So…what do you do when you’ve spent months as a congregation, turning your focus outward, talking about what it means to be good neighbors, good citizens…? What do you do when you’ve filled a map in the lobby with stickers indicating ways in which your people are reaching out to really love the community around […]
There are many wonderful Chapel Hill ministries that had to take a hiatus last year. Isn’t it great, as we are breaking out of the COVID funk, to see so many things returning to normal? One that I’m particularly excited about is Vacation Bible School which will launch next week! We were able to expand […]
Last week was our “General Assembly,” the annual gathering of our national church, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC.) It is a big deal and you would have been proud of how Chapel Hill was represented. Pastor Megan was featured in a video about church planting. Pastor Julie chaired one of the standing committees. Pastor Rachel […]
I know I’m a “young gun” (pun intended!). So, it might come as a surprise that this summer I’ll be celebrating my 10th year in vocational ministry. I am so grateful to God for his faithfulness over the last decade, during which time I have had the joy of leading worship in the local church […]
More than a year ago, at the start of the pandemic but before we had been shut down, I stood in front of my staff with what I hoped were words of encouragement. I told them that we were facing an unprecedented and uncertain future; that we had no idea the impact on our congregation. […]
I’m going to gross some of you out. I grew up on a little alfalfa ranch on the outskirts of Yakima. We had a horse named “Monty.” Monty grazed on that alfalfa and produced piles of reconstituted alfalfa. Those piles dried in the sun and became what we called “road apples.” And one of the […]
Word meanings change. A “tool” used to be a shovel or a hammer. Now it means an unintelligent person who doesn’t know he’s being taken advantage of. “Thongs?” That was what we used to call “flip flops.” Now, I would raise an eyebrow if I told someone I wanted to “slip on my thongs.” Some […]
Wow, what a wonderful weekend we just had! Our own Gunnar Tesdahl was ordained and installed as the newest Assistant Pastor at Chapel Hill, and it was so great to see so many of you gather in person to support Gunnar in his calling. I know Gunnar, Aimee, and their families appreciated your prayers and […]
Could you recite our mission statement? You hear it nearly every week if you worship with us. “Chapel Hill Church exists to Exalt Jesus, Elevate Others and Launch Disciple-makers.” All three verbs – Exalt, Elevate and Launch – have an “upward” trajectory, an homage to our name, Chapel Hill. (And believe me, if we could have […]
Most of you are probably already aware of the incredible staff that works so hard, often in the shadows, to care for, protect and serve the members and friends of this congregation. I’m sure that you have taken the time, as I often do, to thank those team members for their diligent and faithful service […]