An interesting question popped in my head recently–maybe I got it from someone else. In many communions/denominations there are “orders,” subgroups within the community that seek to reflect their engagement with the wider community and world in particular ways, but continue to coexist with other groups. In the PC(USA) we have many groups: Presbyterians for Renewal, Covenant … Continue reading “Presbyterianism and Ordered Life”
Category: community
It’s Harder to Demonize Someone We Know
I meet weekly with most of the staff at the church I serve. On Tuesdays I meet with my Administrative Assistant, and then my Director of Christian Education. On Wednesdays I meet with my Director of Music. We plan, talk about tasks, discuss goals, and layout our future plans. We try to stay connected so we can … Continue reading “It’s Harder to Demonize Someone We Know”
“Restorative” Justice?
This past weekend we had a few guests at Church: Leroy and Joan Willems with the Mennonite Central Committee, and Will Gonzalez, Chief Deputy Prosecutor with the City of Phoenix. They came to share with us something that has been sweeping through communities and transforming how they go about “being” community: Restorative Justice. The thrust … Continue reading ““Restorative” Justice?”
Am I My Brother’s (or Sister’s) Keeper?
Caring comes naturally to some, but that does not mean it isn’t hard work. The art and practice of pastoral ministry challenges a culture which values individualism, which makes it hard to ask for help. We are torn between our desire to be self-reliant and realizing that we need one another–scripture would suggest that we … Continue reading “Am I My Brother’s (or Sister’s) Keeper?”
VLOG-Season 1, Episode 6: Politics and Religion?
Why is it so hard to talk about politics and religion? I asked some folks about it, and here’s what they said. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel, or subscribe to this blog in the column to the left.