The more we explore worlds from a long time ago and galaxies far away, the more often our five-year-old asks the question, “Is this real life?” He is trying to understand the role of story and myth in his little brain while also trying to process through the way his life has changed because of …
As we took our morning walk on Saturday, a truck pulled up beside us and rolled down the window to tell our five-year-old how well he was riding without his training wheels. It was a neighbor who always seemed to be heading out while we were passing by. He has witnessed the transition from walking, …
Advent reminded us to watch and wait and here we are still watching and waiting even though the Divine is come. We are watching and waiting with bated breath to see whether there will be a peaceful transition of power, especially in light of the events on Epiphany. We are watching and waiting to see …
As I was watching an interview with a congressman about her experience on January 6, I realized at the end of the conversation she said, “Stay safe. be well.” I’ve heard that sign off dozens of times over the past year. I’ve ended conversations or emails with the same sentiment. We don’t say goodbye anymore. …
Many have noticed and noted that the events of last week have revealed the truth that there are two Americas. The unveiling that at our very foundation are racist and discriminatory practices and traditions that suppress and oppress whole groups of people is not easy to gaze upon. It isn’t easy to be reminded that …
This year, our Christmas tree lights have been on more often than ever before. We’ve always turned our Christmas tree on whenever we were home and this year we’ve been home a lot. This is the first year that we haven’t traveled during Christmas week. This is the first year we haven’t seen family during …
Advent is the official beginning of the church calendar. It comes before the new calendar year and for many clergy, it is the kick off to starting over in telling the good news of the coming of the Divine here on earth. This year this starting over begins at the end of a long journey …
As we brought our Christmas Tree into our house this year, I worried there wouldn’t be space for it. Our house is currently serving as a preschool, a business office, a home to four kids, two adults and two dogs, and a sanctuary during the Advent season for virtual worship services. Where would it go? …
There is so much about this holiday season that’s different. There are gatherings we can’t go to, traditions that are not safe in the midst of a pandemic, and constant changes all around us. When things feel different, sometimes I find myself retreating into the mindset “This will never get better. The holidays are ruined.” …
As a young, first-time pastor, I thought that hope was positivity. I thought that hope was faith that was put into action. I thought that hope was something that you hung up during Advent proclaiming the good news that the Messiah is coming. After years of pastoring, I’ve discovered hope is something that you hang …
