Have you ever heard of the word “automaticity”? It’s a fancy term for the ability of the body to act without the brain thinking, often when processes become “over-learned.” A common—but scary!—instance of automaticity is referred to as “highway hypnosis.” Have you ever pulled into the driveway after the commute home from work and realized you can’t remember a single part of the trip? You don’t recall stopping at any lights, making any turns, adjusting the radio, even. And yet, […]

As a Director of Music, Christmas 2021 was my worst nightmare! Last year, we had to cancel Lessons and Carols services because of a breakout of COVID among the musicians at Tenth. As preparations are now well underway for our Christmas services this year, I am reminded of another church musician who also had some Yuletide challenges. In 1818, Franz Gruber, organist and choirmaster at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria just north of Salzburg, found himself having to prepare […]

Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. Among those who know me I mention Rahab [Egypt] and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush [Ethiopia] – “This one was born there,” they say. Psalm 87:3-4 Psalm 87 is an amazing Psalm that says that the nations will be “born in Zion, the city of God.” They will be considered native-born citizens of the city of God, equal to the Israelites in salvation!  His salvation is for all […]

First Thessalonians 5:14 urges us to admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with them all. Have you ever felt inadequate for the task?  I clearly remember many moments where I have failed in this area. A non-believing family member of mine once came to me in desperation after a diagnosis that signaled life on earth is fleeting. I stumbled over many words that day, unsure of how to comfort and how to graciously address […]

An essential key to winning a battle is to have a strategic plan. Our Lord, when describing the necessity of counting the cost of being a disciple, explained that a wise king considers his enemy before engaging in battle (Luke 14:31). As disciples of Christ, the rules of combat for spiritual warfare are much the same. We are soldiers enlisted in the cause of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4). As those who put on the whole armor of God, the weapons […]

As Maranatha wraps up another summer of mission trips, I wanted to pass along this thank you letter written by one of the teen team members: Thank you for supporting our mission trip with Maranatha this summer. Whether it was financially, or through prayers, your support was appreciated and so vital in making the week at Kirkbride a success! Let me give you a small recap.  I feel blessed to have been able to serve another year with Kirkbride in […]

Since arriving in Philadelphia two weeks ago, I have heard incredible testimonies of how God has used Tenth Presbyterian Church in so many lives. It is a joy for me to be here and join in the important work of this church. I grew up in a small town in Michigan, the daughter and granddaughter of pastors. From childhood, the Lord impressed on me the brevity of time. Scriptural admonitions like that of 1 Peter 1:13 to be “sober-minded” and […]

I remember the moment I fell in love with Maranatha as an adult. It was a Sunday night in June 2007. I had just graduated from college and was sitting with my dad in the evening service. It was Rev. Aaron Messner’s last Sunday at Tenth. Maranatha teens suddenly emerged from the 18th street stairs and flooded into the sanctuary to join the congregation for the night. By the time they were seated, my dad and I were on opposite ends […]

“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1 As we pray for the word of God to go forward, we see his hand in our prayers. Some time ago, a group of brothers and sisters from Tenth gathered together weekly to pray for opportunities to share the gospel with our neighbors. One of their prayers was that God would enable Tenth to reach out […]