We often see the world in black and white when it comes to the church, politics, and our personal lives. You’re right or wrong. You’re red or blue. You’re in or out. Yet most situations in life are much more complex. I want to invite you to take a deep breath. Spend a few minutes of silence with God. Prepare yourself to live in the uncertainty of the grey areas.
Read MoreWhen I was 15 years old, I sat on the floor at a youth event where the room was dimly lit by a candle. The crucifixion story was read. I was reminded how God sent Jesus to die for my sins. For added effect, someone pounded a nail into a two-by-four.
Read MoreMy favorite part of kindergarten is the writing assignments with phonetic spelling, our as our six-year-old calls them, “my personal narratives.” We’ve delighted in the wonderful stories from her perspective, oftentimes with opportunities to decode the spelling.
Read MoreWe believe all people are created in the image of God. God’s love extends to all people, and all people are of sacred worth. We welcome, affirm, and celebrate people of any age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, national origin, ethnic or cultural background, appearance, faith tradition, physical and mental ability, economic condition, marital status, family configuration, or place on the spectrum of conservative, centrist, or progressive.
We proclaim this statement of inclusion and welcome to all, especially those who have known the pain of exclusion and discrimination in the church or in society. We invite all people to join us on our faith journey toward greater love, understanding, and mutual respect.
Read MoreDuring the 2020 spring lockdown, Grammy and Gramps sent us a grow-your-own butterfly kit with four larvae. We watched the caterpillars grow big and fat before spinning a chrysalis around themselves. Two emerged as healthy butterflies. On a warm summer day, it was time to release them.
Read MoreOn Sunday we gathered with Christians from around the globe at the communion table to honor all that Jesus has done for us. Oftentimes we are divided and dismembered – one part of the Body of Christ cut off from another. We are broken and shattered. In that sacred meal, however, we recall what it means to be the whole family of God, and we re-member Christ’s Body, given for us all.
Read MoreFrom earthquakes and storms in Haiti to violence in Afghanistan, it’s easy for us to become overwhelmed by global news. When we see all of the suffering, we become paralyzed by compassion fatigue and can’t figure out what to do.
Read MoreI am beyond excited to launch our new Discipleship Hour on Sunday, and I can’t wait for us to explore it together. Why? Disciples of Jesus are made, not born.
Read MoreGrowing up, I only heard my parents swear a handful of times. We were allowed to say “shoot” and “gosh,” but the big curse words were reserved for special occasions, such as a hubcap falling off the car, dropping a glass jar of orange juice, and the confirmation of a certain Supreme Court Justice.
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