This is how I started the class I recently taught about spiritual health during the holidays. This time of year is taken up with a lot of stressful, seasonal activity and the expectations that come with it. What might happen if we thought about Christmas in a new way?...
November has come and it is quickly going. Seasons are changing, temperatures are getting cooler, and Advent has begun. You, like me, might be wondering how we are here already – December, the wrapping up of 2022, time for Christmas music on the radio, and preparing...
Ever had a plan to get up at a certain time to go exercise, or get some things done around the house before the day really begins? Then the alarm goes off, and the bed, where you are, as they say, snug as a bug in a rug, and you don’t want to move. So you hit the...
Rachel Fitch and I just finished reading a book called Freeing Congregational Ministry by B. Hunter Farrell with S. Balajiedlang Khyllep. It provides a practical vision for companionship, cultural humility and co-development that is a useful guide for short-term...
It is the Monday before the Tuesday of midterm elections. I suspect you already knew this given all the ads, news stories, hand-wringing and anxiety in the air. Elections are important, voting is important. As a naturalized United States citizen I get giddy when I go...
Happy All Hallows Eve! As costumes were donned yesterday for a Sunday School hour trick or treating and as they are donned again tonight for neighborhood walks, we are reminded of our childhoods and the fun and joy of the festivities. And, as November 1 is tomorrow...
It is the most wonderful time of the church year: Stewardship season! The truth is there is no such thing as stewardship season, not really, because the entirety of life is stewardship season. Everything we have comes from God, every breath, every moment, every...
Part of my role is to be staff support for the Discipleship Committee. I will say this committee is on fire with the Holy Spirit to welcome visitors and guest as well as facilitate ways to engage everyone. In our meeting last week, Matt Logan, who is still working...
Two weeks ago I attended the White House Conference on Hunger and Nutrition via livestream. This was the first conference held since the Nixon Administration to address issues of hunger in our country. The information I heard may be helpful to us as we continue to...
It is inevitable that one pays closer attention to things that have a closer impact on us. I confess, hurricane Fiona didn’t garner my scrutiny until it was evident that Fiona was going to barrel into the place where my daughter is currently living. I now lean in to...
