“The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:2b This quote hangs in large wooden letters on the wall of the Bash Chapel at Tall Oaks, our denomination’s conference center near Bonner Springs, KS. A few weeks ago, our staff gathered in the Bash chapel for morning Read More...

I am about 100 yards away from the beach. But I can’t quite get there. A few more things to read, memos to send, projects to complete. I look forward to the feel of the sand in my toes and the sound of the ocean rhythm. But I resist letting go of my important tasks a little longer.

“For a spiritual life is simply a life in which all that we do comes from the centre, where we are anchored in God. . . .” This line jumped off the page for me during my morning reflection time earlier this week.

One of best parts of serving among you for 30 years is story. I have had the privilege of learning your stories and sometimes I have even been a part of the story: officiating at your wedding, blessing your baby, weeping with you at a graveside. But in this first year as Read More...

Last week I gathered with family for a reunion, with colleagues for a conference, with neighbors for a homes association dinner, with church leaders at a Board planning retreat, and with friends at a small dinner party.  At each gathering, I felt a mixture of belonging and discomfort.  When shall I speak Read More...

When she repeated the story, she would pause, turn her head and look out for a moment. I could tell that she was picturing his face and recalling his determination. “The pastor told Dad they didn’t have enough money to build the youth center, and Dad gave the money to make it happen.” Charlotte loved to tell the story. And then Dad’s story became her story.

Every fall I gather with a dozen or so Disciples of Christ pastors from across the country for a retreat/conference in Chicago. We banter about theological topics presented in formal papers and books, ponder ways to empower the churches we serve, share our own faith doubts and dreams. Most years I question Read More...

My rough estimate is that we have experienced a 350 percent increase in children worshipping! I’m comparing the last three Sundays to the same three Sunday’s last year. The energy, vitality, and warmth of the 9:01 service are palpable.

You were only 68 years old. Now you are almost 100. I arrived fresh out of graduate school, eager and excited but with a gnawing doubt in the back of my mind...would the church in America actually survive another generation? My favorite scripture was the call from the prophet Micah who demanded Read More...

I’m at St Benedict’s Monastery in Colorado. I longed to visit here for 32 years. When I heard Father Thomas Keating, the Abbot, present a guest lecture in graduate school I was mesmerized by his passionate approach to prayer and contemplation. Nestled in a wide valley surrounded by mountains, the monastery stretches the heart to inhale God’s boundless beauty.

Vacation begins with the word vacate. We begin by wrapping up at work or home and heading out of town. Set up a tent, take a flight, or get on a boat. Take leave. Get out.