Special Message from Pastor Tom
Monday, March 16, 2020 Dear Beloved Christ-followers of the Porterville UM Churches, In all things we strive to be faithful, steadfast...


Giving Folks a Break
Some time ago, I read a life-changing book titled, Never Call Them Jerks. Though I can’t summarize the book in a phrase, for our...


A Spreading Fire
I was driving home after the Trustee meeting and something was different. The sky was not the same. The air was not the same. It had a...


I Quit …
Lots' of people are talking about habits these days, but what do they mean really? The Early Church Fathers thought of habits a little


On the Edge of Summer
When there is a cloudy day sometimes the mountains look clearer. When there is a furious cloudburst sometimes the sun shining elsewhere...


Being Filled from What Is Empty
How I love the Easter season! These are the high holy days of the Christian faith. Of course, all days with Jesus are high and holy but...


The Church Triumphantly Over-Achieving
“My dad can beat up your dad!” So the taunt went. Wishing to assert ourselves and make ourselves feel better we asserted that her dads...


Living into Lent
I set my mind on you, Jesus, my life. As my thoughts drift throughout the day please return them often to you. Let the beginning and...

2017 is Emerging and We with It
Another year and sprung into being. In some way it is simply the passing of time over the border of another year. In another sense we...


Christmas Gifts
A memorable Christmas of mine stretches back a few years. I was under 10 years old but older than five, I think. I remember unwrapping a...