A God who shows up

A God who shows up

by Emily Heitzman I just don’t understand people who start playing Christmas music right after Halloween. I have friends who do, especially my former colleague who could not wait to get her hands on Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas” album the minute she took her costume off. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not a cranky […]

Making space for God

Making space for God

by Jenna Pulkowski “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and […]

Faith reflection: Just be

Faith reflection: Just be

by Jordan Miller-Stubbendick Many years ago, I visited a monastery for a few days and was intrigued by the rhythm of the day. It began well before dawn, as the monks awoke for their first of seven set prayer times throughout the day and night. For the monks, each day was well ordered. There were […]

Rituals that nourish and ground us

Rituals that nourish and ground us

by Jordan Miller-Stubbendick Butter, flour, sugar. My hands level off baking soda and measure out vanilla. I add a cup of chocolate chips and then toss in an extra handful for good measure. I click on the mixer, and my breathing deepens. My heart rate slows, and I relax into the familiarity of giving my […]

Faith Reflections:  Faith in action

Faith Reflections: Faith in action

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.

Back to School through a lens

Back to School through a lens

by Ralen Robinson The new school year is fast approaching. This time pre-COVID, we would be inundated with back to school commercials, sales for school supplies, pictures of children wearing their new clothes on the first day back. Yet, this school year looks different. New regulations and guidelines are being imposed. Options for online learning […]

We are claimed in the wilderness

We are claimed in the wilderness

by Joy McDonald Coltvet And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.  Mark 1:11-12 Jesus is baptized and named the Beloved and then is immediately driven to the wilderness. Comforting or disturbing, this is life. […]

Faith in times of uncertainty

Faith in times of uncertainty

by Susan Schneider “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) “Ask and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone […]