You, Me, Some Words

Looking for Common Ground

I’m Mark Westmoreland, a retired United Methodist pastor living now in Ellijay, Georgia. Throughout my active ministry of 44 years, I wrote newsletter or newspaper columns or congregational missives. I don’t want to stop now. So, this blog. I believe in a time of divisions, there is common ground to be found in the simple truths of the Gospel, our stories, and the strange beauty of the world around us.

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  • Pass that Baby Over Here, Would You?

    I’ll admit I always feel a little disappointed when they don’t offer. The couple is standing there in front of me with their new baby, and neither of them asks, “Do you want to hold her?” I mean, it seems the polite thing to do in my book. Or maybe they’re worried I’ll drop her,…

  • Time to Set Our Clocks … Aside

    It is time to mess with time again. So, here is your annual reminder: Set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night. Got it?  Good.  Then, one more thing: Toss your clocks aside before you head to church.  The simple truth is no timepiece will work properly this Sunday.  We are celebrating All Saints…

  • ‘Just When I Thought I Was Out …’

    “Just when I thought I was out … they puuulll me back in” (Please read in your best Al Pacino voice). In truth, it didn’t take much pulling, but I am indeed back in.  After three months of full retirement, I start this Sunday, October 5, as the part-time “retired supply” pastor for Nine Mile and…

  • Our Come-to-Jesus Moment

    Here are a couple of remarks I heard recently: (1) “How could any Christian possibly vote Republican today?”; and (2) “You cannot be a Christian AND a Democrat..” You can’t make this stuff up. The shocking murder of Charlie Kirk has brought our nation to a crossroad.  We can watch as acts of political violence, already…

  • Old Words … Because I Lack New Ones

    I shared these thoughts three years ago, after the twin horrors of mass shootings in Uvalde and Buffalo.  Now, another attack, this one on children gathered for Mass.  I’ll be honest.  I feel embarrassed to offer these words again, but it’s the best I can do at the moment.  May God have mercy on us all for watching and…

  • The Eternal Value of Nametags

    We’re at the center of heaven, the hub of the universe, and the time is God’s time, the day of fulfillment and victory.  Look, do you see?  The throne and the Lamb—God the ruler of all, Christ who suffered for all—and around them, angels, elders and the four living creatures (none of which I’m going to attempt…