Many weeks ago I committed that we’d join others across the nation in a dedicated opportunity to acknowledge and pray for First Responders on this Sunday. It’s part of what’s become “Faith and Blue” Weekend across the country. We’ll include some special prayer time and name some of our members and others in our spiritual…
I come to this mantra and ponder for hours at a time frequently. It’s a lovely morsel of devotion and faith I caught from Dorothy Dahmer (Daryl’s mom, Fritzi’s sister) in the spring of 2017. In her last weeks with us I heard her say it so often. It perfect captures what I believe is ALWAYS…
Headed back to Chicago, with this on my mind and heart. Let there be light. It echoes from Genesis 1, and begs me believe that a Loving Creator is creating light still. It reminds of a glorious word spoken often by President Obama — a call for there to be “more light than heat.” Or,…
“Do you have a helpful word for the messed up world?” I randomly ask my coffee baristas this question, especially when I’m thinking about what I and you might need to hear:) Daryl at a local coffee shop says “Stay positive. Stay engaged. Stay local. Stay focused at whatever level does not make you insane.”…
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 “The Lord is close to the broken hearted.” Psalm 34:18 Oh, how this week has hurt. We’re tender, we’re in tears, we’re numb at the sudden death of our dear Gene following his stroke of August 8th.…
That’s the name of a precious hymn loved by many, and the one with which we end each business meeting. It brings to mind our extended community across space and time; it brings to mind our desire to be made into a vibrant community of deepening ties here in this place and time. In fact,…
Did you know that the only story shared in ALL FOUR GOSPELS (besides the resurrection) is the miracle of the loaves and fishes? That time Jesus sat down, broke bread with thanksgiving, and passed around the meager offering of five loaves and two fish (from a child, in one telling). These gifts surely were plainly…
Those are the opening lines of a hymn in our hymnal we’ve not sung in my memory of recent years, though its inviting tune seems familiar. TAKE A LISTEN AT THIS LINK. Thanks to Isaac Rhea, who will be accompanying us Sunday, for calling this lovely piece to my attention so we can share it this…
I’m very grateful to be a part of a visionary team convened by Floyd Rueger for the planning of “Strangers No More,” an ecumenical celebration of unity (affirmed by Christian tradition as the miracle of Christ at work in us!). The event will be held on January 28 at 3pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5106 N. Lacrosse,…
In our denomination, the United Church of Christ, you will often hear people open worship with these lines: “Whoever you are, and wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here.” I’m thinking about that a lot this week as I ponder the journeys of the Magi, who we lift up as examples of…
