Macland Community Blog

One of the sweetest parts of my week happens at the end of Sunday School. After we’ve played, studied, laughed, responded, and prayed together, we wrap things up with three simple but meaningful steps: Years ago, Rev. Lauren Clawson introduced me to the idea of a hand blessing, and I instantly knew it was something…

I love movies! There’s nothing like a good one to hit “reset” on my brain when it’s running in fifty directions. One of my all-time favorites? The original 1984 Karate Kid. Here’s the gist: Daniel, the new kid, wants to learn karate. Enter Mr. Miyagi, his quirky and wise mentor. But instead of sparring lessons,…

Freedom to Explore and Experiment Sometimes, the most profound lessons don’t come from a speaker’s slides, a workshop’s outline, or even a coach’s prayer. Instead, they’re whispered by the Holy Spirit—moving among God’s people, over lunch tables, coffee tables, Airbnb kitchen islands, and yes, even while waiting in line for Gideon Bakehouse cookies. This year, here’s…

A Life Rooted in the Word Tara Beth found herself in a difficult place. As the first female pastor of First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena, California, she faced both excitement and resistance. While some embraced her leadership, others staged a protest. She was like a tree planted on rocky ground—struggling but steadfast. Have…

Jesus, Unhook Us from the Crazy! It was the final week of Jesus’ life—the week we now call Holy. Two days before the Passover meal, three days before He would be crucified, Jesus sat with His disciples on the Mount of Olives. The world around them was chaotic, oppressive, and uncertain. They came to Him,…

In her book, Send Me Where No One Wants to Go, missionary Carole Ward recounts a powerful story. While working as a nurse, she would kneel at each patient’s bedside, praying for their healing. Her supervisor told her to stop. Carole, unwavering in her faith, responded, “I cannot stop because prayer is the most important thing…

Abide: The Restful Life Finding Sabbath and Solitude in a Busy World Ever Been in a Hurry? Early one cold Sunday morning, I quietly got dressed in the dark so my husband, Lee, and our three children could keep sleeping. I had to leave early to preach at an 8 AM service, while Lee, pastoring…

The Advent season is upon us, a time when we reflect on the story of Christ’s birth. This year, our sermon series invites us to visit the homes of the four Gospel writers: Mark, Matthew, John, and Luke. Today, we enter Mark’s home to hear his account of the Savior’s arrival.  A Christmas Memory: Judy’s…

Families have stories we tell and retell. These stories shape us, helping us understand who we are and where we come from. They explain the quirks, the values, and even the mistakes that define us. I remember coming home from a family visit in Georgia. One morning, I woke up to hear my dad sharing…

Advent Reflections: Journeying Through the Gospel Homes This Advent season, we’re stepping into the homes of the Gospel writers to hear their unique accounts of Jesus’ birth and mission. Each home offers a fresh perspective on the Savior’s arrival, drawing us deeper into the mystery and wonder of Christ’s incarnation. Mark: A Singular Focus Mark’s…