Revised from the original article “Pass the Peace – Not the Germs” (November 2014) As we approach another flu season, let us once again consider what it means to share the Peace of Christ – from the standpoint both of worship practice and of...
Read moreOrderly Worship
A few weeks ago, we began our third session on “The Dangerous Act of Worship.” These sessions have allowed us to discuss worship in a way that is both educational and challenging. I hope this article will also educate and challenge, and perhaps...
Read moreOut of Our Abundance
By now, most of us, I imagine, have fairly settled into 2017. Before we get much further on into this new year, though, it might be helpful – or, at least, instructive – to take one last look back at an important measure of our...
Read moreA Lenten Fast
Every year, I head into the season of Lent with good intentions and high hopes. This year, I want to go deeper in my faith. This year, I want to grow closer to Jesus. This year, I want to become more aware of God’s presence. This year, I want to...
Read moreShaped By the Cross of Christ
At the end of this month, Protestant Christians around the world will mark the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s fateful decision to go public with his theological criticisms of the Church in Rome. Historians still debate whether or not Luther...
Read moreMorning Through Shadows
JRR Tolkien said, “You can only come to the morning through the shadows.” I think we, as Christians, do a great job of rejoicing in the resurrection, but sometimes we leave off the part where we found out what Jesus was resurrected from. That...
Read moreThe Essential Element
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 What we read in the book of Hebrews is echoed throughout the New Testament: Hospitality is an essential element of...
Read more