Gay update
Nothing like starting off the new year with one of the most contentious issues facing the wider church. There are a number of happenings right now having to do with how the Mennonite Church relates with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and self-identified queer persons (LGBTQ). Mountain States Conference (one of…
CMC Advent 2013 haikus
I had some fun writing four haikus that hopefully capture some of the spirit of Advent at Columbus Mennonite this season. If you have one send it my way and I’ll add it to the blog: Come in from the cold Mystery saved you a seat Watch. Christ will sneak…
More on starlings and Advent
John the Baptist is always a central character during the second week of Advent. He is, in the words of Isaiah, “a voice calling out in the wilderness.” His message was simple and direct, even harsh. “Repent.” Change your mind, change your actions, change your life. Get ready for the…
Advent Mystery
Our theme this Advent season is Mystery. It’s a powerful word and idea. It’s the kind of word that demands more words, to get to the bottom of it. Or, the surrender of all words, silence, to confess there is no bottom. “Be still…,” Psalm 46:10. “No one knows…,” Matthew…
An ending and beginning
Only a few days left until the end of the year – the end of the liturgical year, that is. This coming Sunday marks the final Sunday of the ecumenical church calendar and is followed by the beginning of Advent, a rebooted cycle in the life of the church. Although…