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...
By Barbara George, Director of Membership Development I can still hear those words in my ear: “Life is a participatory sport.” All I had to do was look around and I’d see all sorts of opportunities. In our home something always needed to be done, so at any outward sign of that emotion Read More...
We walked into Marcus’ house on Friday morning, just over a year since Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston, TX, area. It was just one of the hundreds of thousands of homes rocked by the winds, rain and flooding sustained over days. It was estimated that over $125 billion dollars worth of damaged was caused by Harvey and nearly 100 fatalities occurred
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.
Dr. Paul Tucker, Co-Director of Music Each year, at this time, I find myself struggling with conflicting thoughts. School is about to begin again, and while I know from past experience that I won’t hate every minute of my teaching job, I never really feel prepared for what is to come. I Read More...
Rev. Joe Walker, Minister of Congregational Care The automobile– it is quintessentially American, more so than apple pie. It appeals to both our personal and cultural love of “freedom.” It becomes an extension of our personality; frugal or flashy, safe or speedy. We can’t wait to start driving, counting the days to Read More...
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...
Lindsay Howes, Director of Children's Ministries We have been planning and talking and preparing for weeks now for the Creator’s Place for children during the 9:01 service. We were hesitant to commit to certain ideas or crafts or activities until we knew what to expect. Then finally, we realized, we were never Read More...
What we make space for says a lot about who we are. I realized this clearly as I packed up everything I own to move to a new state and into a tiny studio apartment.
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.
By Paul Cutelli, Director of Technology Peace - /pēs/ - noun - freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility. In the tumult of everyday living, I have noticed I lack peace in my life. From the stresses of deadlines, troubling current events, dramas, and an inundation of information, I often find myself wanting to Read More...
These are all moments that help remind me why encouraging parents and families to bring children into worship is so important. Young, wiggly, energized worshippers are central to our church, to our congregation and most importantly to living God’s love.
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.
