by Ralen M. Robinson They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. (Luke 24:2-3) When my sister and I were little, we eagerly looked forward to spring–and Easter. Easter Sunday meant fluffy dresses, frilly white ankle socks, colored barrettes and shiny little white […]
by the Rev. Ralen M. Robinson Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8) The cool clay forms within my hands, molding and contorting to the pressure of my fingers as it forms into a round ball. It […]
by the Rev. Ralen M. Robinson “At once, the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” (Mark 1:12-13) “Why do I have to give something up?” “Why forty days?” “Lent is too […]
by Dr. Crystal L. Hall This article offers five steps with accompanying biblical principles for creating rest in a world of busyness. As a coach for women in ministry, I’ve helped dozens of lay professionals, pastors and deacons create sabbath practices that stick with these steps. 1. Build awareness of how your culture has shaped […]
by Dr. Crystal L. Hall Here’s how you know this article is for you: You’re telling yourself that if you read your emails but don’t respond to them on your day off, you’re not “really working.” You tell yourself that if you take your vacation, you’ll be behind when you return, and it won’t have […]
by Josh Kestner I’m holding on for as long as I can before I buy new tires. My tires are just old. My rear passenger-side tire is slowly leaking air. Every week or so, I have to fill up the tire to get it back to its baseline pressure. It’s cumbersome, but it’s easier (and […]
by Joshua Kestner When was the last time you stayed up too late listening for Santa to come down the chimney? Or you were working on a project or studying for a test. Maybe you were waiting for the release of a new album or a new episode of your favorite show. You were sitting […]
by Melissa Woeppel A communal worship experience that has been important in my life of faith is the practice of dinner church. Dinner Church is a pattern of worship set around the place of eating, like a dinner table. Worship happens as those gather to eat, share, sing, pray and reflect on Scripture. This Christian […]
by Melissa Woeppel I live in Lindsborg, Kan., a small city of just under 4,000 people. The city is affectionately known to many as “Little Sweden, USA.” In the late 1800s, Lindsborg was settled by immigrants from Sweden, a history and heritage that continues today. Each year, the city hosts a Midsummer’s Festival in June, […]