secretary Field of Dreams View in browser January 24, 2024 Field of Dreams Liz Miller Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. – 1 John 3:2a (NRSVue) Behind one of the campuses of the church I serve sits a five-acre field. It looks like any other … Read more
Make a Joyful Noise! View in browser January 23, 2024 Make a Joyful Noise! Phiwa Langeni Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. – Psalm 100:1 (NRSV) “Do you make that much noise when you’re by yourself?” my daughter asked me as we worked independently in the same room together. Until … Read more
Tambourine Solo! View in browser January 22, 2024 Tambourine Solo! John Edgerton To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart … Read more
Annoyed Unto Death View in browser January 21, 2024 Annoyed Unto Death Quinn Caldwell But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed, “…it is better for me to die than to live.” – Jonah 4:1-3 (abridged) Things that make Jonah so mad he could just die: being asked to … Read more
Depression View in browser January 20, 2024 Depression Jennifer Brownell As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those … Read more
The Frying Pan Won’t Convert the Fish View in browser January 19, 2024 The Frying Pan Won’t Convert the Fish Matt Laney Jesus said to [Peter and Andrew], “Follow me and I will make you fishers of people.” – Matthew 4:19 (NRSV) Listening to some voices in the church today, we might think … Read more
Delicious Desserts View in browser January 18, 2024 Delicious Desserts Rachel Hackenberg Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion. [Therefore] if riches increase, do not set your heart on them. Power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. – Psalm 62:9-12 abridged … Read more
Part Time is Real Time View in browser January 17, 2024 Part Time is Real Time Lillian Daniel Paul went to see [Aquila and Priscilla] … and they worked together—by trade they were tentmakers. – Acts 18:3 (NRSV) When I started in ministry, my mentors said, “There is no such thing as part-time … Read more
Befriending Loneliness View in browser January 16, 2024 Befriending Loneliness Dwight Wolter I lie awake; I am like a lonely bird on the housetop. – Psalm 102:7 (NRSVUE) It is not easy for some people, including me, to speak openly about loneliness, so they remain silently lonely for loved ones, friends, the good … Read more
Even Babies View in browser January 15, 2024 Even Babies Talitha Arnold People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. – Luke 18:15a (NRSV) It’s probably blasphemy, but the story of Jesus blessing the children has long been among my least favorite passages of scripture. Perhaps it goes back … Read more