Pastors Don’t Really Retire
A pastor who was so excited about retiring and doing nothing ended up creating a difficulty-with-retiring support group for the presbytery.
A Free Black Man Fought Slavery: William Still
William Still was born free in the 19th century. He worked to support the underground railroad and recorded the life stories of slaves. Then he met someone he never expected…
Holding on to Faith after Katrina
While doing post-Katrina clean-up, I saw a church sign that said “Jesus walked on water.”
Speaking with the Spirit Whatever the Price: Anne Hutchinson
Anne Hutchinson shared the good news of the Gospel in the mid-17th century even though it was different from the dominant understanding. Ultimately, she was banished.
Imprisoned, a Nazi Resister Reflects: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Nazi resister Dietrich Bonhoeffer spent his final days in concentration camps, questioning how others saw hopefulness in him where he saw restlessness and weariness.
What if They Move Away Without Me?
When I was a baby, I was convinced that my parents were going to leave me behind when we moved away.
Domestic Violence as Idolatry
The ancient gods blamed humanity for their own failings and problems. If humanity didn’t soothe them, they were struck down. Abusers treat their victims the same way.
Tilling the Earth to Feed a Stranger: Walafrid
In the first thousand years of the church, monks sometimes planted gardens to share treats with visitors. Walafrid even wrote poetry about it!
Feeding the Hungry: Basil of Caesarea
In the 360s, Basil of Caesara, a bishop, spent his own money to buy food for the starving poor during a famine.
Tea & Cookies with Protestors: Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu was still trying to bring down Apartheid in the mid-eighties. The powers that be hired protestors to try to smear Tutu, but he ended up sharing a tea party with them.