by Mary Kathryn Paynter | Dec 1, 2020 | Advent 2020
I believe everyone, despite their privilege, find themselves sometimes feeling hopeless. This year has dealt us many blows. I believe that it can also provide us with the best lessons in hope. I am a calendar carrying, list maker not because I am organized but of my...
by Mary Kathryn Paynter | Nov 30, 2020 | Advent 2020
Keeping awake: Christ’s miracles of Love Joy Peace Hope As I write this the day after Thanksgiving, I am reminded of something Kate Bowler said in a recent podcast. She was talking about Advent, and called it our time of “almost Christmas.” Kate wrote a favorite book...
by Mary Kathryn Paynter | Nov 29, 2020 | Advent 2020
“What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” Mark 13: 37 I love the way this verse in Mark ends – it’s an assertive reminder for us to be alert to the presence of God. It’s counterintuitive but this year has reminded me that in times of great challenge we often...
by Mary Kathryn Paynter | Mar 6, 2020 | General
Dear friends, It’s a new day at Highland Park. After months of prayer, discussions and planning that led up to a unanimous vote from Highland Park members on Sunday, March 1st, we’re so excited to share the news: Highland Park Baptist Church has a new name — The...
by Mary Kathryn Paynter | Mar 4, 2020 | General
“It is an odd paradox that a society, which can now speak openly and unabashedly about topics that were once unspeakable, still remain largely silent when it comes to mental illness.” Glenn Close I am really not a writer, and honestly don’t enjoy it much; however,...
by Mary Kathryn Paynter | Feb 7, 2020 | General
On a recent winter night while waiting for my daughter’s gymnastics class to end, I sat in my car with the heat turned up full blast, taking deep breaths and reading the news. Per usual (at least lately), thing sounded pretty ominous – the threat of military conflict,...
