Thomas Merton 50 years later
“The real function of discipline is not to provide us with maps but to sharpen our own sense of direction so that when we really get going we can travel without maps.” — Thomas Merton, “Renewal and Discipline” essay in book Contemplation in a World of Action I could have…
Advent Practices
Last Sunday we kicked off a new liturgical year, which means we have officially entered the season of Advent. This is a season where we dwell on hope, waiting, expectation, and preparation to once again welcome the Christ child. During Advent, we learn to wait for the incarnation of God…
The 2nd and 2000th coming of Christ
“And may the Holy One make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our…
Journey Forward
This past decade has been a divisive time within Mennonite Church USA, the denomination of which we are a part. MC USA was a new thing in 2002, formed as a merger of two historically distinct Mennonite groups. Differences among congregations and conferences emerged, largely focused on affirmation (or not) of LGBTQ…
Do You Sense What I Sense?
The Advent and Christmas seasons are quickly approaching, and this year we will be focusing our worship services around the theme “Do You Sense What I Sense?” This is a play on the familiar song, “Do You Hear What I Hear?”, and while the lyrics to that song ask about…
