The world no longer trusts Christians who ʻlove Jesus but do not seem to love anything else,” writes Richard Rohr, in his latest book, The Universal Christ. Valentine’s Day is a good day to reflect on what we love, who we love, how we love. My earliest memory of Valentine’s Day is Read More...
By Matthew Thompson, Director of Music I have always loved going to church! I know it may seem odd to most but for some reason, church, especially worship and music called out to me from a young age. I was around 12 years old when I began playing the organ and accompanying Read More...
By Dr. Mike Graves, Scholar in Residence One of my good friends finished off 2019 by reading his 52nd title of the year. Unless a person’s diet of reading is limited to Dr. Seuss or Daniel Tiger, a book per week is impressive. Of course, my friend is a professor, so reading is part Read More...
She was on the drill team and worked in the library to pay her tuition. He was on a football scholarship. These small town/farm kids met at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, Texas in 1955, fell in love and got married two years later. From their love, came my sister and me Read More...
By April Booth, Director of Children's Ministries One Sunday during the children’s sermon we talked about Martin Luther King Jr. and how he loved people and the ways he showed love by serving them. As we talked about things we’ve done to serve – working in the garden at Urban Farming Guys Read More...
By Rev. Joe Walker, Minister of Congregational Care The Pope slapped a woman’s hand. Perhaps you remember the New Year’s Eve incident: As he was leaving a receiving line an overzealous pilgrim grabbed the Pontiff’s hand pulling him off-balance. Pope Francis reacted by slapping her hand and barking at her before his Read More...
I was one of 40,000 students at University of Texas so it was a shock during my first semester at graduate school at Yale to receive an invitation to join a small group of students for dinner at the home of a professor. Dean Harry B. Adams was a Disciples of Christ minister Read More...
By Rev. Corey Meyer, Director of Mission Partnerships The people came in short waves over the course of about an hour and a half. Some would come up and say, “No lettuce, please,” or “I would love extra beans today,” and we happily obliged. A few folks requested a smaller portion of Read More...
One of the best things about marriage is that you may inherit a fabulous second family. When I first met my husband’s entire family 30 years ago, I met all the nieces and nephews, including Jered, the oldest. He was a sweet and good kid but not a very motivated high school Read More...
By Barbara George, Director of Membership Development Just last week I heard from a first-time Neighborhood Communion participant that the group had met again and what a wonderful experience it had been…. appetizers, insightful guided discussion, and of course, lots of laughter! “It all came together!” Ten groups met this past fall Read More...
By Rev. Joe Walker, Minister of Congregational Care I can distinctly remember that upon witnessing one particularly unusual historical event I uttered this incredibly foolish prediction, “We will never see anything like this again in our lifetime.” Oh my, the things you say when you’re 18 (or 63, for that matter)! I Read More...
A hundred years ago, some folks decided to build a church. Several lots were considered and finally 61st and Ward was chosen. The cost of the first building was estimated at $50,000. But when the bids came back, it was actually going to cost $60,000. They met to decide what to do. Read More...
By Rev. Tyler Heston, Minister to Youth December seems to be a busy month for most people, but my December was particularly busy. On top of holiday activities and (last-minute) Christmas shopping, a good friend of mine here in Kansas City, Morgan, got married the Saturday before Christmas (and I was honored Read More...
By Rev. Catherine Stark-Corn, Minister to Children and Families “Three in five,” my oldest son, home from college for the holiday, says to me as I make dinner and he hangs out with me in the kitchen. I ask what he means, assuming it is some statistic related to something he is Read More...
O Little Town of Bethlehem, What Child is This, Angels we Have Heard on High, and Silent Night all vie for first place. What is your favorite carol? None makes my heart soar more than Joy to the World, especially when the trumpets and organ lets loose on Christmas Eve and we Read More...
