We are in ministry together: Concluding Synod with great thanks
June 30, 2009
We are in this together.

UCC seminaries: Much to celebrate; more work to do
April 1, 2009
Ultimately, the crucial issue is whether or not we are adequately preparing religious leaders for their positions in communities of faith. The United Church of Christ has a rich history of standing on the front line of providing just such religious leadership.

Small gestures of grace, large hearts of concern
December 1, 2008
As a recent convert to the United Church of Christ, and a rural Midwesterner, I'm often surprised in my travels when I come upon a well-established and aged UCC church.

Possibilities abound: Let us face the future with hope
June 27, 2009
I've been energized today by the many familiar faces I saw as I wandered the plenary hall and exhibit area of DeVos Place. Embraces and reminiscing abounded as I reconnected with long-time friends and more recent acquaintances.

Passion drives us together: Hearing the voice of God at Synod
June 29, 2009
The mood at General Synod 27 made a palpable shift yesterday. After two days of reunion, celebration and learning, the work of the Synod began.

Opinion: Wrecking creation is a sin
August 20, 2011
As the first generation to foresee and the final generation with an opportunity to forestall the most catastrophic effects of global warming, this is the time. Now is the moment.

Opinion: Why same-gender marriage is good for America: a pastor's view
May 2, 2012
In recent years the issue of marriage equality has been front and center in the news. Most recently the issue has come home to Maryland as legislators passed a bill allowing for full and equal marriage rights for all Marylanders. One quote I heard on CNN was that this threatened the institution of Marriage in America. How exactly? As an openly gay man who was legally married almost nine years ago in Massachusetts, I am still baffled when people say my marriage threatens theirs. And as an ordained Christian minister I believe that marriage equality may indeed be the best thing for our country as a whole.

Opinion: Why I need to use Facebook
April 18, 2011
I'm trying to become more regular about at least reading my Facebook page, if not posting a bit more often.

Opinion: Why Belgian beer tastes so good
May 17, 2010
I am particularly fond of Belgian beer. There's nothing quite like popping the top off a full-bodied, monk-brewed St. Bernardus Abt 12, sitting on the porch with Ron on a hot summer day and insulting each other's beer. Gotta love those monks.

Opinion: UCC reaction to CBS change in policy on advocacy ads
February 1, 2010
In an attempt to address ad-revenue shortfalls during a tough economy, CBS — in hot water for accepting a controversial Super Bowl ad from Focus on the Family — said Tuesday it would finally accept the United Church of Christ's 2004 request to air ads that advocate welcoming all people, including gays and lesbians, into the church.