Let me give you an example, there was one time, in my last congregation, when …