As happens every so often, forgiveness is in the news today as the family of victims of violence offered forgiveness to the perpetrator. Stories like this pop up every so often - this is not so much about the particulars as it is about the relationship between these words that get played out in … [Read more...]
Why Traditional Songs (Hymns) are Ruining the Church
We've all seen it. First a congregation starts working some Chris Tomlin arrangements of older music into their worship set. Maybe they even chant part of the worship service. And then, as the congregation continues to grow, someone throws it out there: "We should start a traditional worship service … [Read more...]
The Joy of Lent?
“Joy” is not the first thing most of think of when we think of the season of Lent I used to joke that whenever I went to buy greeting cards I could never find a “Happy Lent” card (of course, one of my wonderful friends made me my own “Happy Lent” card and sent it to me). For the most part, we … [Read more...]
Living Generously: Why Give?
Financial gifts have been a part of the church for as long as there has been a church. Even in the Gospels, we hear about the people who funded the ministry of Jesus and his disciples (Luke 8:1-3). The Cost of Ministry Part of why we give is to help fund the ministries we support - to pay the cost … [Read more...]