I don’t hate Father’s Day; it’s the Tuesday beforehand that I can’t stand. I drag myself to the grocery store, trudge to the card aisle, and stare at the never-ending wall of cards. There are dozens, hundreds of cards to sift through and I know that I will not find what I need the first few tries.
Crossroads: When We All Get to Heaven, All Saint’s Day
November 8, 2021 by
Isaiah reminds us that the Lord will prepare a feast for us, that God will swallow up death forever and wipe away our tears. And we will be able to say that we trusted in God and he saved us.
A Dark Day of Rest
April 13, 2021 by
The disciples, the women who had been following Jesus, and the other followers of Christ rested on the Sabbath. Joseph of Arimathea had taken Jesus’ body on that Friday and placed him in a tomb.
Formations 11.15.2020: The Day of Atonement
November 8, 2020 by
In ancient Israel, the turn of the new year was accompanied by a nationwide spiritual reset called Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It was (and is) the most solemn day on Israel’s liturgical calendar.
Connections 09.06.2020: This Day. This Night.
August 30, 2020 by
This week’s lesson text contains the Passover instructions that God gave Moses and Aaron to share with the Hebrews who were enslaved in Egypt.
Crossroads: All Saints’ Day
November 4, 2019 by
It’s hard for me to believe that Sunday, October 29, makes two and a half years since my granddad died. Over the past two years, I’ve found myself remembering a lot of things about him: the way he smiled, how he smelled, and all of the memories of the things we did together.
Formations 11.03.2019: The Day of the Dead
October 27, 2019 by
The Mexican Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead coincides with Halloween on our calendars, but the two are not the same.
Connections 12.23.2018: Peace for a Day
December 16, 2018 by
It happened over forty-five years ago, but I still cringe when I think about it. As you may know, some teenagers can occasionally be a little dramatic. I was not immune.
The Day I Lost My Sam
June 20, 2018 by
It’s funny how in losing something, you find something else. Like when you’re looking for your lost earring under the dresser and you find that Lego piece your son needs or paperclips or cut toenails. Gross. Who finds cut toenails under their dresser? Definitely not me.
Dreams for the Church
November 1, 2017 by
I like Reformation Day. Probably more than a person should like Reformation Day. I’ve written Reformation Day carols. I used a Martin Luther bobblehead in this past Sunday’s communion meditation. At our youth Halloween party, I dressed up as the Wittenberg-by-way-of-Asgard Avenger Martin Lu-Thor. Yes, I like Reformation Day quite a bit.
Connections 04.02.17: No Foolin’
March 26, 2017 by
The day before April 2 is April 1, and that’s April Fools’ Day. I don’t like April Fools’ Day. I don’t like it because it legitimizes lying and cruelty, which I have enough trouble with on the 364 (365 if it’s a leap year) days they’re supposedly considered illegitimate.
Celebrating the Found
March 21, 2017 by
Pacifier, binky, baby-plug. Whatever name you choose, there is no more desperate scene than a mother searching for this source of soothing as naptime approaches. A frazzled mom will turn the house upside down, frantically looking for this small, magical plug to stifle the shrill screams of her overly tired one-year-old.
Love as a Way of Living
February 14, 2017 by
Without question the word “love” sums up and depicts the essence of our Christian faith. Nonetheless, most Christians struggle in a world often filled with problems, difficulties, suffering, pain.
Formations 02.05.2017: Moving Day
January 29, 2017 by
The first time I moved away from home was fairly easy. Then again, I only moved about forty-five minutes away in order to attend college. I was back again for the summer, and for numerous weekends throughout the academic year. My second move was harder: about six hours away to attend seminary.
What Does it Really Mean to Support our Troops?
November 11, 2016 by
Another Veterans Day is upon us. If you’re like me, this is one holiday that doesn’t conjure up nostalgic childhood memories or necessitate family get-togethers. In fact, this will only be my 10th Veterans Day that I remember ever caring about.
After Election Day
November 9, 2016 by
Anyone ready to flee to the hills today? Do you feel the wicked have bent their bows, strung their arrows, and are ready to shoot those whose heart is right (v. 2)? Do you feel like the very bottom has fallen out and that a righteous person like yourself can do very little about it?
On Election Day
November 8, 2016 by
We read the end of Jonah’s story on Election Day for the United States. In less than twenty-four hours our fears will be relieved or realized.
The Great Cloud
November 2, 2016 by
I have been thinking a lot about my spiritual journey recently. The truth of the matter is that whatever has been done to get me to the nebulous “here” of being ordained is not solely my doing. Not even close.
Connections 09.11.2016: The Hope of “That Day”
September 4, 2016 by
If you’re a regular reader of Coracle—or a regular participant in a Bible study class that uses it—you may or may not read the Scripture references before you read the articles. Today, I encourage you to look up Isaiah 25:6-10a and read it thoughtfully before you go any further.
Connections 02.21.2016: Day of Atonement
February 14, 2016 by
We all know what a “cover-up” is. We also know it’s not a good thing. How many times have we learned of a crime only after the cover-up falls apart?
Having a Good “Hare” Day
January 12, 2016 by
“I never lecture,” the teacher bragged. “Lectures bore teenagers. I just throw a topic out there and let them talk about it.” It is true—lectures can be boring. They can also be entertaining and insightful.
Crossroads: The Christ Candle
December 25, 2015 by
Light the three purple candles, the pink candle, and the white candle in the center. Say: “Today we light the white candle, the Christ candle, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.