Musings

By Pastor Doug Stauffer Like so many other churches, we establish a new theme every year. Interestingly, our theme for 2020 was pretty predictable—“20/20 vision” (ugh, right before COVID-19 reared its ugly head). The vision that year seemed blurry at best. Last year, it was from James 4:8: “Draw nigh...

By Sean Dietrich Long ago, my college professor told us to choose a poem to recite in class. Students chose lofty selections from the greats. Whitman, Dickinson, Frost. I consulted Daddy’s Hank Williams songbook. 10:40 P.M.—New Year’s Eve. Hank Williams is on my radio. My wife is sleeping in the passenger...

By Sean Dietrich Birmingham, Alabama—the 1970’s. The hairstyles are ridiculous. Fashions are even worse. It’s Christmastime in the Magic City. Early evening. A young couple arrives in town to visit family. They are working-class poor. He is overworked and underpaid. She is too. Still, things are looking up. Even though it’s hard...

By Pastor Doug Stauffer In this world of uncertainty and instability, hope can seem fleeting. Yet, the spirit-led visionary greets each new day, month and year with unwavering hope and resolute purpose. As Christmas approaches and a New Year beckons, God expects pastors to inspire awe concerning the birth of...

Sea Shul, a vibrant Jewish community nestled in Seaside, recently celebrated its first Rosh Hashanah holiday, drawing members and guests into a memorable experience of faith, unity and fresh starts. As the community advances in its mission, there’s a shared enthusiasm about the forthcoming Hanukkah event. The Sea Shul community...

Sea Shul, a vibrant Jewish community nestled in Seaside, recently celebrated its first Rosh Hashanah holiday, drawing members and guests into a memorable experience of faith, unity and fresh starts. As the community advances in its mission, there’s a shared enthusiasm about the forthcoming Hanukkah event. The Sea Shul community...

Dearest Becca, I am writing this shortly before boarding an airplane and flying 40,000 feet above the earth. I am about to leave the country, and I wanted to write before I go. It’s funny, I’ve been humming the song “You Are My Sunshine” all day, thinking about you. This is...

By Pastor Doug Stauffer More questions than answers?—not really. Amidst the rocket bombardment and agonizing cries from innocent lives lost on both sides during the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel, the Bible resonates with poignant relevance. Here is a snippet of a sermon preached the day after Hamas propelled...

By Sean Dietrich I am a dropout. I grew up pretty hard. I am an educational failure. I had few academic opportunities. As a result, I am a very slow reader, and an even wurse speler. This is because, after my father died, my family hit rock bottom. My mother cleaned houses...

By Doug Stauffer, Pastor, Faith Independent Baptist Church With the 2023-2024 school year in full swing, parents and teachers have bought their supplies, arranged schedules and attended orientation sessions. Amidst all the bustle, focusing on some deeper life lessons is crucial as they serve as a moral compass for children....