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…
A Big Anniversary, A Living Movement
Yesterday, January 21, was the big anniversary, 500 years. On that day in 1525, a small group gathered in a home in Zurich, Switzerland. The City Council had just passed an ordinance forbidding further deliberation on baptism, requiring dissidents to have their children baptized and join the official Reformed church. …
