We talk about the differences in the gospels, and how Mark emphasizes the immediate, urgent good news of Jesus. "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." (Mark 1:15)

This is an audio version of Monte's column for the BPC February 2025 newsletter.

We get discouraged when bad things (or the cold!) goes on so long. Many of us missed church the past two weeks because of snow and ice. The people in the day of Nehemiah had lost their scriptures for 70 years in captivity. They wept when they heard it again for the first time, and greatly rejoiced. 

Have you heard the song with this refrain:

Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame;
There’s a crown, and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ name.

Kittie Suffield wrote it in 1924, the same year our sanctuary building was used. 

There's a story behind the new banners on the front columns of the church sanctuary building. 

Visitors worshipped with us last Sunday as they traveled on their way to Niagara Falls. That made me think of a famous Psalm that says, "Deep calls to deep at the sound of your waterfalls." 

Jennifer's sister Joanna provides me with a Bible verse for each day of the year. 

We visited some old favorite places on our vacation, and went in search of a memory. 

We had a good time at the 4-H barbecue chicken fundraiser despite my faux pas. 

Jesus' disciples are plucking grain, which infuriates the Pharisees. What is that about?