J Muckenfuss – Page 2 – Yates Baptist Church

Resumption Roundtable Q&A

June 24, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

The following are representative questions from the congregation and the reflections of the members of the Resumption Roundtable workgroup as the group has discussed COVID-19 and the ongoing response of Yates Baptist Church. Why are we being so...

An Invitation to Dialogue

June 22, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8) Recent events surrounding the tragic murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor have once again caused our...

Interim ‘reopening’ report: June 8

June 8, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

Dear Yates Baptist Church: Several weeks ago, the Yates Deacons approved an advisory group, called the “Resumption Roundtable,” to consider how Yates might return to more in-person church activities and identify the criteria that will help us...

Pastoral Note – May 26

May 26, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

Dear Yates Family, I hope that you were doing well this week, and are being refreshed by the rain and sunshine that has come to us here of late. I also hope that your Memorial Day weekend was a time of connection with those that matter and...

Pastoral Note – May 19

May 20, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

Dear Yates Family, These weeks at the end of May are significant in so many ways, aren’t they? At this time, we celebrate the accomplishments of our high school and college graduates. As they take their next steps, I grieve for them that...

May We Live in Interesting Times: Blessing or Curse?

May 6, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

There is an oft-quoted Chinese proverb that says: “May you live in interesting times.” As it turns out, there is little to no evidence of such a proverb, which was, supposedly, both a curse and a blessing. There is evidence from the mid-1930’s...

Pastoral Note – May 5

May 5, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

Dear Yates Family – I miss you and am praying for you often! Today, for the fifty-second straight day, I had to say three little words I hate to say. Knowing how much I like to talk, you might be surprised that there are times I don’t like to...

Pastoral Note – April 28

April 28, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

Dear Yates Family, “How Long, O Lord?” It is a powerful question. We read it in the Psalms, the Prophets and even the Book of Revelation. It’s a question that comes when our patience with the way things are has reached its limit. Behind the...

Pastoral Note – April 21

April 21, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

Dear Yates Family – I miss you. I really do. Do you know what I miss now? I miss the energy that comes from time together under one roof, sharing smiles, laughter and encouragement face-to-face. The longer our time in isolation lasts, the more I...

Pastoral Note – April 14

April 14, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

Dear Yates Family, I hope that this week’s letter finds you all safe and healthy. I miss the chance to see you and interact with you in all the small ways that make church relationships so satisfying and enduring. Thank you for embracing the...

Holy Week Devotion – Easter Sunday

April 12, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

Sunday, April 12 John 20:15 “Woman, why are you crying?” This morning, we meet Mary Magdalene all alone near Jesus’ tomb after the departure of Peter and John, who have come to investigate her report that the tomb is empty. It is still dark, and...

Holy Week Devotion – Saturday

April 11, 2020 by J Muckenfuss 0

Saturday, April 11 Luke 23:46 “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” The last recorded words that Jesus speaks are short but full of depth. The phrase echoes verse 5 of Psalm 31, a passage full of cries to God for deliverance and trust...