It felt unusual. Peaceful but unusual. When we stepped of the plane in Nashville to visit our son, we were not there for Parents Weekend or setting up a new apartment or graduation. We have outlived our usefulness as parents. And so it was time to enter a new season. We would Read More...
Now that Ward Parkway has been repaved, we can drive at full speed. Winter slowed us down. Between the icy sidewalks, the sub-zero temps and the potholes, we were forced to pause. Spring brings a new urgency.
By Lara Schopp, Director of Communications Here’s my idea,” I say. I yammer on for about 10 minutes trying to explain what I’m thinking. My colleague Leslie Tenjack tilts her head to the side and makes ‘that’ face…the one I know means she has no idea what I’m talking about. I’m a Read More...
By Rev. Joe Walker, Minister of Congregational Care Summer is all about doing things a little differently, isn’t it? Get out of your comfort zone, leave your Zip Code in the rearview mirror. Explore exotic locales, eat food you can’t identify, get bit by different kinds of mosquitos, sleep in a tent or Read More...
Jesus had modeled for them a way of peace. Welcoming the stranger, dining with sinners, turning the other cheek, healing the outcasts, empowering the poor, reconciling families.
Rev. Corey Meyer, Director of Mission Partnerships It has been tough to answer the question, “How was Puerto Rico?!” without immediately thinking of the warm 80-degree weather every day and stunning view of mountains for miles all around us. I was amazed at the beauty of the island from the moment that Read More...
I try to write this column about one theme. But today I cannot decide. Part of me wants to describe the overwhelming joy unfolding. I could recount the electric energy of 300 folks at the Spring Fling last Sunday, the beaming smiles of toddlers hunting Easter eggs and petting the animals and Read More...
My grandson Lincoln has never seen a superhero costume that he didn't want to instantly wear. He likes trying out those powers that he doesn't possess: flying, leaping, zapping. I thought of Lincoln as I toured a superhero art exhibit at Crystal Bridges called "Men of Steel, Women of Wonder." As our Read More...
Lisa McCleish, Director of Early Childhood Programs The cold and snowy winter frequently prevented the children from playing outside the past few months. We are blessed to have large spaces like the Social Hall and the Pine Room where we can run around and use up some of that endless energy that Read More...
By Rev. Tyler Heston, Minister to Youth “I’m the only girl in my P. E. class.” “I didn’t know my friend was adopted.” “I remember being overwhelmed the first day of calculus, when I was the only freshman in an all-junior class.” “I didn’t know that childhood friend was actually a second-cousin.” The Read More...
What is saving your life right now? Years ago Barbara Brown Taylor was invited to speak at an Episcopal church. “What should I talk about?” she asked the priest. “Just talk about what is saving your life right now,” the priest responded. It’s a wonderful question that rolls around in my brain Read More...
It was 4 a.m. and I was groggy-eyed on the way to catch a 6 a.m. flight, when I heard about the massacre of fifty worshippers in New Zealand. I confess that initially I only felt numb. One more shooting. We all know what follows: talk of sensible gun laws and improved Read More...
Dina Pannabecker Evans, Executive Director of Operations If you were in the sanctuary for the 11:00 a.m. service on Sun., Mar. 10, you heard Steve Bough make an announcement about the next scheduled Pick-Up Choir and Pick-Up Orffestra for Sun., Mar. 31. Steve’s lively announcement started with his informing the congregation that Read More...
Rev. Catherine Stark-Corn, Minister to Children and Families The final pile of snow has left my yard. It was in a corner where it had accumulated higher than other spots due to windy days and stayed there far too long due to lack of sun. The disappearance of that lingering snow feels Read More...
My father in law, Jacob Ehman, was a German farm boy in North Dakota. He met my mother-in-law, Helen, a German farm girl, on a Ferris wheel ride in Ashley, North Dakota. Helen and Jake bought a small mobile home and hauled it to New York, parking it near the seminary where Read More...
