By R. Kevin Johnson During Advent, we revisited the message of the prophets who told of the coming of the Messiah, the Savior of humankind. During the Christmas season, we joined with Christians around the world to celebrate the birth…
Finding the holy in Amish country
By Amy Butler In the middle of everyday life, how do we experience the holy? This was a question I’ve been pondering since a recent road trip to the quaint little town of Lancaster, Pa. I set out to…
On fornication, is the standard or love most important?
By Leah Jackson Stacy was in love. Her heart belonged to Ray. Both were Christians and tried to live a celibate life. She was the leader of the dance ministry and a faithful member of her church. Sunday worship, Tuesday…
Herman Cain and Joe Paterno
By Jim Denison In October, Joe Paterno was the most revered coach in college football. In November, he is unemployed. In October, Herman Cain was the Republican frontrunner. In November, he is fighting for his political life. Paterno was head…
Separate and unequal
By Bill Leonard When Jim Crow segregation laws ruled the American South, their classic defense lay in the phrase, “Separate but Equal,” meaning that while the races were divided, their facilities and services were supposedly the same. Of course everybody…
What do we do before ‘I do?’
By William Roberts “You know of all the weddings we’ve attended this year, statistically, at least one will end in divorce.” It was an odd thing for my fiancé to lean over and tell me as we watch one of…
Green as a cabbage patch
By Bill Leonard Forty years ago this fall I became pastor of First Community Church in Southborough, Mass. I actually started as their interim pastor and wound up staying four years. It was a great place for one who had…
Are you ill?
By Bill Wilson My grandmother often used a word to describe herself or other people. It was the word “ill.” She did not use it to describe someone who was sick with a cold or the flu. She used it…
A pastor’s prayer for pastors
By Barry Howard This prayer was offered at the Mercer Preaching Consultation on St. Simon’s Island, Ga., on Sept. 26, 2011. Gracious God, I come to you as a pastor praying for pastors. I pray for all men and women…
Pastors don’t like stewardship campaigns, either
By Amy Butler There’s a bite in the morning air. The leaves are starting to turn brilliant colors. Piles of pumpkins slow foot traffic at the entrance to the grocery store. In a pastor’s world this can mean only one…
The war on terror just got worse
By Jim Denison On Sept. 23, Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas submitted a formal application for the United Nations to grant Palestinians status as an observer state. The United States has promised to veto Abbas’ resolution if it comes to…
Recalculating
By Bill Wilson It comes in a variety of accents. It can be a man’s voice or a woman’s (my favorite is the female Australian). It can break your heart or serve as a warning. It will mock you. It…