A Catholic nun and a Baptist minister walked into a Thai restaurant. They sat down and ordered Pad Thai. Over noodles and conversation they discovered that, long ago and some 500 miles away, they were connected to the same roots. …
A safe space to be vulnerable
By Amy Butler Last week I watched a TED talk by University of Houston social work professor Brené Brown. In the video, Brown talks about her research on human connection. We all crave human connection, she says, but the shame…
Homeless
By Alan Bean Homeless, homeless Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake These old Paul Simon lyrics have been running like a soundtrack through the back of my mind for the past few days. My wife and I are homeless. We…
The social media blackout
Social media can take a toll on your life. Keeping up with Facebook, Twitter, and other networking sites is exhausting. On average Americans spend just as much time on the Internet (13 hours a week) as they do watching television. That adds up…
Praying and working
By Molly T. Marshall The Benedictine order has as its watchword: Ora et labora, meaning pray and work. One without the other is shallow and ineffective, according to the ancient practice of The Rule of St Benedict. Hard-won wisdom taught…
Can you imagine?
“Can you imagine being in a place where you do not know how to communicate??” That is how my friend from South America began a short presentation she will be giving as a panelist for a breakout at this year’s…
Is giving an offering — as an expression of worship — dying?
With online giving through a congregation’s web site, or texting a contribution, or bank drafts, or offering boxes in a corner of the worship space or narthex, or discouraging visitors from giving an offering at seeker services, or giving through…
Recovering spiritual vitality
By Terry Maples I love the church. I committed my life to serving God through the local church. After 27 years as a congregational educator, I now find myself in more of a consulting/coaching role with congregational leaders. Like many…
Good news for exiles
My morning routine is pretty standard. After my alarm goes off, I hop in the shower, fix some breakfast, and head to work. Sometimes I find a few minutes to read my Bible and pray, but even then, I have…