Pastor Tom Loyola
Apr
25
Alignment
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The car kept pulling to the right. It was becoming more and more noticeable. As I drove along the streets of Clinton I needed to keep a steady downward pull on the steering wheel with my left hand to keep the car centered in the lane. At first I thought ... Continue
Apr
1
Eye-Opener
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It was a real eye-opener. One day when I came home from work I said to Sue Ann, “I see it!” It was something Sue Ann had seen for quite some time but I had not.
We were about eight years into our marriage and about three years into a time ... Continue
Dec
27
Time and Change
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The rolling over of the calendar from 2011 to 2012 forces us to face an inevitable reality of life, a reality that is often unwanted and sometimes harsh. Change.
The personality of some people actually inclines them toward change. They like to try new things, drive a different way home just ... Continue
Dec
2
Say, “Yes”
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God loves you. God, the Creator of the oceans and lands of our planet, outer space and everything in all of them, loves you. The One who made you loves you.
This same Creator God is also the Judge. Before Him we each will stand and give account. And He knows ... Continue
Oct
28
Zipping Along
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An annual highlight for Sue Ann and me is attending our district’s pastors and wives refresher. This retreat is held each fall at the district camp, Hidden Acres (near Dayton, IA). We are so grateful for this getaway, one of a number of opportunities our district regularly provides for pastoral ... Continue
Sep
26
Of Cars and Bodies
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My first car was a 60’s vintage Volkswagen Bug. It was pale blue with a very distinctive feature on the front end. The preceding owner had tried to push a stalled truck with the VW, but the small car was no match for the heavy truck. Rather than moving the ... Continue
Aug
30
Forward
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As we consider the way forward after our Summer Celebration, our purpose remains the same: forming followers of Jesus who impact their world. We have been talking together about next steps after these five weeks with no Study Groups and one worship service. They have been good weeks of special ... Continue
Jul
28
Look Out
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During the year of 1987, Sue Ann and I were between ministry positions and so we decided to visit churches in our area. The Dallas metroplex offered many choices and so this was a unique opportunity to see how different congregations “did church.” Since we included a variety of denominations ... Continue
Jun
19
Independence Day
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July 4 is a big day for Americans. Each year on that date we remember the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and celebrate our independence from British rule.
Well, on July 4, 1982, I happened to be in , of all places, Britain! And that year, July 4th fell ... Continue
May
24
Seeing Reality
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The officers showed up with their cruisers, their gear, and even a police dog. It was “Wisdom & Safety Night,” a special event Pastor John hosted on March 9th for area youth. Officers from the Clinton Police Department gave demonstrations of procedures and instructions for safety. One of the pieces ... Continue
