Anabaptist and Quaker essays, sermons, and other writings
I once met a pastor who ridiculed me because of the number of members in the church I used to serve. I had just been posted to a church with not more than ten active members. The posting was meant to discipline me as I was part of the leadership […]
…I believe, biography, any and every biography, is inherently theological, in the sense that it contains already…the news of the gospel…We are each one of us parables. ~William Stringfellow A long, long time ago, in what feels like a galaxy far away from my here and now, two friends and […]
My paternal grandmother, whose maiden name was Hollaar, grew up on a farm in North Dakota with eleven brothers and sisters. Their children – my father’s generation – included fifty cousins. With such a large and widely-dispersed extended family, the Hollaars got into the habit of having a family reunion […]
In just under a month, we will celebrate another Earth Day. Many of us associate the formation of Earth Day on April 22, 1970, with Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin. But did you know that the original concept for Earth Day was developed by a man who grew up a […]
A few years ago when my children were small, a Moms and Tots group would meet in our church building. Being one of the pastors of the congregation, sometimes it was just nice to drop my kiddo off and return to the office for a few uninterrupted hours of work. […]
Many things come into mind when one thinks about Joy. For instance, when a baby is born, when someone passes an exam, during graduation, weddings, or even when victory comes your way, and many more. It is a time in life when someone feels something good or fulfilling has happened […]
One of the great joys I have had in the last year is to be a part of a monthly check-in call of women in ministry among the Church of the Brethren. We have a monthly check-in call to share how we’re doing and provide comfort in community. Many of […]
A few weeks ago in worship, my congregation allowed me to forego a traditional sermon. Instead, after the scripture was read from John 3:1-21, I came out in one of those ridiculous Bible character costumes that have no doubt appeared in many churches. Taking a seat on a raised stool, […]
In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul speaks of the different spiritual gifts that are given to build up the body of Christ. I submit that the gift of tears, and the profound and visceral experience of love and grace that it often expresses, is one such gift. […]
This month marks six months into my first pastorate. As I continue to settle into my new role as Co-Pastor at Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren and integrate myself into different aspects of the city, I am constantly reminded that there is never a dull moment in urban ministry. […]