When we feel comfortable somewhere—we know the layout of the place, the character of the people, the dependency of the routines—it’s hard to think about leaving.
More Beautiful for the Brokenness
February 22, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Art and repair merged in 15th-century Japan when a shogun sent a prized tea bowl to be repaired. When it came back mended with ugly metal staples, the shogun was so displeased that craftspeople jumped at the chance to find a better way to repair it and other broken ceramics.
A View from the Pew: Senior Adult Ministries by Any Other Name are Just as Sweet
February 21, 2023 by
What a church calls its senior adult ministry says a lot about who they are as a church. The names can be playful, serious, spiritual, frivolous or just plain corny.
Crossroads: Jesus Is Transformed
February 20, 2023 by Leave a Comment
I became a Christian when I was seven years old. For as long as I can remember, church has been an important part of my life. I loved going to church as a kid and I loved Jesus (and I still do!).
Formations 02.26.2023: The Road to Jerusalem
February 19, 2023 by
This section, often called the Lukan Travel Narrative, begins in chapter 9, when Jesus first “sets his face” to go to Jerusalem for the Passover and ends when he finally arrives in chapter 18.
Connections 02.26.2023: For All We Know
February 19, 2023 by
The narrative of the Garden of Eden makes a great children’s story. It’s ideal for picture books: the flowing blues of water and sky, with the shining sun, moon, and stars in their courses.
A Prayer for the First Night of Fostering Placement
February 15, 2023 by
Yesterday, I was someone different. Today, I am a parent. Tomorrow is yet unknown. In all of it, I am yours, God.
Flame: “God Loves Me” Stained Glass Windows
February 14, 2023 by Leave a Comment
This week one of our focus stories is the Prodigal Son. The main point we want to get across is that God loves us and wants to be involved in our lives. This is a craft we will be doing with our 3-5s group on Sunday and also with the 5-7s.
Crossroads: Anger and Words
February 13, 2023 by Leave a Comment
“Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.” How many times did we say this to someone growing up? How many times have you heard it before? When I said this as a kid, it was because someone had said something hurtful and mean to me, and I said it to cover up the fact that those words did hurt.
Formations 02.19.2023: Solomon’s Charge
February 12, 2023 by
In today’s text, a father’s death approaches, and he thinks of the legacy he will leave to his son. Has he taught his son enough?
Connections 02.19.2023: We’ve Heard It All Before
February 12, 2023 by
People who have grown up in church, been regular Sunday School attenders, or listened to enough sermons based on the three-year cycle of the Revised Common Lectionary may feel like they’ve heard it all before.
Your Commute as a Spiritual Discipline
February 8, 2023 by Leave a Comment
My morning commute reminds me that I am not the Christian I should be. I drive nine miles to my job—two miles of neighborhood, three miles of suburban commerce, and four miles of houses.