Why do so many Christians resist welcoming the Syrian refugees? I am baffled by this. Embracing the stranger is an essential Christian teaching. You might say that hospitality is in the Christian DNA. (A few supporting texts:?here and here and here.) I am a?Protestant who has learned to appreciate … [Read more...] about Is That You, Jesus? Thoughts on Immigration
Learning to Let Go of Judgment
When I was staying with my parents last week, we worked out together at their gym a number of times. It was noteworthy for two reasons: 1) my parents are in their eighties, so I'm very grateful they are fit enough to stay fit! 2) we didn't attend a gym when I was growing up, so this is new … [Read more...] about Learning to Let Go of Judgment
What Gym Class Teaches Me About Leading Church
Sometimes when I'm working out at my Bodypump class, the comparison to church is staggering. Here are a few tidbits that I gleaned today through my sweat: ~ Today I didn't really want to workout, but I showed up. It was annoying that the leader was so perky, so "into it" and so intent on getting … [Read more...] about What Gym Class Teaches Me About Leading Church
Church Shopping: How Many Stars Would Your Church Receive?
I'm not currently serving a church, which means I've been church-hopping. It's fascinating to see our beloved Presbyterian churches with the eyes of an outsider. Every clergyperson should get the time and distance to do this. We would quit saying things like: Why don't people go to church? Because … [Read more...] about Church Shopping: How Many Stars Would Your Church Receive?
Who Owns the Wind? thoughts on hospitality
My husband has taken up kiteboarding, which is the sport of using a "power kite" (i.e. a 2-string kite big enough to generate power) to be pulled along on a board (skateboard or surfboard, depending of course if you're on land or water). I think it's very cool that he's doing this. It makes him … [Read more...] about Who Owns the Wind? thoughts on hospitality
Hospitality, What Is It?
As our church moves ahead on a ConnectCafe ministry, I'm pondering what it means to offer hospitality. It's more than offering coffee and internet access, I'm sure of that. Our culture has reduced the concept of hospitality to having really nice cookware. Then we can all pretend we're food critics. … [Read more...] about Hospitality, What Is It?
Small and Large: the Kingdom of God is Like a VBS Beach Party
I just got a happy phone call from the elder in charge of Vacation Bible School. ?This year we opted to consolidate everything into one-day, so our entire VBS will be held tomorrow, Saturday, from 9 to 5. ?This is the first time we've used this model, and as of last Sunday there were only two kids … [Read more...] about Small and Large: the Kingdom of God is Like a VBS Beach Party