Church and experiment
There’s quite a bit coming out now regarding the one year mark of the pandemic. This week marks one year since we’ve worshiped together in person on a Sunday morning – or, as our daughter Lily is now calling face-face interactions – “non-virtual.” Interesting how the reference point for normal…
Chickens in America
We now welcome back to the blog our occasional guest, the chicken. (By the way, for those concerned, our backyard birds are just fine. They don’t mind the cold.) I recently cracked open the book Why Did the Chicken Cross the World: The Epic Saga of the Bird That Powers…
Lent 2021: Repent. Repair.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Our worship theme for this season is Repent. Repair. Repentance is a perennial feature of Lent. Like any word that’s been tossed around for centuries, it’s helpful to return to its root meaning to remember what we’re talking about. The Old…
A time to plant (a church)
Two weeks ago we had the annual gathering of the CMC Leadership Team and Ministry Council (board + commission chairs + pastoral and administrative staff). It’s a time to step back from monthly duties, pose big picture questions, and think creative thoughts. The purpose of this year’s meeting was to…
Sanctuary developments
After a long stretch in survival mode, a change of administration has brought rapid developments in Edith’s case. The Biden administration has chosen to elevate immigration concerns as an early priority. They will pursue comprehensive reform, and the 100 day moratorium on deportations – despite the temporary injunction by a…
A liturgical day
After much waiting and anticipation the day has finally arrived. It took an incredible amount of work by a group of dedicated people. It faced numerous unforeseen obstacles. But we can finally be at peace knowing it’s here. A major transition in our collective life. I’m talking of course about…
Walking while White
Due to the frequency of Zoom, I’ve been opting for phone calls for one on one conversations. I often throw on my coat and go for a walk while talking, a nice change from sedentary computer-ing. We’re fortunate to live by a public walking path in the woods, right behind…
What’s in your frame?
I’m guessing most, all? of us have watched more films this year than past years. The pandemic came at a time when just about any show ever made can be streamed into our homes. I love how films can open up whole new worlds to us, but I’m also interested…
Mary’s power
This coming Sunday belongs to Mary, the mother of Jesus, the peasant girl, the God-bearer. Mary’s partnership with God is what makes Advent possible. In this, she is a model for all of us. The angel comes, at some unexpected time, and gives an invitation into risk, the unknown, sacrifice,…
Enjoyment
Why do we enjoy some things and not others? I don’t know. Why do I enjoy building things, playing strategy games, and washing dishes, but don’t particularly enjoy planning out a garden, craft-making, or cooking? Why do I enjoy listening to others play guitar but struggle to find enjoyment in…
