Pastor Rob’s Reflections

By the time you read this we will have celebrated Christmas. It has been a wonderful Advent season. But as I reflect on my life, especially 38 years as a psychotherapist, I am very aware that this season and the one we are entering in January is a tough time for a lot of people in our country. 

Beginning in September many people begin to suffer from a low-level depression with or without anxiety. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. Not only that, but after Christmas I always saw an uptick in regular depression usually accompanied by different levels of anxiety.

At any given time it is estimated that one in five people will experience a major depression, characterized by depressive feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, lethargy and a lack of direction and purpose.

If you experience any of the symptoms of depression, please seek help. It’s a fact that psychotherapy and medication work. If you need help finding providers, please let me know.  Have a wonderful Christmas tide and a blessed 2026!

See you in church.

– Dr. Rob

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February Scriptures
Liturgical Colors

Sunday, February 1 – Green
Micah 6:1–8
Psalm 15
1 Corinthians 1:18–31
Matthew 5:1–12

Sunday, February 8 – Green
Isaiah 58:1–9a [9b–12]
Psalm 112:1–9 [10]
1 Corinthians 2:1–12 [13–16]
Matthew 5:13–20

February 15 – Green
Transfiguration of the Lord
Exodus 24:12–18
Psalm 2 or Psalm 99
2 Peter 1:16–21

February 18
Ash Wednesday – Purple
Joel 2:1–2, 12–17 or Isaiah 58:1–12
Psalm 51:1–17 2
Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21

February 22
First Sunday in Lent – Purple
Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7
Psalm 32
Romans 5:12–19
Matthew 4:1–11