Entries by Kevin Ireland

Gathered for the Harvest

When our children were little, my mother served as pastor of the Presbyterian church in Cottonwood Falls. We lived just three miles away from our little motel along Highway 50 in Strong City. Every Sunday morning, our drive to church took us through the rich bottomland of the Cottonwood River. The fields changed with the […]

Garden of Grace

One of my favorite things about the house we are renting is the garden. Over the late spring and early summer, I have watched with delight as our yard has slowly come to life. There are echinacea and daisies, roses and hollyhocks, and several other flowers that I cannot identify at all. As the flowers […]

Blessed to Be a Blessing

This weekend our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It is an opportunity to gather with family and friends, enjoy parades and fireworks, and give thanks for the many blessings we have received as citizens of this country. As Christians, gratitude has always been one of our first responses to God’s […]

Gathered in the Spirit: GA227

Next week, commissioners from across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will gather in Milwaukee for the 227th General Assembly, the highest governing body of our denomination. Commissioners, advisory delegates, staff, and observers will come together for worship, discernment, conversation, and decision-making as they seek God’s guidance for the future of the church. The Presbytery of Southern […]

Setting Our Sails, Discerning God’s Call

Last Saturday, our Elders and Trustees gathered to reflect on what we have been hearing throughout our listening sessions, congregational survey, and conversations over the past several months. Together, we prayed, listened, and discerned where God may be leading Grace Presbyterian Church in the years ahead. I’ve shared the image of the church as a […]