by Lee Ann Pomrenke We know when we have it, and we know when we don’t. And we know it’s not something we can muster up when it just isn’t there. During the cold, long nights of winter, after the excitement of Christmas and Epiphany has passed, our lack of passion can be all too […]
Although a version of this article first appeared in the December 2014 issue of Cafe, it is still relevant today. by Emily Heitzman Every year at this time, as I turn on the TV or a Christmas music station, I am reminded of the many people who cannot relate to the majority of Christmas songs, […]
How do you decide when standing up for something (or someone) is worth the risks involved? Can our faith help us out? Well, if our faith in Jesus lies at the core of our lives, then yes, our convictions should and will emerge as a result of that faith.
by Sarah Carson We have long known that conversation doesn’t just happen with language. So if prayer is a way to enter into conversation with God, doesn’t it follow that God might be open to communicating in the vast and varied ways humans are able to listen, understand, and respond? Just as two friends might […]
by Dr. Crystal L. Hall Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not […]
In her famous book on creativity, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron writes, “Creativity is a spiritual endeavor. This does not mean we have to subscribe to someone else’s view of God and the order of things … we will flourish more as we honor the spiritual side of our own beings.” Honoring “the spiritual side […]
by the Rev. Celeste Kennel-Shank Genesis 1: 11–13, 29–30 Plants are a gift from God. Most of us aren’t accustomed to thinking of them that way. But it’s there in Genesis. God creates plants of various kinds and calls them good. After creating animals and other creatures with the breath of life in them, God […]
by: Rev. Dr. Ralen M. Robinson She rises not because the world made it easy but because her spirit was fed and nurtured by women who guided and equipped her for life’s trials and tribulations. She speaks because generations of women urged her not to stay quiet. Grandmothers prayed over her, so she had the […]
by Andrea L Walker Lately, many of us have been feeling the weight of the world. I pastor a congregation in Washington, D.C. Many of my members work for non-profits or for the federal government. I find myself standing on a Sunday, my heart being torn apart because I can see the fear and disappointment […]
by Angela T. Khabeb A new calendar year often brings a fresh perspective with promises of a clean slate. We remember the past year and take inventory of successes and failures. We also look ahead with hope and anticipation of what will be. New Year’s resolutions abound. Our promises create a lovely tapestry. We vow […]