Opinion: Be here now April 20, 2010
In the movie "Evan Almighty," God, in the form of Morgan Freeman, has only begun his mission to convince Evan, played by Steve Carell, that his mission in life is to build an ark for an upcoming flood. God is preparing Evan for his special purpose by delivering the wood and tools he'll need for his king sized boat.
Opinion: Setting priorities April 12, 2010
People, like churches, make their own priorities. The things that are most important get the time, money, and energy of a church. So my answer to "We don't have enough," is this: It's not how much you have, it's what you do with what you have.
Opinion: Christ is risen! April 5, 2010
The Easter story is perhaps the ultimate example of God placing a comma rather than a period in human history. The finality of suffering and death turn out not to be so final after all, Christ is Risen!
Opinion: Biblical literacy March 31, 2010
I got my Bible reading habit not from attending seminary or leading worship in congregations but from my mother.
Opinion: Church isn't about survival March 30, 2010
UCC friends, let's not settle for surviving, bemoaning our lot, giving CPR to our institutions, devoting our time and money to keeping our buildings open. Let's live God's love and justice and see where that takes us.
Opinion: The renewing of our minds March 29, 2010
The Gospel message requires that we not turn our backs on the injustice that is occurring in our country and throughout the world. We cannot isolate ourselves in our churches with an attitude of self-preservation while the world is painfully crumbling around us.
Opinion: And (healthcare) justice for all March 15, 2010
In our day and age, health insurance certainly must be considered among the pay and "honor" that need to be accorded those who serve the church. Indeed, the United Church of Christ as a whole would seem to support such an approach. However, the reality often falls short of the ideal.
Opinion: The Borderlands, teetering on the edge of hope March 8, 2010
We are at the halfway point, right smack in the middle between the dusty ashes on sweaty foreheads and the fragrant and frequent "alleluias" of Easter morning.
Opinion: The sweet smell of ashes March 1, 2010
The Wednesday before last, I, like many others, went to church for our annual Ash Wednesday service. Truth be told, had it not been for our church's monthly newsletter and my pastor's friendly reminder a few days earlier, I would've completely forgotten about it.
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.
