Our worship theme for Lent has been “Thrown Alongside.”  That’s the literal translation of the Greek word for parable.  Throughout the season, we’ve been pondering parables and stories from Luke in which Jesus throws his listeners alongside a compassionate Samaritan, a prodigal father, a wealth gap that stretches from Hades…

Some of the most formative moments of my faith journey happened in the back of crowded church vans, around late-night campfires, or in the midst of a packed worship hall filled with hundreds of other young people. I grew up in the Disciples of Christ denomination, and the Ohio Region…

Growing up, I paid little attention to Lent. I anticipated Good Friday and Easter, but the 40 days leading up to those passed by in a blur of normalcy. I was vaguely aware of Friday Fish Fry meals at local parishes, and haphazardly attempted to “give up” something for Lent…

Impending D(Bl)oom “You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its times for setting.”  Psalm 104:19 The Psalmist takes comfort in the regularity of the seasons, even the daily rising and setting of the sun.  They celebrate it as a sign of Divine faithfulness amidst the…

Last week our oldest daughter asked me what I am giving up for Lent.  This is something I often do, but I completely forgot about it this year.  So, on the spot, I said I’m giving up despair.  After thinking about it a bit more, I’m sticking to it. Part…