Jeff McLain
@jeffmclain.bsky.social
Director at Water Street Mission • Pastor at River Corner Church • Blogger on Patheos • DMin Student • Goal: drink coffee & work on the boardwalk.
After church, we headed for the mountains — spending the afternoon and evening in Mauch Chunk (Jim Thorpe). The fog hung low, the train moved slow, and the evening walk reminded me how sacred simple days can be.
November 10, 2025 at 1:44 AM
After church, we headed for the mountains — spending the afternoon and evening in Mauch Chunk (Jim Thorpe). The fog hung low, the train moved slow, and the evening walk reminded me how sacred simple days can be.
This morning I am enjoying a daddy-daughter outing downtown with my oldest daughter. #iheartlancity
November 8, 2025 at 3:09 PM
This morning I am enjoying a daddy-daughter outing downtown with my oldest daughter. #iheartlancity
Sometimes God sends the smallest reminders that the light of the Kingdom is still breaking into our ordinary spaces. A quiet room. A cup of coffee. Then—suddenly—a prism of color rests on the scriptures.
God, help me learn to give thanks in the middle of the messiness of life.
God, help me learn to give thanks in the middle of the messiness of life.
November 2, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Sometimes God sends the smallest reminders that the light of the Kingdom is still breaking into our ordinary spaces. A quiet room. A cup of coffee. Then—suddenly—a prism of color rests on the scriptures.
God, help me learn to give thanks in the middle of the messiness of life.
God, help me learn to give thanks in the middle of the messiness of life.
Today, I am allocating some time to being resourced on building bridges in a changing world through funerals with Dr. Bill Hoy, in support of my responsibilities as a pastor at Water Street Mission and River Corner Church. This resourcing explores “Grief and Memorial Events” and “Memorial Anchors.”
October 21, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Today, I am allocating some time to being resourced on building bridges in a changing world through funerals with Dr. Bill Hoy, in support of my responsibilities as a pastor at Water Street Mission and River Corner Church. This resourcing explores “Grief and Memorial Events” and “Memorial Anchors.”
One of the commitments in my updated Rule of Life is taking each of my daughters on monthly daddy-daughter dates.
I pastor in two contexts, but I can’t let ministry win over family time. This helps win at home. This week, my second oldest picked The Pancake Farm, a trail, and the new Tron movie.
I pastor in two contexts, but I can’t let ministry win over family time. This helps win at home. This week, my second oldest picked The Pancake Farm, a trail, and the new Tron movie.
October 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
One of the commitments in my updated Rule of Life is taking each of my daughters on monthly daddy-daughter dates.
I pastor in two contexts, but I can’t let ministry win over family time. This helps win at home. This week, my second oldest picked The Pancake Farm, a trail, and the new Tron movie.
I pastor in two contexts, but I can’t let ministry win over family time. This helps win at home. This week, my second oldest picked The Pancake Farm, a trail, and the new Tron movie.
One of the commitments in my updated Rule of Life is taking each of my daughters on monthly daddy-daughter dates.
These moments are special. They’re a way to honor who they are, invest in them, listen to what’s on their hearts, and model what healthy relationships look like.
These moments are special. They’re a way to honor who they are, invest in them, listen to what’s on their hearts, and model what healthy relationships look like.
October 18, 2025 at 3:23 PM
One of the commitments in my updated Rule of Life is taking each of my daughters on monthly daddy-daughter dates.
These moments are special. They’re a way to honor who they are, invest in them, listen to what’s on their hearts, and model what healthy relationships look like.
These moments are special. They’re a way to honor who they are, invest in them, listen to what’s on their hearts, and model what healthy relationships look like.
I am SUPER grateful for some quality family time today—bayside for hours in Havre de Grace MD, a picnic in Perryville MD, then home for movie night before sermon prep. Even with the pressures of what needs done, these moments remind me what matters most.
Tomorrow, back to doctoral studies.
Tomorrow, back to doctoral studies.
August 24, 2025 at 4:48 AM
I am SUPER grateful for some quality family time today—bayside for hours in Havre de Grace MD, a picnic in Perryville MD, then home for movie night before sermon prep. Even with the pressures of what needs done, these moments remind me what matters most.
Tomorrow, back to doctoral studies.
Tomorrow, back to doctoral studies.
I don’t blog on @patheos.com for an audience—I write as a spiritual practice. But if it encourages others along the way, I’m grateful. Humbled to see 10,000+ views on Patheos so far in 2025.
July 2, 2025 at 4:08 AM
I don’t blog on @patheos.com for an audience—I write as a spiritual practice. But if it encourages others along the way, I’m grateful. Humbled to see 10,000+ views on Patheos so far in 2025.
Working through a third day of DMin seminars.
May 8, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Working through a third day of DMin seminars.
I think I’ve found my new favorite AI tool! I asked it to create Sunday School flannel board characters like the ones I remember from growing up—and it delivered!
April 4, 2025 at 6:25 PM
I think I’ve found my new favorite AI tool! I asked it to create Sunday School flannel board characters like the ones I remember from growing up—and it delivered!
In gratitude and praise, we become aware of the support and salvation from God, who helps carry our burdens. Selah.
#Psalm68 #GodsWordTranslation #Scripture
#Psalm68 #GodsWordTranslation #Scripture
March 29, 2025 at 8:59 PM
In gratitude and praise, we become aware of the support and salvation from God, who helps carry our burdens. Selah.
#Psalm68 #GodsWordTranslation #Scripture
#Psalm68 #GodsWordTranslation #Scripture
Today, our Pastoral Ministries Team at Water Street Mission is engaging with Curt Thompson, MD, as he explores the intersection of personal story, neurobiology, and spirituality.
March 27, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Today, our Pastoral Ministries Team at Water Street Mission is engaging with Curt Thompson, MD, as he explores the intersection of personal story, neurobiology, and spirituality.
Even in our moments of overwhelm, we can take heart, knowing we can pray to God with confidence.
#Psalm65 #GodsWordTranslation #Scripture
#Psalm65 #GodsWordTranslation #Scripture
March 24, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Even in our moments of overwhelm, we can take heart, knowing we can pray to God with confidence.
#Psalm65 #GodsWordTranslation #Scripture
#Psalm65 #GodsWordTranslation #Scripture
I’ve officially completed a Master of Business Administration in Executive Leadership! It now joins my Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry, Master of Arts in Global Leadership, and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
Grateful for the journey—what’s next?
Grateful for the journey—what’s next?
March 4, 2025 at 1:52 AM
I’ve officially completed a Master of Business Administration in Executive Leadership! It now joins my Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry, Master of Arts in Global Leadership, and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
Grateful for the journey—what’s next?
Grateful for the journey—what’s next?
We are celebrating our oldest daughter's 14th birthday this evening. Where does time go?
January 29, 2025 at 1:11 AM
We are celebrating our oldest daughter's 14th birthday this evening. Where does time go?
I am grateful to have gathered with Lancaster First Assembly of God for their Celebration of Life Sunday. Their dedication to helping others encounter Jesus & experience God’s love is inspiring. I am honored to partner with such a Spirit-filled community.
January 26, 2025 at 9:12 PM
I am grateful to have gathered with Lancaster First Assembly of God for their Celebration of Life Sunday. Their dedication to helping others encounter Jesus & experience God’s love is inspiring. I am honored to partner with such a Spirit-filled community.
Merry Christmas, it is a wonderful life.
December 25, 2024 at 8:09 PM
Merry Christmas, it is a wonderful life.
Let’s have a Holly Jolly Christmas.
December 24, 2024 at 9:36 PM
Let’s have a Holly Jolly Christmas.
I invite you to gather with us this morning at River Comer Church — a simple community of Jesus followers.
On Sundays at 10 AM, we come together to worship and experience God, study the scriptures, journey through life together, and to partner with the Holy Spirit.
www.rivercornerchurch.com
On Sundays at 10 AM, we come together to worship and experience God, study the scriptures, journey through life together, and to partner with the Holy Spirit.
www.rivercornerchurch.com
December 15, 2024 at 12:55 PM
I invite you to gather with us this morning at River Comer Church — a simple community of Jesus followers.
On Sundays at 10 AM, we come together to worship and experience God, study the scriptures, journey through life together, and to partner with the Holy Spirit.
www.rivercornerchurch.com
On Sundays at 10 AM, we come together to worship and experience God, study the scriptures, journey through life together, and to partner with the Holy Spirit.
www.rivercornerchurch.com
You're Invited!
Gather with us at River Corner Church on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. for a simple and nostalgic Candlelight Worship Gathering.
We hope you'll join us for this celebration of the Christmas season!
www.rivercornerchurch.com
Gather with us at River Corner Church on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. for a simple and nostalgic Candlelight Worship Gathering.
We hope you'll join us for this celebration of the Christmas season!
www.rivercornerchurch.com
December 9, 2024 at 5:30 AM
You're Invited!
Gather with us at River Corner Church on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. for a simple and nostalgic Candlelight Worship Gathering.
We hope you'll join us for this celebration of the Christmas season!
www.rivercornerchurch.com
Gather with us at River Corner Church on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. for a simple and nostalgic Candlelight Worship Gathering.
We hope you'll join us for this celebration of the Christmas season!
www.rivercornerchurch.com
God, as I breathe in, help me pause.
Help me to embrace the gift of this moment.
Slow my thoughts.
Turn my eyes to see gratitude for now.
Let each inhale remind me of your grace.
Let each exhale express thank you.
#Thankyou #Grateful #Gratitude
Help me to embrace the gift of this moment.
Slow my thoughts.
Turn my eyes to see gratitude for now.
Let each inhale remind me of your grace.
Let each exhale express thank you.
#Thankyou #Grateful #Gratitude
November 28, 2024 at 1:53 PM
God, as I breathe in, help me pause.
Help me to embrace the gift of this moment.
Slow my thoughts.
Turn my eyes to see gratitude for now.
Let each inhale remind me of your grace.
Let each exhale express thank you.
#Thankyou #Grateful #Gratitude
Help me to embrace the gift of this moment.
Slow my thoughts.
Turn my eyes to see gratitude for now.
Let each inhale remind me of your grace.
Let each exhale express thank you.
#Thankyou #Grateful #Gratitude