The Right Rev. John Shelby Spong wrote or said that ‘All religion seems to need to prove that it's the only truth. And that's where it turns demonic. Because that's when you get religious wars and persecutions and burning heretics at the stake.’ There is a lot of truth in that! Yesterday we had... Continue Reading →
Ten Thousand Villages
Last night we were treated to a presentation at the church by Ingrid Heinrichs Pauls from Ten Thousand Villages. She was marvelous and the issue of fair trade in the market place was a wonderful topic of conversation for those of us looking to “do justice” in Lent and throughout our spiritual journeys. Ingrid’s presentation... Continue Reading →
Malcom X, Dean Jacobs, and Martin Luther king Jr.
“I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.” – Those were the words of Malcolm X. On this day in 1965 Malcolm X was shot to death. While he had espoused violence in his early days, his last years were marked by a sense... Continue Reading →
HOSPITALITY
It has been more than we week since I wrote anything for the blog. I have been consumed with other matters, not the least of which has been getting immersed in the Lenten journey. We have a great Wednesday evening Justice Series at the church again this year. Last week we were treated to a... Continue Reading →
Death of a Salesman
The great American play Death of a Salesman, Linda says of her husband, “I don't say he's a great man. Willie Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper. He's not the finest character that ever lived. But he's a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to... Continue Reading →
Peter and Elijah
In the Beginning (Peter is on the Left and Elijah is on the Right) “If we are to reach real peace in this world and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with children; and if they will grow up in their natural innocence, we... Continue Reading →
Lots of Babies
The great American Poet and novelist Carl Sandburg wrote that “A baby is God's opinion that life should go on.” How very true. In the past two weeks we have had two new little babies born into our parish family and they are beautiful reminders that life should go on. Dave and Giesela Goetz... Continue Reading →
Clifford Drover – saying goodbye
In Whiteway there were always people who stood out for a variety of reasons. The small community had a great cast of characters who all brought a piece of who they were to the quilt that was our small town. In my memory they all share a great fondness and reverence because in many ways... Continue Reading →
The Four Chaplains
With me being away last week on the dates that commemorate the week of prayer for Christian unity I was not able to take in any sort of festivities with my brothers and sisters of other denominations. Sad when I think that this is the 100th anniversary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.... Continue Reading →