We Rise
Two and a half weeks ago, Central District Conference (CDC) leaders held our annual visioning retreat in our church building. As part of the opening meditation, Conference Minister Doug Luginbill played the song “We Rise” by Batya Levine. The soulful lyrics wove their way into our process of creating the…
500 and Counting
Mennonites are part of a movement known as Anabaptism that erupted in central Europe 500 years ago. “Anabaptist” (meaning Re-Baptizer) was not a chosen name. Critics created it to highlight the key act that set these folks apart. At a time when the universal baptism of infants issued one not…
Sabbatical Observations
Hello again, Yesterday was my first day back with the church after a restorative Sabbatical. Here are some non-comprehensive observations from these three months: Time goes slower out of routine. Not sure on the physics, but my brain says it’s true. After a week of touring Rome, Anabaptist beginnings in…
Farewell to a Friend
This is what a branch of the ginkgo tree outside our church looks like as of this afternoon. A closer look reveals the unique fan-shaped leaves already there, in miniature form, ready to push out and expand. On the Tree of Life, ginkgos occupy their own branch, the sole survivor…
A Public Good Friday
The first Good Friday was a public event. By design, crucifixions took place in highly visible places. At a crossroads, on a hill, wherever the state executions could be noticed. This strategy served as a deterrent to whoever witnessed it. Whatever that person did, DON’T DO IT, or that could…
Hosting Dr. Nick Maynard keynote speech “Gaza: A War on Healthcare” TOMORROW
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…
Impending D(Bl)oom
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…
Giving Up _______ for Lent
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…
Finding the Land
During Sunday’s children’s time I shared about the LandBack campaign of NAICCO (Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio). They are one of two organizations to which we release our Reparative Debt Payments, part of our annual congregational budget. The other organization is called Land of the Freed. They are led by Paisha…
Confession of Faith
This past Saturday our family attended Mennonite Arts Weekend in Cincinnati, a biennial event we haven’t missed since 2008. It’s always a beautiful mix of art, inspiration, food, and connection. Mark your calendars for February 5-7, 2027. One of my favorite presenters was the poet Julia Baker. She talked about poetry as a…