Hillside United Methodist Church Weekly Devotion

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

Loud! That s the first word that comes to mind when I think of my friend. This tall outspoken leader, of the church that I am serving, would become a support and colleague in ways I could never imagine from a man who was 40 years my senior. Many people will talk of Zeke Smith s accomplishments in the community. And, the list is long and genuine. Others will talk of his long career with Potter and Brumfield, an international company, and how he helped to steer its success. But I am reminded of many talks in my office of his faith, family and God.

My Tribute to a Friend

2010-02-24T21:45:00.001-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

February 24, 2010

My Tribute to a Friend

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

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My Tribute to a Friend

When Zeke entered the church office I could always hear his voice through my door. Is he in? he would boom. Then he would saunter into my office and take a seat and begin to unravel the stories of his life and the questions of his faith. One phrase I often enjoyed was, to make a long story longer After living 8 decades, at the time, he was still reading current authors on theology. He liked to discuss their views. One of his favorite theologians was William Barclay. He thought that he got most of it just right. I loved the stimulation to my own mind and heart that Zeke provided. And I was humbled that, this educated man, from an educated family, who had traveled extensively, and entertained bishops in his home, trusted my council and respected my opinion. He cannot be replaced.

He often came through the line at church at the conclusion of worship to shake my hand. You were wading in deep water today he would say in reference to the controversial or challenging theme of the message. He had been listening. He was attentive and active and a great visionary.

Zeke quietly died in his home Monday night. Even at 90, his death was unexpected.

I will miss his voice, but I will miss our talks. I have lost my loudest cheerleader, my deepest thinker and my strongest voice for the future of the church. The last experience I had with Zeke was on Ash Wednesday. I placed ashes upon his tall forehead and said, you are dust, and to dust you shall return. As I caused him to face his own mortality he politely said, Thank you.

As I prepare to conduct the celebration of his resurrection, I am reminded of his own assurance of Christ s love for him. I am reminded that Zeke got it. I am reminded that God now holds him. I am reminded that I have been fortunate and blessed to have known him as a brother in Christ and to call him a personal friend.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

It's the difference between the stairs and the elevator, the bike or the car, the narrow and the wide. Sacrifice. I've been watching smatterings of the winter olympics this week. These young athletes astound me with their abilities but even more so, with their level of sacrifice. A pair of figure skaters take the ice. They look like most of the other competitors with their custom made outfits, skates and planned choreography. But, they are in debt. They have been working 8 years to get to this point. The house is mortgaged, the creditors call and the times are hard. They are not medal contenders. They are just excited to be in the olympics at all. They have no corporate sponsors. Sacrifice.

Sacrifice

2010-02-17T10:31:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

February 17,2010

"Sacrifice"

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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Luke 14:12-14 (New International Version)

12Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

"Sacrifice"

Sacrifice by its very nature causes us to take the "road less traveled." In Luke's passage he admits that as followers of Christ we need to make a different guest list to our parties than most. We are to invite those who cannot repay us, who will not thank us and who will not sing our praises. Sacrifice. The reward, which is not the goal, comes much, much later. Are we willing to delay our own gratification for the sake of others?

Jesus says we have to do this! Have to!!!! A little later in verse 27 Jesus says, "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follw me cannot be my disciple." Ouch! If you want to be a Christ follower, you must sacrifice. I must sacrifice. The faith community must sacrifice. We must take the "stairs" instead of the "elevator" and reflect on our love of Jesus with every painful, uphill step.

Today is Ash Wednesday. What a great day to begin this new journey. Worship at Hillside begins at 6:30pm. Sacrifice.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

Im not going to bash Valentines Day. That would be too easy. You know, to complain that it has gotten of control with candy hearts and $5.00 cards and stuffed animals and restaurant packages and on and on. It would be easy to say that the commercialization of love has distracted us from the bigger and better picture of Jesus. But to be honest, any day that is set aside for the cause and discussion and focus on love cannot be a bad thing. It can help us to contemplate what the whole love thing is about and it should.

Outlandish Love

2010-02-10T10:31:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

February 10, 2010

Outlandish Love

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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John 4:7-12 (New International Version)

7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

Outlandish Love

I also have to admit that the love that Christ offers causes anything else to pale in comparison. Why? Because Jesus love was initiated before we ever did anything to attract his love. We didnt woo God. We didnt write love letters. We didnt take God out for dinner. On the contrary, most of us ignored God. We turned our proverbial backs on the Almighty for more selfish endeavors. What makes Jesus love so remarkable, is that it was offered to us while our backs were turned. God sent Jesus to love us and to show us love even when we didnt care. Now thats outlandish!!!

For the person who desires to be in a relationship on the love holiday and is not.thats why Jesus loves us.
For the person who has been in love for decades but whose relationship has ended because of death or divorce.thats why Jesus loves us.
For the person who has never known appropriate love and only known abusive love.thats why Jesus loves us.
Jesus loves us because thats who Jesus is; the ultimate lover of God and therefore Gods creationus Outlandish!!!!

It doesnt matter if you are in a relationship today or not, the point for you to understand today is that God loves you so much that he sent his son Jesus to die for you out of love. Thats worth sending out a card. Outlandish!!! Valentines Day falls on Sunday this year. What a great day to go to worship and celebrate Gods love for us and our love for God.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

It was hilarious. One group after another took their place in the middle of the gymnasium floor and began to strut their stuff. To an outsider, it would have seemed remarkable for 6th,7th and 8th graders to be able to sing so well and to be so musically talented. They must all be child prodigies. Great vocals and smooth musical transitions made it appear like an episode of Glee or the forerunner Fame. But alas, these were not musically gifted students but rather musically gutsy. It was the annual lip sync competition at our local middle school. I had gone to watch my daughter and cheer on her class that I had the privilege of helping to prepare for this years theme; disco! Complete with costumes and props the different challengers moved their mouth to someone elses words and voice and dance to someone elses music. Thats what makes it so funny, watching these youth imitate the real artists. They were just moving their lips and the sound track did the rest.

Rev. Duke's Weekly Devotion

2010-02-03T10:33:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

February 3,2010

Lip Service

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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Jeremiah 8:6-7 (New International Version)

6 I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, saying, "What have I done?" Each pursues his own course like a horse charging into battle.

7 Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the LORD.

Lip Service

This is what Jeremiah the prophet is so peeved about in the book named after him. He was speaking for God about the lack of integrity of Gods people. They were going through the motions without any intent of following through. It was all theological lip service. They were faking it. God was not fooled. But my people do not know the requirements of the Lord. (verse 7) Do we know what we really pleases God? If we are not careful, it can happen to us.

Do you feel that your faith is real and personal? Do you experience more days of just going through the motions and providing lip service to those you think need to hear it? The good news is that God wants more than lip service. God desires that we have a faith that lives in our hearts, that we live out each day and that we share with others. God is less concerned with the movements of our faith and more concerned about the intent of our hearts. Our genuine intent is what pleases God. Are you prepared to be authentic today?

What made the lip sync fun was the underlying relationships that the students have with each other and their teachers. We laughed at their antics, but reveled in the fact that they were doing this because they wanted to! Today, do something for God that you want to do instead of what you feel you have to do. Make your own music and sing with your own voice!

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

"He Would Have Understood"

He Would Have Understood

2010-01-27T10:31:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

January 27, 2010

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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Isaiah 40:3-5 (New International Version)

3 A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD [a] ; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. [b]
4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

"He Would Have Understood"

January 18th was the national day of observance for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was established on November 2, 1983 so that the contributions of Dr. King would never be forgotten. Rightfully so. And yet, this year his day was in the shadow of the cataclysmic event that happened on Haiti on January 12, 2010. With the loss of life in the tens and possibly hundreds of thousands, the attention has been on an Island in the Atlantic Ocean called Haiti. But I do not believe that Dr. King would have been offended by this. Instead, I think he would have applauded the focus. After all, what better way to honor a great civil rights leader than to place attention on those who have so little rights...the Haitians. What greater way to honor his cause than to work for the causes and quality of life of others. Dr. King was a man who fought for garbage collectors. He led the nonviolent marches to free the country from the plight of racism and hatred. He worked to shed light on the inequality of humanity that society had imposed upon it. I believe he would have understood why his day took a back seat to the needs of thousands who have so little. I believe that we continue to honor Dr. King by extending the hand of friendship and love to all people and by doing the hard work of recovery and rebuilding against insurmountable odds. Today, pause and remember the life of a great civil rights leader and then honor that life by extending your hand to an unlikely stranger or person in need.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

The Foresaken

2010-01-20T10:30:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

January 20, 2010

"The Forsaken"

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

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Psalm 22:1-5 (New International Version)

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel. [a] 4 In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

"The Forsaken"

I suggest that we spend less of our time as to the why of it all and more time on the solution. It is easy to avoid being a part of the solution by instead micro- analyzing the problem. The fact is that God has not forsaken the people of Haiti. The fact is that people like Pat Robertson, televangelist (and total moron I might add) who suggest this is some kind of judgment from God makes it clear that he has never met the incarnation of God. The antithesis of Robertson is a man named Sam Dixon who was the head of the international United Methodist Committee on Relief. He was in Haiti working on solutions to their poverty when the earthquake hit. He died when his hotel collapsed on him. He had a passion for the Haitians long before this current crisis. I have witnessed God's mighty hand on the people of Haiti. They love God and share the message of Christ with others. Obviously I cannot speak for all 9 million people, but I can say with great certainty that God is present. And that is as much as I understand.

If you finish out the rest of Psalm 22 you will find that the author ends his cries of pain with a cry of passion for God, "I will declare your name to my brothers in the congregation, I will praise you."(verse 22) The people of Haiti are not forsaken by God, they are hurting and dying from and earthquake that has wreaked havoc on their land and homes. As Christ followers we are to wrestle with the plight of the poor and our response to it. Today, I invite you to send up a prayer for the people of Haiti and the world's poor. To be a part of the solution, I invite you to go to www.umcorhaiti.org.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

As I write today, an incredible thing is taking place outside the window of my study at home....it's snowing! That's right, falling out of the sky flake by flake is the gift of snow. It was predicted last week but living in Southern Indiana I have learned that the weather forecast, in regard to snow, is never a sure thing. The topography of the Ohio Valley tends to screw things up and the snow tends to go north or south of my town. But this time it was right on the money. We woke up this morning with snow and then more fell after we got up. I love watching it snow as it transforms the landscape into a new thing. It makes everything look cleaner and brighter. Although I tried not to get my hopes up I couldn't help it. I love anticipating that which will change routines, stop traffic, shut down school and cause us to stay home for a time. It's as if God says, "Slow down and enjoy my world, my children, the closeness of family and the gift of relaxed time. Contemplate your relationship with me."

The Power of Snow

2010-01-13T10:31:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

January 13, 2010

"THE POWER OF SNOW"

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

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Psalm 51:7 (New International Version)

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

"THE POWER OF SNOW"

The Bible doesn't talk a lot about snow, but it talks a lot about transformation. Jesus was and is the great transformer (not robotic like the Omnibots and Decepticons). He encountered people every day and transformed them from sick to well, dead to living, from the bottom to top, from low estemm to high. His greatest transformation is referenced here, among many other places, in Psalm 51. The Psalmist talks of being made "whiter than snow." This is a metaphor for being made clean again after first being dirty. It is referring to the dirt of our sin/mistakes and the cleanliness of Christ's forgiveness. Jesus' greatest transformation was making our lives eligible and acceptable to God. The Psalmist is longing for a "snow day." There is great power in such "snow." It changes everything. I know that I feel like I have moved from the bottom to the top when I encounter God's unconditional love. I feel accepted, cared for, and elevated. When I woke up this morning and saw the snow I felt as if I could start my life over today. Everything was new including the future possibilities.

Although our weather forecasts may not be sure things, God's love and Christ's forgiveness certainly are. Whether you like snow or not, I invite you to receive its transforming power and enjoy a "snow day" on God. Contemplate God's love for you and God's hope for your future.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

Today is the last day that my outdoor Christmas lights will be on. It is the same each year. I leave them shining until Epiphany on January 6th. Epiphany means "manifestation." It refers to the moment when God became flesh. It is celebrated on the Sunday closest to it. It also celebrates the gifts of the Wisemen, magi, 3 kings. The best manifestation for Christ is light. That's why we have candles in the worship center. They represent the the presence of Christ in our midst. What this all boils down to for me is an excuse to leave my Christmas lights on as long as possible. I love 'em. It changes the neighborhood at night. It creates a work of art out of an otherwise very normal corner lot. They are a bright spot in the darkness, and anomaly among the norm. Besides, I think they're cool.

Be The Light

2010-01-06T10:31:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

1-6-2010

"Be the Light"

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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John 1:6-8 (New International Version)

6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

"Be the Light"

After January 6 all goes dark; on the house I mean. Sure I miss seeing them and enjoying them, but the truth is that they are still there. The bulbs are still on the house because I'm not taking them down until the weather gets warmer. I just don't turn them on. Well, if I get a good snow I just can't help myself because they really look cool in the snow. But just because my lights are off does not mean the light is truly gone. Just because January 6 has passed does not mean the incarnation no longer happens. He lives on.

I think you see where I am going. As we all struggle to get back into a routine after the holidays have officially ended, it is important to remember that there is nothing official to faith. It is not confined to a season or a calendar or the electricity that runs my lights. Faith never ends and neither does the spirit of Christmas or the incarnation of Christ. We, who follow Christ, must carry the light with us wherever we go. We must continue to tell of the incarnation long after Christmas is over and the worship service has ended. It's up to us to be the torchbearers of God's greatest message: "I love you so much that I give you my son." (John 3:16) So be the light, be the message. Happy New Year!

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

It was always special. My family were members of a large United Methodist Church in Carmel, Indiana. On Christmas Eve there were multiple services. I went to one with my friends, one with my family and sometimes I was a reader or candle lighter for another. But there was nothing like the late service. Driving to the church at night and, if we were lucky, in the falling snow. The sanctuary was filled with candles and the choir led us in the hymns of Christmas. When the service was over, it was Christmas morning. We all went home good and tired and tried to get some sleep before the excitement of Christmas morning.

Nothing Like It

2009-12-24T08:45:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

December 23, 2009

"Nothing Like It"

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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Luke 2:1-12 (New International Version)

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

"Nothing Like It"

I would never have had those wonderful memories if not for another special night. There is nothing like it. A young couple making an evening home in a stable made from the cave in a rocky hill. The husband watching over his young "bride" as she was giving birth to their first child. The animals would moo and bleat with the loud sounds of the young mother-to-be as she pushed the baby through the birth canal. Word spread through the small town as to what was happening. Unlikely spectators showed up. At long last it was the sound of the baby's first cry that brought a hush to the stable. The Word became flesh in the stillness of the night. The Savior of humanity had "moved into the neighborhood" and nothing would ever be the same. With angels singing in the background, the growing crowd gathered to see this special child of the Almighty.

Christmas Eve is tomorrow. There is nothing like it. We will have 2 services at Hillside: 4:00pm and 11:00pm. I hope you will be able to come and begin making wonderful memories for years to come. Come and celebrate the arrival of a child that the world has been yearning for. Come and sing the songs of praise and celebration. Come and share in Holy Communion as a way to grow closer to a very personal God. Come and sing "Silent Night" as we hold our candles. Come and welcome Christmas. There is nothing like it.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

I'm Not Sayin' - I'm Just Sayin'

I'm Not Saying' - I'm Just Sayin'

2009-12-16T10:30:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

December 15, 2009

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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This week we have a guest devotion from Bishop Mike Coyner, Bishop of the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church

I'm Not Sayin' - I'm Just Sayin'

There is a new phrase (at least new to me) that is making the rounds. It usually is offered by younger people or by sports commentators, and it goes something like this: "I'm not sayin'- I'm just sayin'"

I heard a sports commentator recently use it this way: "I'm not sayin' their defense is bad, I'm just sayin' they rank last in the league in giving up points."

It is an interesting phrase. It is used to stop short of being accusatory or judgmental, but it goes on to state a truth that is obvious. Sometimes I hear it being used in short-hand such as, "I'm not say' it is (blank), I'm just sayin' ..." The end of that sentence, the obvious fact, is actually omitted, because it does not need to be stated.

An interesting phrase. I personally like it and think it is healthy. A church consultant might say to a local congregation, for example, "I'm not sayin' this church is dying, I'm just sayin' you don't ever seem to have any new professions of faith." A lay member of a congregation might say to a pastor, "I'm not sayin' you are a bad preacher, I'm just sayin' we don't get much out of your sermons." Or a pastor might say to a congregation, "I'm not sayin' this is a cheap church, I'm just sayin' our stewardship is poor."

I am not sure that phrase is very good grammar, but it may be effective. Such a phrasing may help us to state the facts without judging or labeling one another. Such a phrasing might help us to hear one another's criticisms or concerns more easily.

So here is my Advent version of that phrase:

I'm not sayin' it is time to get ready for Christmas, I'm just sayin' that Christ is coming!

The problem with the Advent Season is that it comes just before Christmas, and we too easily get caught up in Christmas preparations so that we miss the real message: Christ is coming. We state that truth in our communion liturgy, "Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again." Yet we seldom talk or preach about the good news of Christ coming into our midst again and in new ways. Advent is the season to focus upon that good news, and yet we in the church often miss that message by only preparing for Christmas. So here is my reminder:

I'm not sayin' it is time to get ready for Christmas, I'm just sayin' that Christ is coming!

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

Even for a veteran shopper like myself, this year's Black Friday was a mad house at 5:00am. I am used to the chaos but not being blocked in by carts on all sides. There were times at the Target on the East side of Evansville when the traffic was so thick that the normally wide aisles were impassible to all including employees. Tiffany and I had committed to the experience so after 45 minutes of shopping we found a line that would be our place of residence for nearly 2 hours. It was actually more of a blob than a line as several groups were merging into one area that led to a chute between shelves of DVD's and then to the ONE HOUR PHOTO check -out.

In Our Path

2009-12-09T10:30:00.000-06:00

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Pastor's Weekly Devotion

December 9, 2009

"In Our Path"

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

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"In Our Path"

We became acquainted with a few of the people around us. There was man who enjoyed saying, "Pay your toll to the troll," every time he moved his cart to let them through. There was the lady who couldn't say a sentence without cussing. (I simply reminded Tiffany that just because she hears "such language" doesn't mean that we need to talk that way.) There was a man and his teenage daughter in front of us. And there was the lady directly behind us.

She mentioned that she really needed to go to the restroom but didn't want to lose her place in line. She also mentioned that she had colon cancer in the past. I think she felt the need to justify why she really had to go to the restroom. I shared that I would watch her cart until she returned. After returning I asked about her condition and she shared that she had 22 surgeries in the last 19 years. Her whole colon had been removed as well as much of her small intestine. And there she was shopping. I told her about the surgery that my wife was facing and she was very comforting. She reassured Tiffany that her Mommy would be just fine. She said her family helped to keep her going. She was thankful to be alive.

God placed this woman in my path early on a Friday morning in a crowded store in a long line.

God placed Jesus in the path of humanity in a small village called Bethlehem. He changed everything. Today, look for those people who God will place in your path. The woman at Target was named Tammy. I want to say thanks.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

Linda and I are fortunate to live in a wonderful parsonage. On back corner of our large yard is a sizeable storage barn. It has been used for many things through the years, but in the last several it has become a catch all for all kinds of "heirlooms" in addition to my lawn mower, tools and seasonal decorations. It was time for a clean sweep. Enlisting the help of my daughter, we embarked to the barn one Saturday morning and took every single thing out of it. We made a pile for trash, a pile for tools and equipment, a pile of yard sale items and a pile of "what the heck is that thing!" Once we got everything out, we cleaned the inside. The dirt and leaves and dead bugs were swept out, a new shelf was built to organize things and we made ready to house more stuff. I hated to fill it back up. It look so good all cleaned out, but I still needed to use it. It was quite an event that day.

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A Barn Event

2009-12-02T10:32:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

December 2, 2009

"A Barn Event"

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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"A Barn Event"

There was another big event that occurred in a barn. It was makeshift barn that had been created out of a cave which was hewn out of a big rocky hill on the outskirts of the small town. This barn had not been cleaned out for sometime either. It was bigger than my storage barn and used to keep livestock and their hay and straw. The owner did not sweep it out in anticipation of a big event because he did not know it was going to take place. But this event was so big that it would lead to a "house cleaning" for all of humanity. Outside the small town of Bethlehem Jesus was born. This baby was the incarnate Son of God. He was God in flesh. Once Jesus was born it continued to be a barn, a stable. But, it would never be the same. I often wonder what the owner of that livery did after his barn provided the birth place for God on earth?

I didn't put as much stuff back in my barn. There is more room to walk in now. If I take care of it little by little each week I should not have to have such an event again. God sent Jesus so we would not have to carry our own sin again. It too was a once in a lifetime event. This advent we all need to prepare for the coming of Jesus and what that means to each of us and our families and friends. Today, find an area of your office, or classroom, or home or garage that needs to be cleaned out. Then remember that God sent his Son to clean your heart. Kneel down among the mess and give thanks.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

Slowly they walked along in a circle. On the floor were brightly colored pieces of paper with a large number on each one. As long as the music continued to play the children kept on walking, carefully stepping from one paper to the next. Once the music stopped, each child made sure he/she was standing on one of the numbers. They all looked to the adult who was reaching into a paper sack and who pulled out a small slip of paper. The he would call out, "Number 7!" There would be an immediate screech of delight as the child ran to the table to receive his/her prize... a homemade cake. The Cake Walk was the most popular event, by far, at our church's Fall Festival Celebration. More popular than ring toss, giant inflatibles, apple bobbing, basketball shoot and face painting. Although the children certainly enjoyed all of the other activities, they kept returning to the Cake Walk which was always full.

A Piece of Cake

2009-11-25T10:32:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

November 25, 2009

"A Piece of Cake"

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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Psalm 36:7-10 (New International Version)

7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find [a] refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.

9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.

"A Piece of Cake"

And why not? Who doesn't like cake? Cake symbolizes party, fun, celebration and reward. These kids were in hopes of receiving some of the abundance.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

The first words I heard on the morning of my 50th birthday was, "Happy Birthday Dad, you ol' fart." My 11 year old daughter had been waiting weeks to give her line. She had rehearsed it for some time and now the day was here. Ol' Fart is not exactly an enduring term. The literal words refer to the lingering odor of a passed bodily gas. It would seem that the term would refer to that which is pungent, moldy and unwelcome to the senses. But, in its vernacular use by my daughter, it simply means; the ranks of the fuddy duddies. I was also given the gift of a cap to wear. It supposedly befits my elderly status. I have to admit that it is comfortable and will come in handy on cold days. When I first put it on my daughter said, "You look just like Grandpa!" I made sure to wear it when I drove her to school the next day with the ear flaps down. And so it goes. We humans like to take jabs at one another when we reach those hallmark ages. It's all done in good fun. Unfortunately, some folks have trouble with aging. It really bugs them. I'm not one of them and here's why.

In Good Company

2009-11-18T10:31:00.000-06:00

eekly Devotion

November 18, 2009

"In Good Company"

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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Genesis 5:21-27 (New International Version)

21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

25 When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he became the father of Lamech. 26 And after he became the father of Lamech, Methuselah lived 782 years and had other sons and daughters. 27 Altogether, Methuselah lived 969 years, and then he died.

"In Good Company"

I am in good company. My aging simply means that I am getting closer each day to determining what God has in store for me now! I am coming along side those who in their "old age" served God very well. I am about to become even more useful to God. Look at Enoch who was having kids at age 65 and lived to be 365. His son, Methuselah, lived to be 969! Moses didn't go into the ministry until he was 80 and still put in 40 more years. Now, I don't plan to hit the 900 year mark, but I do plan to give it my all until my all is gone. Turning 50 is a reminder of the many blessings I have had and still have. For 50 years God has guided, prodded and carried me. On my birthday, I give thanks to Him. Today, celebrate your age as a blessing from God.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

Before Moses died he anointed Joshua as his successor. I found it easy over the years to forget just what that meant for young Joshua. He was not to be a great prophet, or to receive the next 10 commandments. Joshua became the "general" of an army. His job was to go into the promise land and conquer it for God's people. In short, he was a soldier. He fought many battles. He killed many men and he took many cities such as the one in our passage today; Jericho. He was at the front line swinging away. After a lifetime of fighting, he retired as a veteran of war. He was laid to rest at the age of 110. As we remember Joshua today, let us also remember more recent veterans. I read in the newspaper this past week that our veterans of WWI are dying at a rate of 1000 a day. The youngest of these vets are in their 80's. They gave all they had for the cause of freedom and now the time is too soon coming when there will be no living survivors. We must remember them today.

Remember Them Today

2009-11-11T10:30:00.000-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

November 11, 2009

"Remember Them Today"

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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The Weekly Devotion

Joshua 6:20 (New International Version)

20 When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city.

"Remember Them Today"

I have a rifle in my basement. It sets against the wall in a corner behind some boxes. When my parents moved from their home in Indiana to their home in Florida, the rifle was taken from about the mantle over our fireplace and given to me. It's my Dad's. When he was a young man in the Navy at the end of the war his ship pulled into Tokyo. There were stacks and stacks of captured weapons. Dad and all of the other sailors were invited to take one. It is a reminder to me still of a time when my father was not at home with a family. It is a reminder of a time when he was put in harm's way. It is a reminder that my Dad is a veteran of a time when war was far too common and captivated a nation with rationing, and sacrifice and funerals. We must remember them today.

I despise war but admire the men and women who fight for their country. Today we also remember the men and women of Fort Hood in Texas who, just last week, were preparing to deploy to the place of war when a gunman, one of their own, shot and killed twelve soldiers. When the injured were interviewed about the event and how they helped one another during the tragedy they replied, "It's what any soldier would do." We must remember them today.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910

I live on the corner of one of the most popular streets in Princeton on Halloween. Spruce street becomes over populated with hundreds of families dressed in costumes anticipating the big haul of candy from many generous neighbors. Many, like me, decorate their homes and lawns with spooky ooky creatures and sound effects. Porch lights are proudly turned on as if to say, "Please come here!" At each well lit home the costumed children come carrying their buckets and bags in anticipation of something sweet. Over 300 come to my house, knock on the door and when opened they shout, "Trick-or-Treat" and hold out their bucket or bag fully expecting a reward. You know what? They get it. Their just reward for being brave enough to knock on the door is the sweet taste of chocolate, licorice and candy. They say thank you and head off to the next stop. After all, they received their gift from knocking. I have received the gift of their joy by simply opening up the door.

The Gift of Knocking

2009-11-04T10:31:00.001-06:00

Pastor's Weekly Devotion

November 03, 2009

"The Gift of Knocking"

Rev. Craig Duke

Rev. Duke is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton, Indiana.

Hillside United Methodist Church Online

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Meet Our Staff

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The Weekly Devotion

Revelation 3:20 (New International Version)

20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

"The Gift of Knocking"

Jesus desires that we receive the gift of his knocking. Today's scripture tells us that Jesus stands at the door of our heart knocking. He promises that if we open the door then he will come in and "eat with us." This is the hospitality that was expected of biblical people. If someone came to your door, you invited them in. We have become so weary of those that come to our door that we open it just a crack to see who is there or peer through the window and decide to pretend that we are not home. But this is Jesus knocking on our heart with his unconditional love. Because we are God's children, our porch light is automatically on inviting Jesus to come knocking. He knows where we live and loves to knock on doors. Many are apprehensive to open the door for fear that Jesus won't really come in to our lives. "How can he really love me?" we say. We fear that we are not good enough, or Christian enough or righteous enough. Jesus does not address those character traits here. That's not what is important. It's our response. He simply invites us to open the door to allow him to love you.

Today,don't be afraid to open the door of your heart to Jesus' knocking. You will receive a gift that is much greater than candy... it's the love of God. Experience the gift of knocking as you open your door today.

Sharing in Faith,

Rev. Craig W. Duke

Contact Info

Senior Pastor

Rev. Craig Duke

(812) 385-2910

Office Administrator

Brenda Witt

(812) 385-2910

Choir Director

Sandy Nixon

Pianist

Debbie Ford

Preschool Director

Julie Goedde

(812) 385-2910

Worship Coordinator

Linda Duke

(812) 385-2910