Blog

Groundhog Day
2 Feb 2021

“Every Day Was Like Groundhog Day”

Today is February 2nd – across the United States, we’re celebrating Groundhog Day. Many kids are asking whether Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this year (he did). However, for those of us who are old enough to remember, this occasion has added meaning. Consider this quote: “Sometimes in life, your situation will...

The parable of the prodigal
31 Jan 2021

Sunday Sermon: Sabbath Rest

Many of us know Sabbath as the day of rest. But how do we interpret this? In our productivity-obsessed culture, most look at The Sabbath as a day to rest to refuel for the busy following six days. But let's challenge that and instead look at those six days...

is addiction genetic
29 Jan 2021

Is Addiction Genetic?

Why can some people enjoy an occasional glass of wine at dinner, while others feel like they just can’t stop drinking? Why do some people take medications after a surgery and then stop, while others develop an addiction to opioids? Researchers have been trying to figure out the answers...

Appalachian Mountains
24 Jan 2021

Sunday Sermon: Step 3

In Step 3 we are making a decision to turn our will and life over to the care of God as we understand him. In other words, are you ready to think and act differently? In Step 3, we've already decided we need help and to ask for it....

Volunteering benefits during recovery
17 Jan 2021

Sunday Sermon: Inter-dependence

Community is one of the foundational pieces of our recovery.  In this service, we explore the concept of “inter-dependence” and what it means to rely on others in our recovery.  If as a community we each give what we have an allow ourselves to receive from others, we will...

3 Jan 2021

Sunday Sermon: The Sunday of Epiphany

The Sunday of Epiphany marks the journey of the three wise men to visit the Christ child.  In this narrative, the story ends with the wise men "returning home by a different route."  What does it mean that they go a different way after seeing God on Earth?  In...

New Year's resolutions
28 Dec 2020

The Best New Year’s Resolutions for People in Recovery

New Year's Resolutions in Recovery While Americans prepare to leave 2020 behind for good, they have also begun to look ahead to 2021. Each year, we celebrate the changing of the calendar with resolutions – ambitious, exciting goals for the year ahead. However, most of us won’t stick with those resolutions...

27 Dec 2020

Sunday Sermon: The Real Work of Christmas

Yes, it's important for us to learn how to receive, but after we learn that special gift of receiving and move forward in our recovery, we gain the beautiful opportunity to give. This poem by Howard Thurman captures that recovery process so well. The Work of Christmas When the song of...

21 Dec 2020

Teen Tips: 5 Ways to Stay Sober Over the Holidays

For some, the holidays are filled with magic, joy, community and, warm feelings of love and splendor. For others, this season conjures memories of hurt, shame and anxiety; feelings that are medicated using drugs and alcohol. If you’re a teenager at home for the holidays and these times are...