Pastor Thomas J. McKinnon, Jr.

MEET THE PASTOR

To begin to get to know something about Pastor Thomas J. McKinnon, Jr., you have three choices:

Choice No. 1. Click here to read a profile of the man we have come to know and love since he came to us in 1994.

Choice No. 2. Read his latest monthly message, below.

Choice No 3. Call and make an appointment for a chat! (Oh, and be sure to call him "Tom!" It is what he prefers.)

 

Monthly Message From the Study of Donegal Presbyterian Church

MAY 2013

 T.M. Luhrmann, a professor of anthropology at Sanford, wrote a column for The New York Times, Sunday, April 21, 2013.  It is entitled, “The Benefits Of Church.” (Sunday Review, p.9).  Here is here first paragraph,

“One of the most striking scientific discoveries about religion in recent years is that going to church weekly (my emphasis!) is good for you.  Religious attendance – at least, religiosity – boosts the immune system and decreases blood pressure.  It may add as much as two to three years to your life.  The reason for this is not entirely clear.”

At least I have an idea why my mother is the age she is; active in her church!!
Traditionally, our attendance begins to “sputter” after Mother’s Day.  And yet, there are moments when our attendance is pretty good; I guess people want to accumulate some “extra days” to their longevity.  What would it take to entice you to participate in our services of worship?  Let’s see:

  • One free “The Ultimate Cloth” for those who attend the most Sundays?
  • A tour of my office?
  • A free dog massage?
  • A free meal at McCleary’s Pub?
  • An evening of Don Betty’s “Suspension Bridge” excursions brought to your home?  (Now I’ll see if he reads my articles!)
  • The opportunity to take responsibility for yourself?

Hey, I was on a roll up until that last “enticement”!

What is up with “take responsibility for yourself”?  Stan Ott, President of the Vital Churches Institute, cites polls taken by mega-churches, that 25% of their congregations fall in the “Stalled Out” category, which describes people who think it is the congregation’s fault they are not growing spiritually.  Therefore, take responsibility for yourself.  One of the ways we will be looking at that will begin in September, with some time for exploration between the services in June.  What is our goal, “GROWING DISCIPLES”!  It is a lifestyle we live, before it is a program that we run. 

Interested?? 

Peace,


Tom