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 […]
by AmyJo Mattheis Sin is the source of our wounds, and forgiveness is the balm that heals. As a Christian raised in the Lutheran tradition, I believe that our baptism is at the center of how we interact with the violence and brokenness of sin. Baptism changes the way we see the world because baptism […]
by Becca Ehrlich I grew up in an interfaith household. My Mom is Roman Catholic; my Dad is Jewish. Though neither of my parents were particularly active in their faith traditions, we celebrated both Hanukkah and Christmas, a tradition I continue to do every holiday season. I was confirmed and welcomed into the church as […]
by Meredith Harber “But still the clever north wind was not satisfied. It spoke to Vianne of towns yet to be visited, friends in need yet to be discovered, battles yet to be fought. . .” One of my favorite movies is Chocolat with Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. Not only is it about chocolate, […]
Content warning: Suicide is mentioned in this issue. If you or someone you know is in crisis or at risk for Suicide, call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, […]
by Amy Waelchli “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15: 12-13 NRSVUE) I’m a self-proclaimed “Word Nerd.” I sometimes struggled with deadlines in my seminary studies of Biblical Hebrew and Greek, because […]
by Kimberly Knowle-Zeller Are you looking to carve out some time for yourself? Are you looking to connect with your faith? Are you looking to deepen your sense of the sacred in our midst? Come and retreat. This one-day retreat is designed for you. And the gift of this retreat is that you can take […]
The Rev. Ralen M. Robinson “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:26) Her arms are outstretched, always ready to embrace me from the harsh world. Her mouth is upturned in a smile, greeting me. Her voice flows out, blanketing me with love, and her presence shields […]